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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects by Deep Teaching Solutions

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About the 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 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...

Top reviews

GA

Jul 20, 2017

Really useful insights had been provided by this course. No price can be put on this valuable resource. It's beyond anything valuable. Thank you very much for making this course. God Bless Everyone :)

EJ

Aug 25, 2023

This is course is so helpful it will debunk all the false beliefs and the wrong thing that you're doing in your life. It will also help you to understand your brain, that will make you a good learner.

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226 - 250 of 10,000 Reviews for Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

By Abubakar A A

Jan 5, 2024

I recently had the opportunity to enroll in the course "Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects," and it has truly been a transformative experience. The course content, presented by the engaging instructors, Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, is nothing short of exceptional. What sets this course apart is its practical approach to understanding the intricacies of learning. The mental tools provided are not only powerful but also immediately applicable to a wide range of subjects. The emphasis on neuroscience-backed techniques adds a layer of depth to the learning process, making it more insightful and effective. The dynamic combination of video lectures, quizzes, and interactive exercises keeps the learning experience engaging and enjoyable. The instructors' passion for the subject matter shines through, making complex concepts accessible to learners of all backgrounds. I appreciated the real-world examples and anecdotes that helped solidify the principles taught. One aspect that stands out is the course's emphasis on fostering a growth mindset and overcoming obstacles in the learning journey. The encouragement to embrace challenges and the guidance on how to approach difficult subjects has been instrumental in boosting my confidence as a learner. Moreover, the community aspect of the course, including forums and peer interactions, adds a valuable social dimension to the learning experience. It creates a supportive environment where learners can share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on understanding challenging topics. In conclusion, "Learning How to Learn" is more than just a course; it's a toolkit for unlocking one's full learning potential. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone simply interested in the science of learning, this course offers invaluable insights and practical tools that can be applied for a lifetime. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their learning skills and master tough subjects with confidence.

By Md. A M K

Sep 25, 2023

Learning How to Learn is an exceptional course that lives up to its name. I was initially drawn to it because I wanted to improve my study habits and gain a better understanding of how learning works. What I discovered was an incredibly insightful and practical resource that has genuinely transformed my approach to learning. One of the standout aspects of this course is its ability to break down complex concepts about the brain and learning into easily digestible nuggets of knowledge. It introduces you to the two distinct learning modes of the brain and provides effective strategies for harnessing them. The concept of “chunking” information was particularly impactful for me, and I now apply it to all my learning endeavors. The course also covers memory techniques, procrastination, and best practices for mastering challenging subjects. It goes beyond theory by offering actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately. Personally, I found the section on combating procrastination to be incredibly helpful, as it addressed a long-standing struggle of mine. What sets this course apart is its universal applicability. While it is valuable for students, it also caters to individuals seeking personal or professional development in various fields such as art, music, literature, math, and science. The instructors are engaging, and the content is presented in an accessible and enjoyable manner. I appreciate that “Learning How to Learn” can be completed at your own pace, making it flexible for individuals with different schedules. It serves as an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their learning journey. Additionally, it complements other courses by the same instructors, such as “Mindshift.” Learning How to Learn is a remarkable course that equips you with practical tools to optimize your learning experience. It represents an investment in personal growth and has the potential to revolutionize your approach to acquiring new skills and knowledge. I highly recommend it!

By Shaquan M S

May 4, 2018

This review is also found in the General Discussion Forum.

Realizing the Capabilities to Learn is My Biggest Motivation

Before starting this MOOC, I was very nervous and anxious about the materials I needed, the type of information I will learn, and how successful I’d be at completing this course. There was also some skepticism on whether or not this course would actually teach me anything useful in my journey for higher education. It took me a week to commence studies, but I quickly became engaged after introductions from Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski. I believe it was their own nervousness that gave me comfort in the beginning, and then watching them transform with a higher sense of confidence allowed me to trust their discourse.

