Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects
All-Time Top 100University of California, San Diego via Coursera
- Provider Coursera
- Cost Free Online Course (Audit)
- Session In progress
- Language English
- Certificate Paid Certificate Available
- Effort 3-4 hours a week
- Duration 4 weeks long
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Overview
Class Central Tips
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
Syllabus
-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.
(Please note that this module should only take about an hour--the extra time quoted relates to purely optional activities.)
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.
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.
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!
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Class Central Charts
- #1 in Subjects / Personal Development
- #1 in Subjects / Personal Development / Self Improvement
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Reviews for Coursera's Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects Based on 8895 reviews
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With that said, this should not be titled "Learning How to Learn", it should be titled "The Amazing Brain Science to Help You Make the Most of Yourself". I signed up for this course with the intention of using it to help me make the most of later courses I'd like to take, but I was shocked at how much of it is applicable in everyday life. I have many projects …
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There is no statement of achievement for this course, which has caused quite a bit of upset and negativity on Coursera. If you wish to have a certificate, the only option is the (paid) Signature Track which requires extra assignments to be completed. If you can't afford the fee, Coursera do offer some assistance. Please check their FAQs for details.
this review helpful
If you're stuck in understanding the how of learning, this course is great in helping you figure that out (I mean, that's kind of what it's supposed …
In barely 4 weeks, and without any technical language (even the optional course book is written as if it were a friend talking to you!!) I've learned how to beat one of my biggest problems -procrastination , how to become more productive in the way I study (learn more in less time) , how to memorize things strongly and when to use …
this review helpful
The messages are pretty simple: get a decent sleep, exercise, stop procrastinating, used spaced repitition, and chunk in order for your brain to better absorb the information taken in. It sounds easy, and all-too predictable when written this way, but there is so much more to each of these, and understanding that makes it much easier to spots the mistakes you make and the bad habits you've created. For me perso…
I had purchased the book, A Mind For N…
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this review helpful
I really benefit from it
tasneem completed this course, spending 3 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be very easy.
A very useful course covering concepts behind how to learn effectively and efficiently. Barbara Oakley is a warm and friendly presenter whose videos make a potentially dull subject fun and enjoyable (with the use of zombies, flying mules, etc). Terrence Sejnowski tends to do one main video a week, detailing more anatomical/medical aspects. I'd recommend it to anyone who is about to un…
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this review helpful
The lecture content in learning how to learn is very good. Videos aren't too long, the lecturer is clear and personable and everything is easy to understand. There are more bonus/guest lectures than you'd see with a typical MOOC and I find engaging, memorable guest lectures are rare. Also, you can't full…
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Nice material to validate techniques that you are following or correct your methodology if you are doing things the ineffective way.
Either way, its sort of a feedback for your learning methods. Of course, feedbacks themselves are subjective but useful for introspection.
If not anything, gives you reassurance that you are not alone when it comes to struggles during learning or solving problems :)
this review helpful
This course surprised me with how much I already knew about learning, but simply wasn't using as I didn't understand the impact. I was able to utilize the tips covered in this course not only for the course …
I highly recommend that all students and teachers take this course and make learning a joyful experience.
Thanks
this review helpful
Pretty good, right? I've been healthily employed ever since, without issue. I believed that high level achievement in science and learning…
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