Better Learning from Coursera

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Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Module 1: Why You Need This Course

This module provides an introduction to this course and illustrates the need for people to rethink their approach to learning. It asks you to consider your current study strategies, and describes problems with each of the most popular strategies. Then it introduces the concept of metacognition and explains how it plays an important role in studying. Finally the module discusses the causes and consequences of procrastination. All of these topics set the stage for the recommendations about how to improve your studying, which come later in the course.

Module 2: The Ins and Outs of Memory

This module walks you through the basis of memory and forgetting. It explains important terminology encoding and retrieval, lays out the different stages of memory, and discusses how we forget. It ends with four different techniques that you can use to shore up your memory and prevent forgetting.

Module 3: Elaboration

This module showcases the first of our four better learning strategies: elaboration. Very simply, elaboration entails connecting information that you’re learning with information you already know. It’s an effective strategy to encode information in a way that makes it easier to recall later. Focused learning involves removing distractions from your environment so you can process what you’re learning as deeply as possible.

Module 4: Focused Learning

This module showcases the second of our four better learning strategies: focused learning. Focused learning involves removing distractions from your environment so you can process what you’re learning as deeply as possible. This deeper processing allows the formation of stronger memories that will last longer and be more accessible as time passes.

Module 5: Spaced Learning

Using spaced learning—spreading out your learning over time instead of massing it right before an exam—is an easy way to improve your long-term retention of information. It requires more planning than pulling an all-nighter the night before a test, but it yields much better results in the long term.

Module 6: Retrieval Practice

This module focuses on the last of the four studying strategies we cover in this course: retrieval practice—intentionally forcing yourself to recall information. Why do we recommend doing this? Just like using your muscles makes them stronger, using your memory makes it stronger as well. So, using retrieval practice when you study will leave you in a better position to recall information when it counts on the test.

Module 7: How to Be a Better Learner

This final content module brings all of the previous course material together and gives you concrete, actionable advice on how to improve your studying.

Module 8: Course Summary

Module 9: Cumulative Quiz

This module contains a quiz covering all of the material in this course. It will count for 30% of your total course grade, so make sure you’ve reviewed the material well. Good luck!

Module 10: Course Resources

This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops metacognition, memory, and focused learning, which are core skills needed for optimal learning

Examines retrieval practice, a subject that is highly relevant in academia

Taught by cognitive psychologists, who are recognized for their work in the topic that the course teaches

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in effective and efficient learning

Teaches elaboration, spaced learning, and focused learning, which are highly relevant to industry best practices

Includes quizzes and a cumulative quiz, which provide essential feedback and assessment

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 Better Learning with these activities:

Brush Up on Your Note-Taking Skills

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Effective note-taking is an important skill that can help you to learn more efficiently.

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Read or watch a tutorial on effective note-taking.
Practice taking notes in different ways, such as using outlines, mind maps, or Cornell notes.
Experiment with different note-taking tools, such as pen and paper, a laptop, or a tablet.

Review How Memory and Forgetting Works

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Reviewing the basics of memory and forgetting will ensure that you have a strong theoretical understanding of the concepts being taught in this course.

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Read the following article on memory and forgetting: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7398903/
Take notes on the key concepts discussed in the article.
Summarize the main points of the article in your own words.

Watch Video Tutorials on Learning Strategies

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Watching video tutorials can help you to learn about different learning strategies and how to apply them to your own learning.

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Search for video tutorials on learning strategies on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms.
Watch several videos and take notes on the key points.
Experiment with different learning strategies to see what works best for you.

Five other activities

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Read 'Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the science of learning, including evidence-based techniques for improving memory and retention.

View Make It Stick: The Science of Successful... on Amazon

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Read one chapter of the book each week.
Take notes on the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
Apply the techniques described in the book to your own learning.

Practice Retrieval Practice Techniques

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Retrieval practice is a powerful learning technique that can help you to improve your memory and retention.