After the first two weeks, I had the opportunity to speak creatively during Sunday dinners with family on some of the scientific factors involved with Learn2Learn. I was surprised at how much of the information I was able to recall and how it led to us reminiscing about past experiences we thought were long forgotten. I’ve definitely changed my perspective or thought process on a lot of events, circumstances, and choices discussed with family, which leads me to have a better understanding of Dr. Sejnowski’s lecture on memory consolidation.

Now that my confidence level has experienced a significant boost, it motivated me to take on a second MOOC. This could not be possible without the information I’ve obtained from “Learning How to Learn.” I had given up on myself and didn’t think I was mentally ready or capable of successfully completing college-level course work. I was wrong! After applying several of the techniques captured from this course, I am motivated to move forward with my educational goals, and will only look back to remember the skills I developed from this MOOC.

Thank You Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski for your inspiration.

By Crayola M

Jan 20, 2023

I took the honors version of this course as I was beginning my quest to learn computer programming using free resources I found online, then progressing into a high-intensity series of paid bootcamp courses. I believe I would have ended up giving up, had I not learned the wealth of information and study practices I did here.It is much more like a equip you with a class than an informative little class-let for something you might be curious about. It begins at the beginning ( so there is no need to come into it with any kind of previous study of the science of learning) and moves through a TON of in-depth, science-based material. The topics covered naturally come together as you are progressing through it to build a toolkit of skills that will make learning any new and difficult information much, much easier. Material is easier to absorb, and retention, if you use the skills you have learned, is solid. I enjoyed the class a great deal, which is enough on its own. But the skills I brought from this class to learning something as far outside my natural abilities as coding made it almost seem...easy. i can not recommend tyhis class enough to anyone, everyone. It is so empowering to understand the way neural pathways are formed and the way the brain anchors information using relationships between the new material and what you already know. Realizing the importance of and the structure of good study/sleep balance to really lock in the new info makes all the difference. To cover the probable questions you may have: The teachers are great, it's easy and clear to understand, the pace is lovely, and they don't overwhelm you with high level terminology but they definitely do not dumb it down. It is a perfectly executed, exceptionally informative and applicable course. Best of luck!

By Abhishek M

Jul 29, 2017

This course is like one of those nostalgic memories, which force us to desire foresight. Generally speaking though the course is helpful for everybody, but it will be a boon for many students. Many techniques and scenarios discussed in the course will definitely help both during learning phase and also during revision as well as in tests.

The course rightly points out many blunders that students commit due to bad habits acquired through students life. The bad habits I am talking about is about learning only and not of ethical values!! For e.g. practicing easy questions enough or first thing and not focusing on hard questions and many more like them.

So for me the course has:

PROS:

1. A very short duration of course.

2. Easy teaching style of Prof. Oakely combined with relevant examples.

3. Synthesis of various learning techniques, so that week by week students gain a better understating of learning process.

4. Easy and simple steps to follow to see improvement.

5. Interviews with relevant figures to give a flavor different and at the same time similar thinking process across the successful.

6. The course is free.

CONS:

1. The second instructor Dr. Sejnowski is very knowledgeable and have a firm grasp of the material, but the things that he taught could be trimmed by 60% easily and it still will not take away anything relevant from the course. Dr. Sejnowski also didn’t feel comfortable talking or explaining in the front of the camera so his videos appeared to be forced.

2. Most of the quiz question were taken verbatim from the transcript. As this course is about creativity that part could have been avoided to inculcate depper understanding of the subject.

But in the end, I profited handsomely from this course.

Thank you Prof. B. Oakley, Dr T Sejnowski and their entire team.

By Шушарина Д Ю

Aug 14, 2019

Me being very grateful to the Coursera and the Learning How to Learn (and another Coursera Course, somewhat similar to this one) Community. + sharing some works that I personally loved and which were brought to my mind by this particular course.

