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Better Learning

Many people report engaging in study habits that are not very effective or very efficient. How do we know what strategies are best? Cognitive psychologists have been doing research to ask this very question for multiple decades. It turns out that many strategies that people report using are not the ones that cognitive psychology research shows to be the most effective or efficient for learning. In this course, you will learn how to apply research-based principles from cognitive psychology to become a more effective and efficient learner.

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What's inside

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

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Reviews summary

Research-based learning for better retention

According to learners, this course offers transformative, research-based strategies from cognitive psychology to significantly improve learning and retention. Students frequently praise its clear explanations, logical structure, and actionable advice that can be immediately applied to academic pursuits or professional development. While many find the quizzes helpful for reinforcement, some experienced students noted the pace can be slow or the content too basic if one already possesses a background in psychology. A few also desired more hands-on practical exercises to complement the theoretical foundation.

Ideal for those new to cognitive learning principles.

"Great for beginners, but someone already familiar with basic cognitive psychology might find it moves a little slow."

"If you're a complete beginner, maybe it's useful, but for anyone with a background in psychology or education, it's too simplistic."

"Sometimes the pacing felt a bit slow, as if catering to a very general audience."

Presents complex concepts clearly and logically.

"The explanations are clear, and the real-world examples make it easy to apply."

"The course structure is logical, and the cumulative quiz really tested my understanding."

"The modules are bite-sized and digestible."

Provides actionable advice for real-world learning challenges.

"The real-world examples make it easy to apply."

"I've started using them in my daily work."

"This course has genuinely changed how I approach learning new skills for my job."

"I applied the techniques to my online certifications, and it's making a difference."

Teaches proven methods for improved learning outcomes.

"The strategies taught here, especially retrieval practice and spaced learning, are game-changers."

"Actionable advice on spaced repetition and active recall has revolutionized my self-study."

"The clear breakdown of cognitive principles into actionable strategies is its greatest strength."

"My grades have improved, and I feel much more confident in my study habits."

Some found the delivery dry despite sound content.

"The modules felt a bit dry, and I struggled to stay engaged."

"Content is decent, but the presentation could be more engaging. It felt a bit like reading a textbook at times."

Some wished for more interactive, hands-on exercises.

"I was hoping for more 'how-to' practical exercises rather than just explanations of concepts."

"The exercises were minimal, and it lacked depth."

"I would have loved to see more interactive elements or case studies to really drive the points home."

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.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

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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.

Browse courses on Memory

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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.

Browse courses on Learning Strategies

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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.

Browse courses on Retrieval Practice

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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.

Browse courses on Study Skills

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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.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Scientist

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Better Learning.

Learning How to Learn

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Provides a research-based overview of effective learning strategies, including elaboration, spaced learning, and retrieval practice. It valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their learning skills.

Better Learning

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Research-based learning for better retention

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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