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Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, Greg Hammons, and Barbara Oakley

Based on one of the most popular open online courses in the world, this course gives you easy access to the learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. No matter what your current skill level, using these approaches can help you master new topics, change your thinking and improve your life.

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Based on one of the most popular open online courses in the world, this course gives you easy access to the learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. No matter what your current skill level, using these approaches can help you master new topics, change your thinking and improve your life.

This course explains:

* Why sometimes letting your mind wander is an important part of the learning process

* How to avoid "rut think" in order to think outside the box

* The value of metaphors in developing understanding

* A simple, yet powerful, way to stop procrastinating

If you’re already an expert, these strategies will turbocharge your learning, including test-taking tips and insights that will help you make the best use of your time on homework and problem sets.

We all have the tools to learn what might not seem to come naturally to us at first—the secret is to understand how the brain works so we can unlock its power.

Filled with animations, application questions, and exercises, this course makes learning easy and fun!

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Learning?
In this module, we'll use metaphor and analogy to help you more easily understand key ideas about how your brain works. You will discover two modes of thinking—you can use these modes in different ways to improve your learning. We will also show you a powerful tool for tackling procrastination, give you some great memory tips, and point out why "sleeping on it" can be a good idea!
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Tips to Build Your Memory
In this module, we explore the brain’s process for storing information in long-term memory in an easy to understand metaphor involving a school bag, a locker and an octopus. Then, we will talk about some of the best ways to access your brain’s most powerful long-term memory systems, like metaphor, recall, memory palace and rhyming.
Brain Links and Study Tips
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 avoid “information overload,” and how to recognize your own strengths. 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!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Outlines ways learners can enhance their ability to learn techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines
Provides simple, yet powerful, ways for learners to stop procrastination
Helps learners avoid "rut think" in order to think outside the box
Features a team of seasoned instructors, including Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, Greg Hammons, and Barbara Oakley
Students may avoid information overload by following recommended techniques
Introduces metaphors to give learners an easier way to understand key concepts