I have been introduced to the world of wonderful opportunities to gain knowledge for free and in as comfortable environment as possible qute recently by a lovely russian-speaking YouTuber- Anastacia Kay (a link to her video on courseral: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGR5yJn-GZo) and I`ve been learning here ever since. Thanks to Nastya and Coursera! And to his particular course, which has made me a much better student, I believe. For now I know why I couldnot remember things well, though I`ve spent a lot of time studying. =) And now I have a deeper understandying of some of my earlier experiences (for instance, I`ve read a fictional book by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child 'the reliquary' (detective-story & horrors -lovers might like it) and the main character used such a mental technique as 'Mental Palace'. I now know hot to use it too). + Some ideas from a great book (though its author could have argued with me on the title 'great' I gave and will continue giving it) "How to read a book" by Mortimer Adler, the ideas from the book and the course also matched and explained one another.

Plus I would say, that this course workes best together with another insightful Coursera course "Neurobiology of everyday life". They provide a look on somewhat the same topics, giving different perspectives to it!

All in all, I am really greateful to the creators of the course and the site! You help people learn about the world arround us with wonder and without limitations (financial, locational, health...)! Thank you!

By Matthew M

Jul 14, 2021

I started this course because I'm interested in becoming a Software Developer and started following a curriculum created by Developers called "The Odin Project." In the curriculum of The Odin Project, it's recommended that the "Learning How to Learn" course be enrolled in to learn the most efficient ways to learn so that your ability to understand the vast concepts necessary to be a successful Software Developer are less daunting and actually achievable. At least, that's how I understood what I was enrolling myself into. I was pleasantly surprised to learn many new things about myself, my own processes of learning, (and how I've been holding myself back from doing so efficiently) and to learn that I most certainly am not alone in the world of academics. We all have things we procrastinate on doing, but sometimes it's easy to forget that when you're swimming in your own sea of craziness. After completing this course, I feel that I understand how the brain processes learning new information, and how best I can retain that information for the future, in addition to being able to interleave my learning so it's useful to me across many different things in life, not just the thing(s) I'm trying to learn now. I also now have a better understanding of procrastination and the things I can do to help conquer it. There's a lot more in this course, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Any person that wants to truly learn and educate themselves, not waste time doing things inefficiently, and accomplish their goals should take this course. This course can not only help you achieve your learning goals, but it can help you with your everyday life and how you process information. Best of luck with learning how to learn everyone!

By IGENOZA, N O

Feb 4, 2022

Against popular opinion, learning is an art that is learned with guidelines the same way we learn various skills such as programming, driving, tailoring. It is one of the most complex phenomena considering the fact that everything else that is learned consciously or unconsciously is hinged on it. When I stumbled on the concept of “learning how to learn” on Cousera, I was more than excited to delve into it and see what it was all about. Indeed, the content in the course has so far surpassed my expectations. Learning isn’t always fun, sometimes while learning you get stuck on ideas that you cannot seem to figure out. However, through persistence and observing simple learning rules it becomes worthwhile.

A very big thank you to Barbara Oakley and Terry Sejnowski for this amazing, explicit, detailed yet concise course. I have learned so much from you. I have gained clarity in some concepts that were hitherto confusing

Having listened to Benny Lewis on the subject of leaning languages in his interview with Barbara Oakley during the course of this lesson, my passion was re-ignited. He opined that the best way to learn a language is to speak without the fear of making mistakes, this is because paying so much attention to mistakes will inhibit the learning process and might dampen the learner’s interest. I have resolved that no matter what it takes, sooner than I had expected, I would begin to speak Spanish, the language of my dreams fluently.

I would like to use this opportunity to reach out to anyone reading this who are bilingual in English and Spanish to help a friend. I want to speak it more often. It would be nice to Speak Español with you🤗.

I can be reached on igenozanic@yahoo.com

Nicholas Igenoza.

By Etoile_lum

Jul 22, 2017

très intéressant !!! je le recommande pour les amoureux de l'apprentissage et du savoir . Je le recommande pour les apprenants qui ont des difficultés de concentration , de baisse de motivation et de blocage .

j'ai beaucoup aimé les astuces qui aident à mieux apprendre , à mieux gérer l'apprentissage , à prendre plaisir en apprenant !

j'ai bien utilisé la technique de "pomodoro " qui m'a vraiment aidé à arriver jusqu'au bout de ce cours et je la recommande !

je dois revoir des lectures et réécouter des vidéos pour bien fixer les informations dans ma mémoire, je compte aussi les utiliser dans mon travail avec mes apprenants et donc je dois faire mon propore récapitulatif qui m'aiderait a mon tour de bien expliquer les choses et aider les apprenants dans leurs parcours d'apprentissage .

