About this course: 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. 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.) 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
Created by: University of California, San Diego
Taught by: Dr. Barbara Oakley, Ramón y Cajal Distinguished Scholar of Global Digital Learning, McMaster University
Professor of Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Oakland University
Taught by: Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Computational Neurobiology Laboratory
| Commitment | about 3 hours of video, 3 hours of exercises, 3 hours of bonus material |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Arabic, French, Bengali, Ukrainian, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, Dutch, Estonian, German, Russian, Thai, Spanish, Romanian, Polish |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.)
14 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Introduction to the Focused and Diffuse Modes
- Video: Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley--Introduction to the Course Structure
- Reading: Welcome and Course Information
- Video: Using the Focused and Diffuse Modes--Or, a Little Dali will do You
- Video: What is Learning?
- Reading: Get to Know Your Classmates
- Video: A Procrastination Preview
- Video: Practice Makes Permanent
- Video: Introduction to Memory
- Video: The Importance of Sleep in Learning
- Video: Interview with Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
- Video: Summary video for Module 1
- Video: Excitement About Whats Next! MaryAnne Nestor Gives Special Hints
- Reading: Reading: Focused versus Diffuse Thinking
- Reading: A Posting about Anxiety, Depression and PTSD from a learner in Learning How to learn
- Video: Optional Interview with "Benny the Irish Polyglot" about Learning Languages
- Video: Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Bilder on Creativity and Problem Solving
- Video: Optional Interview with Writing Coach Daphne Gray-Grant
- Practice Quiz: Rate your review
Graded: Introductory Quiz (Lots of fun and useful info!)
Graded: What is Learning?
Graded: Reflective Essay about a Learning Challenge
WEEK 2
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.
11 videos, 1 reading, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Introduction to Chunking
- Video: What is a Chunk?
- Video: How to Form a Chunk - Part 1
- Video: How to Form a Chunk - Part 2
- Video: Illusions of Competence
- Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
- Video: What Motivates You?
- Video: The Value of a Library of Chunks
- Video: Overlearning, Choking, Einstellung, and Interleaving
- Video: Summary for Module 2
- Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
- Reading: Reading: Chunking
- Video: Optional Interview with Dr. Norman Fortenberry - Learning at MIT
- Video: Optional Interview with Scott Young, a "Marco Polo" of Learning
Graded: Chunking
WEEK 3
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.
14 videos, 1 reading, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Introduction to Procrastination and Memory
- Video: Tackling Procrastination - It is Easier, and More Valuable, Than You Think
- Video: Zombies Everywhere
- Video: Surf is Up: Process Versus Product
- Video: Harnessing Your Zombies to Help You
- Video: Juggling Life and Learning
- Video: Summing Up Procrastination
- Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
- Video: Diving Deeper into Memory
- Video: What is Long Term Memory?
- Video: Creating Meaningful Groups and the Memory Palace Technique
- Video: Summing Up Memory
- Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
- Reading: Reading: Procrastination and Memory
- Video: Optional Interview with 4 Time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis
- Video: Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Gamache, an Award-winning Bilingual Scientist
- Video: Optional Interview with Keith Devlin from Stanford, the NPR "Math Guy"
- Practice Quiz: Rate your review
Graded: Procrastination and Memory
Graded: Final Project: Learn by teaching others how to learn
WEEK 4
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!
16 videos, 3 readings, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: How to Become a Better Learner
- Video: Introduction to Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
- Video: Create a Lively Visual Metaphor or Analogy
- Video: No Need for Genius Envy
- Video: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life
- Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
- Video: The Value of Teamwork
- Video: A Test Checklist
- Video: Hard Start - Jump to Easy
- Video: Final Helpful Hints for Tests
- Video: Summary for Module 4
- Video: Wrapup to the Course by Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley
- Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
- Reading: Please Rate this Course on Class Central
- Reading: Reading: Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
- Video: Optional: Part 1: How NOT to Take a Test, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
- Video: Optional: Part 2: Learning Something New, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
- Video: Optional: Part 3: The Imposter Syndrome and Dealing with Procrastination, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
- Video: Optional: Writer John Maguire (readablewriting.com) on the Importance of Putting Objects in Your Writing
- Video: Optional Interview with William Craig Rice on learning in the humanities
- Reading: Farewell and Hello!
Graded: Final
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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Creators
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.
Ratings and Reviews
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I loved the course! It changed my thoughts about the mind and learning. Now I know that I can learn anything. And the most important: I know HOW to learn it: from general understanding of brain work to technics and real mental tools. Thank you very much, Barbara and Terrence!
This class should be taught to everyone in school, no later than the fourth grade! I loved the material and found it to be immensely interesting. I utilized some of these techniques without even knowing it, but the ones I adopted from the course will serve me for a lifetime. So much to gain from this class, and it is so short, you would be crazy not to go through it.
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