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Reviews summary

Youthful learning reimagined

learners say this course is superbly received by students and includes engaging assignments such as quizzes, exams, and homework. The course focuses on the study and improvement of learning skills for all ages and levels. Students particularly enjoyed the variety of teaching instructors who explained sophisticated concepts in simple terms suitable for youth, including helpful learning strategies such as the Pomodoro technique and the use of metaphors and analogies to foster understanding. According to students, some of the most impactful takeaways from this course are: * **Keep options open, be persistent, be flexible**: These are the keys to success in learning. * **The brain works in two modes**: Focused mode, for concentrating on a task, and diffused mode, for making connections and finding new insights. * **The Pomodoro Technique**: A time management technique that involves breaking down work into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. * **Metaphors and Memory Palaces**: Techniques for memorizing information by associating it with familiar objects or places. Students also reported that the course helped them to: * Understand how their brains work and how to learn more effectively. * Develop new learning strategies and techniques. * Improve their study habits and test-taking skills. * Increase their motivation for learning. * Feel more confident in their ability to learn.
Designed specifically for youthful learners, this course presents information in an engaging and relatable manner that appeals to young people.
"If you can explain a complex construct like our brain, in a way that also a child understands, you have achieved real mastery."
"It' s useful both for teenagers and adults! I strongly recommend this course. Easy for undrstanding despite complicated items."
The practical techniques taught in this course are not limited to academic settings and can be applied to various aspects of life.
"This course made me learn a lot of stuff. I am graduating next year, so i really needed this course."
"These courses allowed me to understand my shortcomings and to have much more confidence in myself to succeed in my exams."
This course features a diverse group of instructors who present material in a relatable and youthful manner.
"It’s a conducting class. This class is not only for teens or school students, but is also useful for graduates."
"did the course with my wife and two kids (7 and 9) we all really enjoyed it."
The course emphasizes the importance of tailored learning and encourages students to explore techniques that best suit their individual needs.
"This course is very helpful and full with too many important information which can help you to easily learn new something"
"I had so much fun with this course, it help me to organize my thoughts to learn things I have never imagined I could learn."
Students reported experiencing tangible improvements in their study habits and test-taking skills as a result of applying the techniques taught in this course.
"It was like playing all by picking up coins and winning exciting prizes...This would one of the best courses if one wishes to change his/her attitude towards learning"
"Excellent Course! It actually made a lot of changes in my routine of studying. And I'm damn sure that definitely it will make focused to each of them who had completed this course honestly."
Students found the metaphors and analogies used in this course to be particularly effective in helping them understand complex concepts.
"Awesome! Not only I can learn how my brain behaves, many useful learning tips but also the reason why those tips actually work."
"I loved the course. I knew lot of them. The story of Santiago Ramón y Cajal was cool. I loved it. Peace."
The course provides valuable insights into how the brain learns, empowering students with a deeper understanding of their own learning processes.
"This course gave me some hope, by giving me some ideas that I can try out easily by myself - I'm excited to try."
"This course was fabulous: I learn better through pictorial representations and this solidifies my understanding."
The course covers a wide range of topics related to learning, including memory, motivation, and test-taking strategies.
"This course helped me a lot through my mentality in learning, the tips and tricks taught in each video are very helpful when used in real life situations."
"The concepts are clearly explained and easy to understand. It’s helpful especially for people who are struggled with learning and memorizing new things."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning How To Learn for Youth with these activities:
Read 'Mindset' by Carol Dweck
Gain insights into the power of a growth mindset and its benefits for learning and personal growth
Show steps
  • Read the book and reflect on its key concepts
  • Identify strategies to cultivate a growth mindset
  • Apply these strategies to your own learning journey
Brush up on critical thinking skills
Refresh critical thinking skills to enhance analytical abilities and problem-solving capabilities
Browse courses on Critical Thinking
Show steps
  • Review techniques for analyzing arguments and evaluating evidence
  • Practice identifying biases and fallacies
  • Engage in thought experiments and simulations to challenge assumptions
Review cognitive science principles
Review fundamental concepts from cognitive science to enhance learning strategies and optimize brain function
Show steps
  • Explore topics such as memory, attention, and metacognition
  • Identify practical techniques to improve focus and information retention
  • Apply these principles to your learning process in this course
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore online learning resources
Supplement course content with additional online resources to deepen understanding and gain diverse perspectives
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online sources that complement course topics
  • Set aside time to explore and engage with these resources
  • Take notes and reflect on the insights gained
Create a mind map
Develop a visual representation of course content to improve organization and recall
Browse courses on Note-Taking
Show steps
  • Identify key concepts and subtopics
  • Arrange concepts in a hierarchical structure
  • Use colors, images, and symbols to enhance visual appeal
Practice spaced repetition
Employ spaced repetition to reinforce course content and strengthen memory
Browse courses on Memory Techniques
Show steps
  • Review course material after an initial learning session
  • Repeat spaced repetition sessions at increasing intervals
  • Test your recall and focus on areas where you struggle
Form a study group
Collaborate with peers to enhance understanding and reinforce concepts
Show steps
  • Find classmates who share learning goals
  • Establish regular meeting times
  • Take turns presenting material and leading discussions
Develop a presentation
Synthesize course content and present it to an audience, solidifying understanding and communication skills
Show steps
  • Choose a topic and research relevant information
  • Organize content into a logical flow
  • Create visual aids to support your presentation
  • Practice delivering your presentation to improve clarity and confidence