Je dois juste dire que j'ai trouvé qu'il y a beaucoup à lire , chose qui est très intéressante mais j'avoue que je n'ai pas eu le temps de lire les extras ( lecture , vidéos , lien internet ) je ne sais pas s'il y a quelqu'un qui a réussi à le faire pendant le cours ? je serais très intéressée de savoir comment la personne a procédé pour le faire ? ou Si les enseignants pourront nous donner des astuces comment pouvoir tout lire ? est ce possible ? pour ma part je vais le faire dans un deuxième temps et en utilisant la technique de "pomodoro" :-) et "recall" pour bien me souvenir de l'essentiel et j'ai aussi beaucoup aimé le mode "dufuse" je l'adore et je crois en ce mode car je l'ai déjà essayé mais d'une manière spontanée et inconsciente maintenant je sais qu'il fait parti des stratégies d'apprentissage .

merci pour tout Mme Barbara

Oakley, Terry Sejnowski! Thank you very much !

By Anastasiia T

Nov 5, 2023

"Learning How to Learn" is an extraordinary course that has truly revolutionized the way I approach learning and has equipped me with invaluable mental tools to tackle complex subjects with confidence. Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski's approach to teaching is not only engaging but also incredibly effective in fostering a deep understanding of the learning process. The course's emphasis on neuroscientific principles, combined with practical techniques, has fundamentally transformed my study habits. The modules on effective learning techniques, memory consolidation, and overcoming procrastination were particularly enlightening and have had a direct impact on my academic performance. What truly sets this course apart is its accessibility. The instructors have a remarkable ability to explain intricate concepts in a manner that is comprehensible and relatable to learners of all levels. Additionally, the inclusion of real-life examples and case studies further enhances the applicability of the course material. The incorporation of diverse learning resources, such as video lectures, quizzes, and supplementary reading materials, ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience. Furthermore, the interactive community forums provided a platform for meaningful discussions and the exchange of insightful perspectives, creating a supportive learning environment. Overall, "Learning How to Learn" is a transformative educational journey that empowers learners to unlock their full potential. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to enhance their learning capabilities and develop a deeper understanding of the art and science of learning.

By Aundra H

Jun 21, 2023

Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects, was an excellent class as well as instructor Dr. Barbara Oakley. I learned a great deal about how to learn and the process of learning. I think all teachers should take this class. I wish I had taken this class before I started my career in education. I learned a great deal about myself, study habits, and the challenges of learning in general. I love self-paced study and the tools to set gentle reminders. I could write a thesis on what I have learned in this class and how to apply what I have learned. I have started practicing the strategies taught in this class and they are working. I ordered Dr. Oakley's book, "A Mind for Numbers..." as a reinforcement tool. I ordered the book from Amazon. Let me stress, "you do NOT need the book for this class" but it is a great purchase if you struggle with math and science! This was a wonderful and spectacular class. This class can be an asset to parenting. There are a host of intriguing details and facts that I believe would help parents understand their children and why they might do the things we as adults do not fully understand. There are so many elements to this class. It is not just learning how to learn. I learned how the brain functions and why people make decisions I might not agree with in some instances. The science that supports brain function, strokes and adolescences maturation was most informative. The information is presented in an easy to learn format, in chunks, and a reinforced learning style. There is text that accompanies each presentation. Thank you again Coursera for offering this course.

By Connie T K

Dec 21, 2015

(+) Manageable bite-sized online lectures with interesting content that are highly relevant to the topic of Learning How to Learn

(+) Assessments are pitched at the right level, with questions requiring recall of the concepts learnt and some other comprehension- and application-typed questions that require a bit more thinking to apply the concepts learnt.

