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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. 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

Status: Productivity
Status: Adaptability
BeginnerCourse16 hours

Featured reviews

RS

5.0Reviewed Sep 6, 2015

I am a more effective learner as a result of this course. It has also, surprisingly, increased my enjoyment while learning. Thanks to Barbara and Terry for a well presented and informative production.

AK

4.0Reviewed Aug 15, 2021

S​ome cool new techniques and understanding where they fit in the bigger picture.I​ wish I was made aware of this growing up.T​hanks Barbara Oakley, Terry Sejnowski, and the Learning How to Learn Team

SR

5.0Reviewed Dec 20, 2015

An excellent course about the neuroscience of learning processes. Regardless of how well you might think you learn, this course is bound to add more knowledge and a better understanding of learning.

MT

5.0Reviewed Apr 12, 2026

This has helped me to formulate lessons for my students so that they can remember better, by using techniques such as metaphors and analogies, chunking using mnemonics, spaced repetition, and quizzes.

SR

5.0Reviewed Jan 31, 2016

Inspriational! Well presented, interesting and useful. Everybody should take this course. Thank you to all those involved in developing this course. I'm already putting the teaching into practice.

CD

5.0Reviewed Aug 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.

VG

5.0Reviewed Aug 20, 2017

I highly recommend everyone to take this course. The course makes so much of sense and it reasons why someone learns the way they learn and it debunks a lot of misconceptions and myths around memory.

GG

4.0Reviewed Apr 2, 2017

what most important I learned from this course is; actually two things...1 changing your thoughts will change your life2 you have not learned something unless you can teach it to others.many thanks...

CM

5.0Reviewed Aug 17, 2016

Probably the most important course I've ever taken in my life and it was completely free. Already applied many of the concepts and have seen the difference. Do yourself a favor and take this course.

CP

5.0Reviewed Aug 22, 2019

such a perfect course! they used the learning methods which they mentioned during the lectures to teach you the course. what a twist. easy to keep track and very informative. i strongly recommend it.

RS

5.0Reviewed Sep 14, 2021

Lots of good material in this course. Loads of new concepts covered via entertaining videos. Extra reading for further education is very well documented. Well presented - thank you Barbara and team.

EB

5.0Reviewed May 19, 2016

I found this course incredibly useful and practical. It has not only helped me better understand the process of learning but it has also given me valuable tools in how to optimize my learning process.

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Patrick McGee
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