Learning How to Learn (Coursera)

What it is

Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects is a Coursera course by Dr Barbara Oakley, an engineering professor, and Dr Terrence Sejnowski, a computational neuroscientist at the Salk Institute. It explains, in plain language and simple drawings, what the brain does when you learn, and turns that into habits you can use the same day.

What you will learn

• Focused and diffuse modes of thinking, and why stepping away from a hard problem can help you solve it.
• Chunking: building small, solid pieces of understanding that link together.
• Recall and testing yourself instead of rereading and highlighting.
• Spaced repetition and interleaving so material lasts until the exam and beyond.
• Procrastination: why it happens, and the Pomodoro Technique as a way through it.
• Illusions of competence: why something feels learned when it is not.

Price and access

Enrolling is free. Coursera has changed how free access works on many courses, so check the enrol options on the page: some learners see a no-certificate option, others a free first module. The certificate is paid, and Coursera offers financial aid you can apply for.

Who it suits

Students in any subject, especially those in their first year of university, preparing for a big exam, or learning to code. It is also useful for working people who need to learn new tools quickly.

How to use it well

• Apply one idea a week to a real subject you are studying.
• Replace rereading with recall: close the book and write what you remember.
• Use a spaced repetition tool such as Anki for facts you must keep.
• Time your sessions with Pomofocus.

Pair it with on Sefism

• Focus, habits and time covers procrastination, study routines and deep work.
• If a bad result has shaken your confidence, see Handling rejection and setbacks.
• Ask Tauseef a question if you want advice on your own situation.

Best for: students who want to study smarter, not longer.