(+) Professor Oakley has a very interesting style of presenting the topic that makes the material very easy to digest and learn. She communicates key learning points in a concise and succinct manner using a variation of simple analogies, wacky (but meaningful) graphics, life stories and other examples to draw out or to associate to important lesson takeaways.

(+) Personally, I did not managed to finish all the optional interviews but I really appreciate the time and effort used to glean additional inputs and insights from multiple perspectives and I hope to be able to revisit this course at a later time.

(+) Professor Sejnowski's insights into learning how our brain works is something new to me. It is also an important part of this course. Although I could barely recall the terminologies, but certain images that he has shared to assist in scientific explanations, and the true accounts of HM as well as the two scientists who swollowed poison without being poisoned, did stay in me and helped me understand the material better.

Thank you, Professor Oakley and Sejnowski, the course was meaningful and well-paced, offering insights into learning and how the brain works. I greatly appreciate the effort and time spent to make the materials and information illustrative for learners.

By Ruth S C

Jul 21, 2016

This course, the professionalism of the teaching staff and the content impressed me to the extent I sent emails to every thinking person I know. One of my students has done weeks one and two several times.... she is a grade 11 school student and an original thinker. She is the only one that looked at the course and gave me feed back.

I am so grateful to be able to learn from great thinkers without feeling that I am one of the world's failures. How very much I do appreciate not being talked down to and being given the time to write down words that I might not know well and, finding that as I learn meanings from an ordinary dictionary, I am able to use those words on a day to day basis. I am also so grateful that I did not have to buy anything either from the University or from needing extra books to understand the course.

I have changed several of my home tutoring practices. In fact as it is school holidays here I have been practicing to 'teach' as well as the teachers on this course.

My nature is such that I need to thank people for the service they do to others. I wish I could thank you by buying a million certificates. As I am unable to do this or even buy one - what I can do is acknowledge that I learned what I know from the University of California, San Diego and mention the names of those who helped me learn. The other way of saying thank you is to remind my thinking friends that if they wish to avoid loss of their abilities to think rationally, as they age , they could look at the courses available to everyone.

Sincerely,

Ruth St. Claire

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

By Alex

Oct 16, 2017

I loved this course! The material was presented in a clear, easy-to-remember fashion, with lots of memory devices to help remember (whodathunkit?) the material, not just the usual powerpoint slides. The quiz after every video was low-stakes and I appreciated knowing up front that each quiz can be tried again, with the highest score kept. This made it low-stakes and less stressful, and made me more likely to complete it on time. The professors were cheerful and upbeat and made class a pleasure. The material is all solidly researched, and I loved the optional interviews and extra reading material. Much of the course information tied in with things I'd already read, like telling yourself a racing heart means you're excited, not afraid (I read that in The Upside of Stress, by Kelly McGonigle). But even the things I knew or had tried were presented in a new context, in such a way I'm more likely to remember them in the future. Great job! One piece of constructive criticism: the demeanor of both professors on camera is wooden. I expect they're both *much* better lecturing in person. I know from experience that you can vastly improve your performance on camera with practice and some mental tricks---like having someone watch you just beyond the camera and lecturing to them, not the camera. As this didn't cause functional problems with the course, I'd still rate the course at 99% . :) . The stiffness of the interviewing could also be improved, but rest assured, I LOVED the class and would definitely take a class from Dr. Oakley again. I've bought her book and look forward to reading it.

By Marilyn R

Sep 15, 2020

I just would like to express my gratitude in completing my online course Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to master tough subjects with the helped of our Professors Barbara Oakley and Terry Sejnowski on their willingness to discuss each topic for us to fully understand and providing tips on how to use more effectively every techniques and mental tools in our daily life. By taking this course I learned how to set things in order, managing my time in doing my task by not delaying or not procrastinate to accomplish it. Still fresh on my mind those techniques that have been discussed in a video like the Promodoro techniques, the Focused and Diffuse mode, the importance of memory and how to work it properly, The value of teamwork, and making a checklist in day to day task to use it to positively in doing things to accomplish and a lot more to mention. I can not be proud of myself self unlike before I have not started my online course I always confused and overthinking what to do first and what to do next. Now, I am very confident to go to the next level and do my work effectively by applying those techniques that I have learned in this course. Once again, Thanks so much to the creator and the Management of Coursera, Instructors, most especially to our company that gives this opportunity which all for free and the people behind all of these to helps millions of people to finish their degrees online that is more convenient for them complete without quitting ourJob or going outside to go to school because it can be done even just by a stay at home. More Power!

