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 the 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.
Offered By
McMaster University
University of California San Diego
Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects
McMaster UniversityAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
36%
started a new career after completing these courses
29%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 15 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Tamil, Arabic, French, Bengali, Ukrainian, Portuguese (European), Serbian, Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, Dutch, Estonian, German, Russian, Thai, Turkish, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Romanian, Persian, Hungarian, Polish
Skills you will gain
Test PreparationLearning To LearnPomodoro TechniqueMeta Learning
Learner Career Outcomes
36%
started a new career after completing these courses
29%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 15 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Tamil, Arabic, French, Bengali, Ukrainian, Portuguese (European), Serbian, Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, Dutch, Estonian, German, Russian, Thai, Turkish, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Romanian, Persian, Hungarian, Polish
Offered by
McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence by inspiring critical thinking, personal growth, and a passion for learning. Ranked amongst the Top 100 universities in the world, McMaster pioneered a learner-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning that is now known worldwide as the “McMaster Model”.
University of California San Diego
UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom—life is their laboratory.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
4 hours to complete
What is Learning?
Although living brains are very complex, this module uses metaphor and analogy to help simplify matters. You will discover several fundamentally different modes of thinking, and how you can use these modes to improve your learning. You will also be introduced to a tool for tackling procrastination, be given some practical information about memory, and discover surprisingly useful insights about learning and sleep. <br><br>(Please note that this module should only take about an hour--the extra time quoted relates to purely optional activities.)
4 hours to complete
14 videos (Total 109 min), 5 readings, 3 quizzes
14 videos
Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley--Introduction to the Course Structure2m
Using the Focused and Diffuse Modes--Or, a Little Dali will do You4m
What is Learning?5m
A Procrastination Preview2m
Practice Makes Permanent6m
Introduction to Memory4m
The Importance of Sleep in Learning3m
Interview with Dr. Terrence Sejnowski14m
Summary video for Module 14m
Excitement About Whats Next! MaryAnne Nestor Gives Special Hints1m
Optional Interview with "Benny the Irish Polyglot" about Learning Languages19m
Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Bilder on Creativity and Problem Solving15m
Optional Interview with Writing Coach Daphne Gray-Grant18m
5 readings
Welcome and Course Information10m
Get to Know Your Classmates10m
Reading: Focused versus Diffuse Thinking
A Posting about Anxiety, Depression and PTSD from a learner in Learning How to learn
Reading: A History of LSD Research10m
2 practice exercises
Introductory Quiz (Lots of fun and useful info!)30m
What is Learning?30m
3 hours to complete
Chunking
In this module, we’re going to be talking about chunks. Chunks are compact packages of information that your mind can easily access. We’ll talk about how you can form chunks, how you can use them to improve your understanding and creativity with the material, and how chunks can help you to do better on tests. We’ll also explore illusions of competence in learning, the challenges of overlearning, and the advantages of interleaving.
3 hours to complete
11 videos (Total 77 min), 1 reading, 3 quizzes
11 videos
What is a Chunk?6m
How to Form a Chunk - Part 15m
How to Form a Chunk - Part 27m
Illusions of Competence8m
What Motivates You?5m
The Value of a Library of Chunks5m
Overlearning, Choking, Einstellung, and Interleaving8m
Summary for Module 23m
Optional Interview with Dr. Norman Fortenberry - Learning at MIT10m
Optional Interview with Scott Young, a "Marco Polo" of Learning16m
1 reading
Reading: Chunking
3 practice exercises
Retrieval Practice30m
Retrieval Practice30m
Chunking30m
4 hours to complete
Procrastination and Memory
In this module, we talk about two intimately connected ideas—procrastination and memory. Building solid chunks in long term memory--chunks that are easily accessible by your short term memory—takes time. This is why learning to handle procrastination is so important. Finally, we talk about some of the best ways to access your brain’s most powerful long term memory systems.
4 hours to complete
14 videos (Total 106 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
14 videos
Tackling Procrastination - It is Easier, and More Valuable, Than You Think6m
Zombies Everywhere3m
Surf is Up: Process Versus Product4m
Harnessing Your Zombies to Help You5m
Juggling Life and Learning5m
Summing Up Procrastination1m
Diving Deeper into Memory6m
What is Long Term Memory?5m
Creating Meaningful Groups and the Memory Palace Technique6m
Summing Up Memory3m
Optional Interview with 4 Time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis23m
Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Gamache, an Award-winning Bilingual Scientist14m
Optional Interview with Keith Devlin from Stanford, the NPR "Math Guy"20m
1 reading
Reading: Procrastination and Memory
3 practice exercises
Retrieval Practice30m
Retrieval Practice30m
Procrastination and Memory30m
4 hours to complete
Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
In this module we’re going to talk more about important ideas and techniques that will enhance your ability to learn. You’ll also discover how to more profitably interact with fellow learners, how to recognize your own strengths, and how to avoid the “imposter syndrome.” Fighter pilots and surgeons use checklists to help them with their critical duties—you can use a similar checklist to help you prepare for tests. Ultimately, you will learn more about the joys of living a life filled with learning!
4 hours to complete
16 videos (Total 140 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes
16 videos
Introduction to Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential1m
Create a Lively Visual Metaphor or Analogy3m
No Need for Genius Envy6m
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life6m
The Value of Teamwork6m
A Test Checklist3m
Hard Start - Jump to Easy4m
Final Helpful Hints for Tests5m
Summary for Module 43m
Wrapup to the Course by Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley2m
Optional: Part 1: How NOT to Take a Test, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent11m
Optional: Part 2: Learning Something New, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent9m
Optional: Part 3: The Imposter Syndrome and Dealing with Procrastination, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent9m
Optional: Writer John Maguire (readablewriting.com) on the Importance of Putting Objects in Your Writing20m
Optional Interview with William Craig Rice on learning in the humanities40m
3 readings
Please Rate this Course on Class Central10m
Reading: Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
Farewell and Hello!1m
3 practice exercises
Retrieval Practice30m
Retrieval Practice30m
Final30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM LEARNING HOW TO LEARN: POWERFUL MENTAL TOOLS TO HELP YOU MASTER TOUGH SUBJECTS
by MIOct 2, 2015
This is an amazing class. It makes my professional life easy as well as my personal life. Everybody should take this class, and also the teachers are brilliant about all subjects that we see in class.
by KDAug 1, 2020
This course accumulates a clear and valuable set of thoughts that structure knowledge about learning principles and tactics. Also, it was interesting to know some new things about how the brain works.
by GGSep 9, 2016
This is a course which I enjoyed. It gave a good insight of the learning methodologies which we have often heard of but not given due importance. Also, the brain facts is cool :) My 5/5 to this course
by OMApr 28, 2016
Great course. Took it since it was the most popular MOOC on coursera,. Have started using a few of the techniques and they are very effective. Highly recommended no matter who you are and what you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
