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
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.)
What's included
15 videos5 readings2 assignments1 peer review
Show info about module content
15 videos•Total 118 minutes
Introduction to the Focused and Diffuse Modes•5 minutes
Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley--Introduction to the Course Structure•3 minutes
Using the Focused and Diffuse Modes—Or, a Little Dali will do You•4 minutes
What is Learning?•6 minutes
A Procrastination Preview•5 minutes
Practice Makes Permanent•6 minutes
Introduction to Memory•5 minutes
The Importance of Sleep in Learning•3 minutes
How to Remember More: AI-Powered Flashcards with Spaced Repetition•7 minutes
Interview with Dr. Terrence Sejnowski•15 minutes
Summary video for Module 1•4 minutes
Excitement About Whats Next! MaryAnne Nestor Gives Special Hints•1 minute
Optional Interview with "Benny the Irish Polyglot" about Learning Languages•20 minutes
Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Bilder on Creativity and Problem Solving•16 minutes
Optional Interview with Writing Coach Daphne Gray-Grant•19 minutes
5 readings•Total 23 minutes
Welcome and Course Information•10 minutes
Guidance in Applying for Continuing Education or Professional Development Credit•3 minutes
Get to Know Your Classmates•10 minutes
Reading: Focused versus Diffuse Thinking•0 minutes
A Posting about Anxiety, Depression and PTSD from a learner in Learning How to learn•0 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Introductory Quiz (An easy, quick review of relevant info)•30 minutes
What is Learning? •30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Reflective Essay about a Learning Challenge•60 minutes
Chunking
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
12 videos1 reading3 assignments
Show info about module content
12 videos•Total 85 minutes
Introduction to Chunking•1 minute
What is a Chunk?•6 minutes
How to Form a Chunk - Part 1•5 minutes
How to Form a Chunk - Part 2•7 minutes
Illusions of Competence•9 minutes
What Motivates You?•5 minutes
The Value of a Library of Chunks•6 minutes
Generative AI Unleashes the Learning Potential of Metaphors•7 minutes
Overlearning, Choking, Einstellung, Chunking, and Interleaving•9 minutes
Summary for Module 2•4 minutes
Optional Interview with Dr. Norman Fortenberry - Learning at MIT•10 minutes
Optional Interview with Scott Young, a "Marco Polo" of Learning•16 minutes
1 reading
Reading: Chunking•0 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
Retrieval Practice •30 minutes
Retrieval Practice•30 minutes
Chunking•30 minutes
Procrastination and Memory
Module 3•4 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
14 videos1 reading3 assignments1 peer review
Show info about module content
14 videos•Total 107 minutes
Introduction to Procrastination and Memory•1 minute
Tackling Procrastination - It is Easier, and More Valuable, Than You Think•6 minutes
Zombies Everywhere•3 minutes
Surf is Up: Process Versus Product•4 minutes
Harnessing Your Zombies to Help You•6 minutes
Juggling Life and Learning•5 minutes
Summing Up Procrastination•2 minutes
Diving Deeper into Memory•7 minutes
What is Long Term Memory?•5 minutes
Creating Meaningful Groups and the Memory Palace Technique•6 minutes
Summing Up Memory•3 minutes
Optional Interview with 4 Time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis•23 minutes
Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Gamache, an Award-winning Bilingual Scientist•15 minutes
Optional Interview with Keith Devlin from Stanford, the NPR "Math Guy"•20 minutes
1 reading
Reading: Procrastination and Memory•0 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
Retrieval Practice•30 minutes
Retrieval Practice•30 minutes
Procrastination and Memory•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Final Project: Learn by teaching others how to learn•60 minutes
Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
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!
What's included
16 videos3 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
16 videos•Total 140 minutes
How to Become a Better Learner•5 minutes
Introduction to Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential•2 minutes
Create a Lively Visual Metaphor or Analogy•4 minutes
No Need for Genius Envy•6 minutes
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life•6 minutes
The Value of Teamwork•6 minutes
A Test Checklist•3 minutes
Hard Start - Jump to Easy•5 minutes
Final Helpful Hints for Tests•6 minutes
Summary for Module 4•3 minutes
Wrapup to the Course by Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley•3 minutes
Optional: Part 1: How NOT to Take a Test, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent•11 minutes
Optional: Part 2: Learning Something New, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent•9 minutes
Optional: Part 3: The Imposter Syndrome and Dealing with Procrastination, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent•10 minutes
Optional: Writer John Maguire (readablewriting.com) on the Importance of Putting Objects in Your Writing•20 minutes
Optional Interview with William Craig Rice on learning in the humanities•41 minutes
3 readings•Total 11 minutes
Please Rate this Course on Class Central•10 minutes
Reading: Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential•0 minutes
Farewell and Hello!•1 minute
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
Retrieval Practice•30 minutes
Retrieval Practice•30 minutes
Final•30 minutes
Instructors
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Learner reviews
4.8
93,132 reviews
5 stars
86.07%
4 stars
12.12%
3 stars
1.28%
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BH
5·
Reviewed on Nov 13, 2015
I found this course to be incredibly helpful. I am 33 and wish that I would have been taught a more efficient way of learning many years ago. There are definitely some great takeaways from this class.
A
AK
4·
Reviewed on Aug 15, 2021
Some cool new techniques and understanding where they fit in the bigger picture.I wish I was made aware of this growing up.Thanks Barbara Oakley, Terry Sejnowski, and the Learning How to Learn Team
S
SR
5·
Reviewed on 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.
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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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.