By Reza Y

Nov 12, 2022

This was REVOLUTIONARY for me!

You must first understand where I’m coming from.

A very traumatic experience provided me the necessary reason(s) I needed to contribute to my self-destructive ways and it became easier and easier every time to give this excuse to myself.

I can understand how many may see this as “basic”, but the reality is, methods like these were introduced to me only in my 20s; life’s lessons provided me similar situations to adapt to my surroundings. 

Basic knowledge of the mind is ESSENTIAL to understand how to learn; if the basics are skipped and we start educating students right away without providing them the tools to properly start their journey as a student, we are creating products for the world to take advantage of as labourers; a “contribution” or “sacrifice”for others to remain on top of the list; adding to that, fat cats like them couldn’t even last 1 second in our world, but we can adapt & re-adapt back, evolve & revolve back, think & re-think back, mix & remix back everything that we want to put our minds to.

This “basic” training provided my ego the boost it truly thrives for, knowledge, experience, personal growth or at the least providing my mind that illusion by stimulating potential future possibilities.

A biblical term “moving mountains” has a very powerful message; the mind can manipulate future outcomes.

In this course, I was able to differentiate between “intelligent” and “creative” thinking. Just because one is intelligent doesn’t make them creative, but one that is creative shows intelligence.

By Prince S

Jul 9, 2020

-- From an introvert( who has completed his first-ever MOOC course :)

I have always been one of those people who could never quite excel in my academics. Seeing my classmates outsmarting me in every subject had always left me wondering if I wasn't intelligent enough to grasp the concepts like others. Such things can affect you in a lot of ways for a very long period. Two of the things that affected me the most are my self-confidence and my losing interest in subjects that I really loved once upon a time. Apart from the priceless lesson that this course provides, it also helped me with those two most affected parts of my life.

About this course, at first, a massive thank you to the loving instructors of this course Miss Barb Oakley and Mr.Terry Sejnowski. Like I mentioned that this is the first MOOC course that I have ever completed, I believe that it was only possible because of the passion, dedication, and care that you show about the students in every lesson of this course. I can't remember the last time when I enjoyed learning something this much as a student. Throughout the course, I could feel a sense of security and learn purely without having to compare myself with others. Even though it is an online course you both made me feel as you have got my back. So, ya thank you again for making learning enjoyable again and most importantly for bringing back the faith in me that I can be a master at anything if I firmly believe in it and by using the precious wisdom that this course has provided me with.

By Catherine v D

Aug 13, 2015

Taking the Learning How to Learn class was one of the best decisions I've made in the past ten years regarding maintaining my skills current and relevant to my professional life in high tech. I used to fall prey to a sense of being perennially "behind" regarding the amount of technical knowledge I need to master for my work. Since my University days, my modus operandi used to be: repetition and brute force, i.e., more or less, cramming.

After this class, I now have a set of tools I can actually relate to. I can use them proficiently to learn smarter, retain information better, and foremost, understand what my particular "cues' are if procrastination gets in my way again. I cannot thank Drs Oakley and Sejnowski enough for the deliberate pace of this course: they carefully pared down its content, with luminously clear explanations often delivered with a down-to-earth approach sprinkled with humor.

I sincerely hope that this small message of gratitude will encourage whomever is "on the fence" to register for the course. By the way, by requesting a Certificate of Completion, I felt that I had"skin in the game,"I had a deadline to honor. Whether tired, or pressed for time, knowing that I had paid the modest sum for my Certificate encouraged me to make time for myself to go through each lesson carefully and learn the special vocabulary associated with these new tools.

Very best wishes to all, you will be so happy you took the time to go through the class!

