#81: Barbara Oakley — Author of “Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn,” Engineer, Professor at Oakland University, and Fmr. Army Captain
Apr 20, 2022
auto_awesome
Barbara Oakley, author and professor, reveals that most educational institutions are scams. She discusses the benefits of 'Uncommon Sense Teaching' and game-changing techniques like the Pomodoro technique and retrieval practice. The challenges faced in implementing retrieval practice in education and improving online learning are also explored.
Understanding the mechanics of learning is crucial for building high-performing learning organizations, and effective coaching and development facilitates mastery of subjects in a rapidly changing workforce climate.
Retrieval practice, such as trying to remember information without referencing the source material, and the Pomodoro technique of focused work periods followed by short breaks are powerful strategies for enhancing memory, understanding, retention, productivity, and engagement in learning.
Deep dives
The Importance of Fundamentals in Learning
Despite changes over time, there are fundamental principles of learning that remain consistent. For example, knowledge and skills acquired in the 1950s as an engineer are still applicable today. This challenges the notion that everything has drastically changed. Understanding the mechanics of learning is crucial for building high-performing learning organizations. Mastery of subjects can be facilitated by effective coaching and development, especially in a rapidly changing workforce climate.
Effective Learning Strategies
The podcast explores specific learning strategies discussed in the book 'Uncommon Sense Teaching' by Barbara Oakley. One powerful strategy is retrieval practice, which involves trying to remember information without referencing the source material. This practice of recalling information helps strengthen memory and neural connections, leading to better understanding and retention. Another effective strategy is the Pomodoro technique, which involves focused work periods of 25 minutes followed by short breaks. This technique has proven to be a game changer for learners, enhancing productivity and engagement.
The Potential of Online Learning
Online learning has faced criticism in comparison to traditional face-to-face learning. However, the podcast highlights the growing recognition of online learning's effectiveness. Online courses, when designed with engaging content and meaningful interactions, have the potential to outperform traditional forms of instruction. Not only is online learning more cost-effective, but it also allows for flexibility, accessibility, and the development of highly engaging courses. Additionally, online learning can help level the playing field, providing quality education to disadvantaged individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional learning environments.
Hundreds of institutions, both online and offline, claim to offer quality educational experiences and expose you to the best learning techniques available.
According to Barbara Oakley, most of these groups are nothing more than scams.
For the past 30 years Barbara has focused all of her research on the relationship between neuroscience and social behavior. Published in outlets such as the National Academy of Sciences, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, where her work has been called “revolutionary.”
Barbara has had a varied career, starting in the U.S. Army and eventually serving as a Captain stationed in Europe. She then received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, while serving as a translator for ships in the Bering Sea. She then spent a season as the radio operator for South Pole Station Antarctica (where she met her husband), and then “settled down” near Seattle as a control engineer in a laser research and development firm. After a final run at Ford Motors, Barbara began consulting and teaching at Oakland University.
Needless to say, Barbara knows how to master skills quickly and effectively. Her decades of hands-on application and in depth research has been compiled into a number of her books, most recently “Learning How to Learn,” “Learn Like a Pro,” and “Uncommon Sense Teaching.”
We sat down with Barbara to delve deeper into her strategies and research, and what the future of learning could achieve with a new hybrid standard.
So with that…let’s bring it in!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode