Equip yourselves with powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects.
Learning is both an objective and a subjective process. There are some objective steps such as listening reading, writing, reviewing, repetition and practice and some subjective conditions like difficulty, enjoyment, and memorisation and retention abilities. True learning requires one to first look within themselves in order to understand the method that is most efficient and effective for them. If they can identify that, they can bring about an effortless stream of focus and discipline making learning a painless and entertaining activity. A learner who is self-aware, self-reflective, and well-disciplined can develop a ‘turbocharged’ brain, instantly coming up with creative solutions to any problem, becoming resilient and versatile, armed with the ability to adapt to a wide range of practical challenges. But how exactly does one identify the method that is most effective for their learning purpose?
The course ‘Learning How to Learn’ is a good place to start. It provides direct access to invaluable learning techniques employed by experts across various fields. Delving into the course introduces the brain’s two distinct learning modes and the concept of chunking information. In addition, myths about learning, efficient memory techniques, beating procrastination, and presenting research-based methods for completing challenging courses are analysed. Applications of these methods transform perspectives and open the mind to diverse ways of thinking. In addition, it also provides creative approaches to facilitate effective learning, such as novel approaches to test-taking and suggestions for optimising problem-solving techniques. It offers a plethora of useful strategies to assist those who are struggling to get back on track. This course is a comprehensive guide to becoming proficient, regardless of the field in which you hope to improve.
Module 1: What is Learning?
This module uses metaphors and analogies to help simplify matters by discovering several fundamentally different modes of thinking and how an individual uses these methods to improve self-learning. Using various videos and reading materials, tools for tackling procrastination, practical information about memory, and useful insights about learning and adequate rest are explained in this introductory module.
Duration: 4 hours
Readings: 5
Videos: 14
Quizzes: 2
Module 2: Chunking
This module introduces the concept of ‘chunks.’ Chunks are compact packages of information, easily accessed through the mind. The module explains how information chunks are formed in the brain and how they can be implemented to improve understanding of subject material. Additional discussions include the usefulness of chunks to aid in exams, the illusion of competence in learning, challenging overlearning and showcasing the advantages of interleaving.
Duration: 2 hours
Readings: 1
Videos: 13
Quizzes: 3
Module 3: Procrastination and Memory
This module discusses two intimately connected ideas – procrastination and memory. It explains the importance of handling procrastination in order to construct chunks in long-term memory that are easily accessible to short-term memory, which is a lengthy and cumbersome process. Moreover, it provides an analysis of the most suitable ways to access the brain’s most powerful long-term memory systems.
Duration: 4 hours
Readings: 1
Videos: 0
Quizzes: 3
Module 4: Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential
The final module encompasses techniques that enhance an individual’s ability to learn. The module contains peer activities to help learners recognise their strengths, and engage in confidence-building exercises to help overcome ‘imposter syndrome’. The module concludes the course by encouraging students to read supplementary materials an explore more on the joy of learning.
Duration: 4 hours
Readings: 3
Videos: 16
Quizzes: 3
COURSE OVERVIEW
Platform: Coursera
Duration: 15 hours
Difficulty: Beginner
Flexibility: Self-paced