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Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Try to recall as much information as you can from the lecture or reading you just completed.
Check your answers against your notes.
Repeat this process several times over the next few days.

Join a Study Group or Learning Community

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Joining a study group or learning community can provide you with support and motivation from your peers.

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Ask your instructor or classmates if they are interested in forming a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.
Participate in online discussion forums or social media groups related to the course.

Create a Study Guide for a Specific Course Module

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Creating a study guide will help you to identify the key concepts in a course module and to develop strategies for remembering them.

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Review the lecture notes and textbook readings for the course module.
Identify the key concepts and terms in the module.
Create a study guide that includes summaries, definitions, and examples of the key concepts.

Become a Peer Mentor or Tutor

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Becoming a peer mentor or tutor can help you to deepen your understanding of the course material and to develop your teaching skills.

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Contact your instructor or the tutoring center to see if there are any opportunities to become a peer mentor or tutor.
Attend training or workshops on mentoring or tutoring.
Meet with your mentees or tutees regularly to provide support and guidance.

Career center

Learners who complete Better Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Instructional Designer. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to design and evaluate instructional materials and environments. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to work with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective instructional programs.

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Educational Psychologist

Educational Psychologists study how people learn and develop. They use this knowledge to design and implement educational programs that promote student learning and development. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Educational Psychologist. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to understand how people learn and develop. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to design and evaluate educational programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist

Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow. They use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them reach their full potential. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Teacher. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to improve your teaching methods. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to create a positive and supportive learning environment for your students.

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Learning Scientist

Learning Scientists conduct research on how people learn and design instructional materials and environments to improve learning outcomes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Learning Scientist. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to become a more effective and efficient learner. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to design and evaluate instructional materials and environments.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practices. They use research-based principles to help teachers develop effective lesson plans and assessments. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Instructional Coach. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to coach teachers. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to build relationships with teachers and other stakeholders.

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Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research on education and learning. They use their findings to improve teaching and learning practices. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Educational Researcher. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to conduct educational research. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to disseminate your research findings to the public.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research and analyze education policies. They use their findings to inform policymakers and decision-makers. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Education Policy Analyst. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to analyze education policies. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to communicate your findings to policymakers and decision-makers.

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School Administrator

School Administrators are responsible for the overall operation of schools. They work with teachers, parents, and students to ensure that schools are providing a high-quality education. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful School Administrator. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to improve school climate and culture. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to manage school finances and personnel.

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Educational Technologist

Educational Technologists use technology to improve teaching and learning. They work with teachers and other stakeholders to integrate technology into the classroom. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Educational Technologist. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to the use of technology in the classroom. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to work with teachers and other stakeholders to implement educational technology.

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Teacher Librarian

Teacher Librarians teach and support students in the use of libraries and information resources. They help students learn how to find, evaluate, and use information. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Teacher Librarian. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to your teaching and library practices. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to collaborate with teachers and other stakeholders to support student learning.

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Higher Education Administrator

Higher Education Administrators manage colleges and universities. They are responsible for the overall operation of the institution, including academic affairs, student affairs, and financial affairs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Higher Education Administrator. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to improve the student experience. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to manage a college or university.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational curricula. They work with teachers and other stakeholders to create curricula that are aligned with state and national standards. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Curriculum Developer. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to design and develop effective curricula. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to work with teachers and other stakeholders to implement curricula.

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Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide advice and support to schools and other educational organizations. They help them improve their teaching and learning practices. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Education Consultant. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to your consulting work. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to build relationships with clients and other stakeholders.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They are experts in their field and are responsible for educating students and advancing knowledge. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Professor. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to your teaching and research. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to mentor students and collaborate with colleagues.

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Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees. They work with businesses and organizations to improve employee performance and productivity. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Corporate Trainer. You will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to design and deliver effective training programs. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to work with businesses and organizations to identify training needs.

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