Career center

Learners who complete Learning How To Learn for Youth will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. You need a strong foundation in critical thinking, understanding how people learn, and understanding how to learn new skills in order to succeed. This course will help you to develop these skills, and it will also give you a foundational knowledge of the learning process that will help you to succeed in your career.
Learning and Development Specialist
Learning and Development Specialists are tasked with helping employees to learn and grow. A strong foundation in the learning process will be key to your success. Some of the essential skills that you will learn by taking this course include creative thinking, critical thinking, and communication. This course may also help you to develop your skills as an instructor.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers need to learn and understand a variety of tools and techniques as part of their job duties. This includes knowledge of how to code, test, and maintain software. This course will help you to develop your foundational skills, including critical thinking, which will feel familiar no matter what particular tools are asked of you.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts need to learn and understand a variety of tools and techniques, much like the ones taught in this course. You may be asked to learn new coding languages, new software, or new ways to use old software. This course will help you to develop the foundational skills that will feel familiar no matter what particular tools are asked of you.
Product Manager
Product Managers lead the development of new products and features. In order to do so, they need to be able to think critically and to develop creative solutions to problems. This course will help you to develop the skills that you need to succeed as a Product Manager, and it may also help you to be more creative in your thinking.
Mathematician
Mathematicians need to learn, understand, and implement processes and models that help us to understand the world around us. The ability to think critically will help you to succeed in this career. This course will help you to develop your critical thinking skills, as well as your skills in creative problem-solving.
Researcher
Researchers seek to uncover new knowledge and to develop new solutions to problems. A strong foundation in critical thinking will help you to succeed in this career. This course will help you to develop your critical thinking skills, as well as your skills in creative problem-solving.
Analyst
Analysts often use critical thinking to help make sense of large amounts of data. After doing so, they typically report on patterns and trends, using the insights that they have found. This course can help you to develop your critical thinking skills, which can be very helpful as an Analyst. It helps you to maximize your brain's power to uncover data patterns that might not be immediately obvious to someone without your skills.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists help to collect, analyze, and manage data. In order to do so, they need a solid foundation of knowledge in mathematics and statistics, in addition to a strong ability to code. This course will help you to develop your foundational skills, including thinking outside of the box. By developing your foundational skills in these areas, you will be able to optimize your learning in your Data Science training.
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analysts must learn and understand a variety of tools and techniques as part of their job duties. This includes knowledge of how to collect and analyze data, as well as how to write and deliver reports. This course will help you to develop your foundational skills, including critical thinking, which will feel familiar no matter what particular tools are asked of you.
Manager
Managers supervise the work of others. You will need to be familiar with the problems that your employees face every day, as well as the solutions to those problems. By learning the tools and techniques that will make you a more effective learner, you'll be able to more effectively perform the duties of a Manager.
Project Manager
Project Managers lead and coordinate teams of people to complete projects. A strong foundation in critical thinking and in understanding how people learn will help you to become a more effective leader. This course will help you to think critically about how to plan and execute a project.
Educator
Educators are tasked with helping their students to learn, regardless of the students' backgrounds or learning styles. A strong understanding of the learning process is key to a successful career in the education field. This course may be useful as it will help you to understand the learning process. Additionally, this course may be an interesting way to develop your teaching repertoire.
Engineer
Engineers use critical thinking to design, implement, and operate new technologies. This course may be useful, as it will help you to develop your problem-solving skills, which will help you to succeed in your engineering career. Additionally, this course can help you to develop creative solutions, which is also a key skill for Engineers.
Consultant
Consultants will often need to use critical thinking in order to solve the problems of their clients. As a learning professional with a strong grasp of the mechanics of the brain, you'll be particularly useful for helping your clients to implement new strategies in a way that feels accessible to them. This course may be useful, as it can help a Consultant to develop clever strategies and to problem-solve.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learning How To Learn for Youth.
Provides a research-based guide to effective learning techniques, with a focus on spaced repetition, interleaving, and retrieval practice. It complements the course's emphasis on understanding how the brain learns and applying strategies to improve retention.
Written by one of the course instructors, this book offers a practical approach to overcoming math and science anxiety. It provides strategies for understanding abstract concepts, developing a growth mindset, and leveraging the brain's natural learning mechanisms.
Expands on the concepts covered in the course, providing a comprehensive guide to learning strategies. It offers practical advice on topics such as time management, note-taking, and effective study habits.
Explores the concept of a growth mindset, which emphasizes the belief that intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance. It aligns with the course's focus on cultivating a positive learning attitude and overcoming self-limiting beliefs.
Provides practical strategies for managing information overload and improving cognitive function. It offers insights into how the brain processes and organizes information, complementing the course's emphasis on effective study habits and learning techniques.
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Explores the science of expertise and deliberate practice. It provides insights into how experts develop their skills and achieve peak performance, reinforcing the course's emphasis on the importance of focused and sustained effort in learning.
Offers a holistic approach to learning, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and the pursuit of excellence. It complements the course's focus on developing a lifelong love of learning and continuous improvement.
Explores the role of metaphors in shaping our thinking and understanding of the world. It provides insights into how metaphors can facilitate learning and communication, aligning with the course's emphasis on the use of metaphor and analogy.
Provides a practical guide to memory improvement techniques, including the use of mnemonics and visualization. It complements the course's focus on effective memorization strategies and the importance of long-term retention.
Emphasizes the importance of deep, uninterrupted work sessions for maximizing productivity and learning. It aligns with the course's focus on developing focused learning strategies and avoiding distractions.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive psychology, including topics such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. It serves as a valuable reference for students seeking a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes involved in learning.

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