Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

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 4.8 stars Average User Rating 4.8See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

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


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 expand

1. Video: Introduction to the Focused and Diffuse Modes
2. Video: Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley--Introduction to the Course Structure
3. Reading: Welcome and Course Information
4. Video: Using the Focused and Diffuse Modes--Or, a Little Dali will do You
5. Video: What is Learning?
6. Reading: Get to Know Your Classmates
7. Video: A Procrastination Preview
8. Video: Practice Makes Permanent
9. Video: Introduction to Memory
10. Video: The Importance of Sleep in Learning
11. Video: Interview with Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
12. Video: Summary video for Module 1
13. Video: Excitement About What's Next! MaryAnne Nestor Gives Special Hints
14. Reading: Reading: Focused versus Diffuse Thinking
15. Reading: A Posting about Anxiety, Depression and PTSD from a learner in Learning How to learn
16. Video: Optional Interview with "Benny the Irish Polyglot" about Learning Languages
17. Video: Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Bilder on Creativity and Problem Solving
18. Video: Optional Interview with Writing Coach Daphne Gray-Grant
19. 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 expand

1. Video: Introduction to Chunking
2. Video: What is a Chunk?
3. Video: How to Form a Chunk - Part 1
4. Video: How to Form a Chunk - Part 2
5. Video: Illusions of Competence
6. Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
7. Video: What Motivates You?
8. Video: The Value of a Library of Chunks
9. Video: Overlearning, Choking, Einstellung, and Interleaving
10. Video: Summary
11. Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
12. Reading: Reading: Chunking
13. Video: Optional Interview with Dr. Norman Fortenberry - Learning at MIT
14. 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 expand

1. Video: Introduction to Procrastination and Memory
2. Video: Tackling Procrastination - It's Easier, and Valuable, Than You Think
3. Video: Zombies Everywhere
4. Video: Surf's Up: Process Versus Product
5. Video: Harnessing Your Zombies to Help You
6. Video: Juggling Life and Learning
7. Video: Summing Up Procrastination
8. Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
9. Video: Diving Deeper into Memory
10. Video: What is Long Term Memory?
11. Video: Creating Meaningful Groups and the Memory Palace Technique
12. Video: Summing Up Memory
13. Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
14. Reading: Reading: Procrastination and Memory
15. Video: Optional Interview with 4 Time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis
16. Video: Optional Interview with Dr. Robert Gamache, an Award-winning Bilingual Scientist
17. Video: Optional Interview with Stanford's Keith Devlin, the NPR "Math Guy"
18. 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 expand

1. Video: How to Become a Better Learner
2. Video: Introduction to Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
3. Video: Create a Lively Visual Metaphor or Analogy
4. Video: No Need for Genius Envy
5. Video: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life
6. Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
7. Video: The Value of Teamwork
8. Video: A Test Checklist
9. Video: Hard Start - Jump to Easy
10. Video: Final Helpful Hints for Tests
11. Video: Summary
12. Video: Wrapup to the Course by Terrence Sejnowski and Barbara Oakley
13. Practice Quiz: Retrieval Practice
14. Reading: Please Rate this Course on Class Central
15. Reading: Reading: Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
16. Video: Optional: Part 1: How NOT to Take a Test, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
17. Video: Optional: Part 2: Learning Something New, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
18. Video: Optional: Part 3: The Imposter Syndrome and Dealing with Procrastination, Interview with Dr. Richard Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent
19. Video: Optional: Writer John Maguire (readablewriting.com) on the Importance of Putting Objects in Your Writing
20. Video: Optional Interview with William Craig Rice on learning in the humanities
21. Reading: Farewell and Hello!

Graded: Final