Why Learning Fails

Alex Quigley examines common and predictable failure points in learning, such as working memory limits, gaps in prior knowledge, misconceptions, overconfidence, poor planning, lack of independence, mental effort challenges, and motivation.

He draws on classroom experience and research to show how anticipating these failures enables targeted interventions.

The book offers practical, classroom-ready strategies—retrieval practice, spaced learning, metacognitive reflection, exam wrappers and planning techniques—to help learners and teachers improve outcomes.

Quigley emphasises that learning skill is not innate but built through explicit strategy instruction and repeated practice.

The book is aimed primarily at teachers but is accessible to students and independent learners seeking to study more effectively.