Sincerely,

Catherine von Dennefeld

Napa, CA

By Deleted A

Nov 6, 2019

I’m really thankful to Barb & Terry for the course!

If you like me spending too much time for videos and reading loads of articles about productivity you might have kinda mess in the head about putting all the information in the right order. There are so many of them and you are, reasonably, could get lost in it!

Lucky me, I’ve tried the course and now, finally, the general picture of how to be more productive become clearer to me.

Here are some main reasons why you need to try the course (whatever you feeling confident in learning or not):

1. First of all, it is all about how closely connected neuroscience and learning (+other life aspects) – everything has scientific proof of why is it reasonable to act this way not the other one. And yet it’s not a dogma (because loads of things we need to discover so far), but the ideas and techniques which were presented in the course are really reasonable and perspective.

2. The second important reason why it is a great idea to enroll the course – is about concepts and ideas of how to deal with procrastination – the boss-devil of nowadays, I might say.

3. Also I really enjoy the way of simplicity and openness of how Barb presented every piece of information adding examples and being funny (but concrete!) all the time.

I’m not putting a big review in here but saying what I found the most useful for me from the course. So try the course and share your own thoughts about it! I’m sure you will not regret it :)

Good luck to all and happy learning! :) Andrew

By Hugo A A O

Jun 25, 2017

At the very beginning the course seemed somehow easy and pretty basic. Nonetheless, once that you start understanding the biological reason about how and why we learn, you get the feeling that this course will definitively change your life. And that is exactly what has happened to me. Before this course I had the illusion that what I was doing was normal, I mean the way in which I was accustomed to learn. However, I had that sense that something was wrong with my approach. It turns out that my intuition was right because I was completely wasting my time while rereading or highlighting the material all the time, just to give you an example.

Additionally, I knew that procrastination could affect your life and your productivity in a way that you do not catch until you start getting anxious, for instance. Therefore a simple technique like the pomodoro, which I have been using during the last month, has been enormously beneficial for your studying and productivity.

Furthermore, there are some techniques like the memory palace, or the use of metaphors and analogies that will definitively ease your job while learning any subject.

Apart from that, understanding how your brain works and why you have certain behavior under certain circumstances, will change the way that you process any new information and it will boost your cognitive abilities up.

Please, give it a try, then you will understand what I have written here.

Learning how to learn, in my opinion, is a must, not an option.

Happy journey.

By Shelby K

Mar 3, 2021

If you find yourself filled with anxiety every time you need to learn something new, or you just love putting things off until who-knows-when, or, more likely, "Oops, it's too late..," this course is for you. Learning How to Learn was suggested to me by a very sage friend who astutely described it as a course that "should be required learning for all humans." As I progressed through Learning How to Learn, explanations--and better yet, solutions!--were given for all of my bad learning habits that have dogged me for years. Just the discovery of the insanely simple but deeply effective Pomodoro technique alone was worth the time investment. I'm going to use memory palaces, hard-jump-to-easy strategies, positive thinking, consistent but reasonable study hours, and the importance placed on sleep and exercise to turn my life around and pursue the goals that have been lingering on my to-do list for the last few years. I know I'll do it know.Drs. Oakley and Sejnowski are to me what Mr. Rogers are to other people--they are kind and warm academics that make the coursework fun. I like that they use humor and funny visuals to help cement concepts into your mind. You will get a lot more out of this course if you do the writing assignments, watch the optional videos, and do the optional readings (including Dr. Oakley's book "A Mind for Numbers"). I think I'm going to take this again in a few months to stay sharp on the study techniques. Do yourself a huge favor and get started. :)

By Shashidhar V

Sep 4, 2020

If it was permitted, I would rate 10 Star for this course, I hail from India a country where we chant The auspicious mantra recited an chanted on teacher’s day and Guru Purnima is

"Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara; Guru Sakshat Param Brahma, Tasmai Shri Guravay Namah

Guru is Brahma, who is the Lord of Creation, also called as Generator, Guru Vishnu means Guru is Vishnu (Vishnu is the Lord who is called organizer), Guru Devo Maheshwarah means Guru is the Maheshwara (Shiva or the destroyer), Guru Sakshat Parabrahma means Parbrahma viz. the supreme god or almighty.

