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Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learning How to Learn is a popular course designed to help students improve their learning skills and overcome common obstacles to effective learning. The course is taught by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, both experts in the field of learning science.

Key Learning Points

Learn how to overcome procrastination and distractions that hinder your learning progress
Discover the science behind effective learning and memory retention
Gain practical techniques to improve your focus, comprehension, and retention

Learning Outcomes

Develop effective learning strategies
Overcome common obstacles to learning
Improve memory retention and comprehension

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge or experience required
Basic understanding of English language

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Self-paced
Online
Video lectures

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Description

This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. We’ll learn about how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. We’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects.

Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life. If you’re already an expert, this peep under the mental hood will give you ideas for turbocharging successful learning, including counter-intuitive test-taking tips and insights that will help you make the best use of your time on homework and problem sets. If you’re struggling, you’ll see a structured treasure trove of practical techniques that walk you through what you need to do to get on track. If you’ve ever wanted to become better at anything, this course will help serve as your guide. This course can be taken independent of, concurrent with, or prior to, its companion course, Mindshift. (Learning How to Learn is more learning-focused, and Mindshift is more career-focused.) A related course by the same instructors is Uncommon Sense Teaching. To join the fully translated Portuguese version of the course, visit: https://www.coursera.org/learn/aprender To join the fully translated Spanish version of the course, visit: https://www.coursera.org/learn/aprendiendo-a-aprender To join the fully translated Chinese version of the course, visit: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ruhe-xuexi To join the fully translated French version of the course, visit : http://www.coursera.org/learn/apprendre-comment-apprendre

Outline

What is Learning?
Introduction to the Focused and Diffuse Modes
Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley--Introduction to the Course Structure
Using the Focused and Diffuse Modes--Or, a Little Dali will do You
What is Learning?
A Procrastination Preview
Practice Makes Permanent
Introduction to Memory
The Importance of Sleep in Learning
Interview with Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
Summary video for Module 1
Excitement About Whats Next! MaryAnne Nestor Gives Special Hints
Optional Interview with "Benny the Irish Polyglot" about Learning Languages
Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Bilder on Creativity and Problem Solving
Optional Interview with Writing Coach Daphne Gray-Grant
Welcome and Course Information
Guidance in Applying for Continuing Education or Professional Development Credit
Get to Know Your Classmates
Introductory Quiz (An easy, quick review of relevant info)
What is Learning?

Chunking
Introduction to Chunking
What is a Chunk?
How to Form a Chunk - Part 1
How to Form a Chunk - Part 2
Illusions of Competence
What Motivates You?
The Value of a Library of Chunks
Overlearning, Choking, Einstellung, Chunking, and Interleaving
Summary for Module 2
Optional Interview with Dr. Norman Fortenberry - Learning at MIT
Optional Interview with Scott Young, a "Marco Polo" of Learning
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval Practice
Chunking

Procrastination and Memory
Introduction to Procrastination and Memory
Tackling Procrastination - It is Easier, and More Valuable, Than You Think
Zombies Everywhere
Surf is Up: Process Versus Product
Harnessing Your Zombies to Help You
Juggling Life and Learning
Summing Up Procrastination
Diving Deeper into Memory
What is Long Term Memory?
Creating Meaningful Groups and the Memory Palace Technique
Summing Up Memory
Optional Interview with 4 Time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis
Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Gamache, an Award-winning Bilingual Scientist
Optional Interview with Keith Devlin from Stanford, the NPR "Math Guy"
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval Practice
Procrastination and Memory

Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
How to Become a Better Learner
Introduction to Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
Create a Lively Visual Metaphor or Analogy
No Need for Genius Envy
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life
The Value of Teamwork
A Test Checklist
Hard Start - Jump to Easy
Final Helpful Hints for Tests
Summary for Module 4
Wrapup to the Course by Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley
Optional: Part 1: How NOT to Take a Test, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
Optional: Part 2: Learning Something New, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
Optional: Part 3: The Imposter Syndrome and Dealing with Procrastination, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
Optional: Writer John Maguire (readablewriting.com) on the Importance of Putting Objects in Your Writing
Optional Interview with William Craig Rice on learning in the humanities
Please Rate this Course on Class Central
Farewell and Hello!
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval Practice
Final

Summary of User Reviews

Learn how to learn with this highly rated course on Coursera. Users praise the engaging instructors, effective techniques, and practical applications of the course material.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The practical tips and techniques for effective learning were highly praised by users.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and knowledgeable instructors
Easy-to-follow techniques for improving memory and focus
Practical applications for real-life situations
Interactive and engaging course materials
Flexible scheduling and self-paced learning

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course material too basic or repetitive
The course may not be as helpful for those with extensive prior knowledge of learning techniques
Some users experienced technical difficulties with the online platform
The course may not be suitable for those looking for a more structured, traditional learning experience

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Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines....

Save Course