Since Guru leads to a path of light, Guru is that Para Brahma. Tasmai Shree Guruve Namah means we bow to that Guru the guru referred to earlier.

I bow to my Guru's Dr. Barbara Oakley & Dr.Terrence Sejnowski for all their research and hard work in bringing us the effective techniques of learning which can be applied for any forms of learnings (Art,Science, Literature, Language, Higher studies).

I recommend this course to all those who are trying to learn new things but unable to progress..

I would use these techniques to teach others so the purpose of this course serves (help others).

I was very delighted to see my native language Kannada tongue twister being played and interests of participants to learn Yoga, Chakra Meditation which was originated from India.

Namasthe to my Guru's ,

Wish good luck for the learning aspirants, please go with this course without any second thought.

By Salman h

Mar 9, 2023

As someone who has always struggled with learning new and difficult subjects, I found the "Learning How to Learn" course to be an incredibly valuable resource. The course provided a wealth of practical tools and strategies that I could immediately apply to my own learning process.

The course was well-organized and included a mix of videos, readings, and interactive exercises that helped me to understand the material more deeply. The instructors were engaging and knowledgeable, and provided clear explanations and real-world examples that made the content relevant and interesting.

One of the things I appreciated most about this course was its emphasis on the science of learning. The instructors explained how the brain works when we are learning, and provided evidence-based strategies for optimizing the learning process. I found this approach to be both fascinating and useful.

By the end of the course, I felt like I had a much better understanding of how to approach difficult subjects and learn them more effectively. I was particularly impressed by the section on procrastination, which provided practical tips for overcoming this common obstacle to learning.

Overall, I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their learning process. Whether you are a student struggling with a particular subject, or simply someone who wants to learn more efficiently, this course provides powerful tools and insights that can help you master tough subjects.

By Deleted A

Dec 4, 2019

Since the original book "A Mind for Numbers" written by Dr. Barbara Oakley came out some years ago alongside the other books and studies, if you have been highly interested in learning method you might see the ideas in this course whether via books or online like I did. In spite of the fact that there rarely was a totally new method I got to know, it was great to see all the brilliant ideas in one place with supportive references so I don't need to worry about false myths and unreasonable remedies.

The lecture is about learning, and the best point of this lecture is that it is about not only 'study' itself but also things for a better study such as preventing procrastination and test-taking tips. Dr. Barbara also gives you some mindful advice for learning to help you not to be afraid of taking a new step and not to judge your own ability and give up too early and too easily. Personally, I do not like most of the self-help books which point out all the problem could be changed if you think differently. However, her lecture was a bit different since she actually helps you find a better perspective on your problem and let you know it is not only you who have the same problem and it is able to be solved.

You could finish this course without paying option and there are honour contents that will give you further understanding and extra recognition for the course. There is no doubt that by having this course I would be better prepared for my further study.

By Njavig

Dec 1, 2017

Since the original book "A Mind for Numbers" written by Dr. Barbara Oakley came out some years ago alongside the other books and studies, if you have been highly interested in learning method you might see the ideas in this course whether via books or online like I did. In spite of the fact that there rarely was a totally new method I got to know, it was great to see all the brilliant ideas in one place with supportive references so I don't need to worry about false myths and unreasonable remedies.

The lecture is about learning, and the best point of this lecture is that it is about not only 'study' itself but also things for a better study such as preventing procrastination and test-taking tips. Dr. Barbara also gives you some mindful advice for learning to help you not to be afraid of taking a new step and not to judge your own ability and give up too early and too easily. Personally, I do not like most of the self-help books which point out all the problem could be changed if you think differently. However, her lecture was a bit different since she actually helps you find a better perspective on your problem and let you know it is not only you who have the same problem and it is able to be solved.

You could finish this course without paying option and there are honor contents that will give you further understanding and extra recognition for the course. There is no doubt that by having this course I would be better prepared for my further study.