Future Learning Design Podcast

(Un)common Sense Teaching - A Conversation with Dr. Barbara Oakley

Jan 7, 2024

Dr. Barbara Oakley, author of 'A Mind for Numbers,' discusses the limitations of specialized training, the science of learning, the complexities of studying learning, dangers of molding character traits, contrasting perspectives on human nature, the free rider problem in teaching, and the value of slow thinking in education.

56:26

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Episode guests

Barbara Oakley

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Quick takeaways

The importance of common sense in teaching and the need for a nuanced understanding of learning to enhance teaching practices.

The challenges and limitations of translating neuroscientific research into classroom practice, and the importance of critically evaluating research findings.

Deep dives

Uncommon Sense Teaching: Insights from Neuroscience and Education

In her latest book, Barbara Oakley explores the intersection of neuroscience and education to provide valuable insights for teachers. She emphasizes the importance of common sense in teaching and challenges the idea that there is a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Oakley highlights major phenomena from neuroscience that are relevant to the educational process, such as the two different learning systems in the brain and the importance of taking breaks. She also discusses the translation problem between neuroscientific research and classroom practice, urging educators to be critical consumers of scientific findings. Overall, the book encourages teachers to embrace a more nuanced understanding of learning and to use neuroscience as a tool for enhancing their teaching practices.

Neuroscientific insights vs. Myths in Education

01:21

Setting Boundaries in Different Contexts

01:17

The Role of Hippocampus in Learning and Education

02:14

Translational Research in Education and Policy

02:18

Introduction

2min

The Science of Learning and Transformations

21min

Exploring Complexity and Psychological Research

5min

Dispositions and the Dangers of Molding Character Traits

5min

Contrasting Perspectives on Human Nature and Challenges within Student Teams

3min

The Free Rider Problem and Uncommon Sense Teaching

12min

The Value of Slow Thinking in Education

7min

Professor Barbara Oakley is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University. Barbara’s research has been described as “revolutionary” in the Wall Street Journal. She is New York Times best-selling author who has published in outlets as varied as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Her book A Mind for Numbers, on effective learning in STEM disciplines, has sold over a million copies worldwide.

Together with Terrence Sejnowski, the Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute, Barbara co-teaches Coursera’s “Learning How to Learn,” one of the world’s most popular massive open online courses with some four million registered students, along with a number of other leading MOOCs.

Barbara has adventured widely through her lifetime. She rose from the ranks of Private to Captain in the U.S. Army, during which time she was recognized as a Distinguished Military Scholar. She also worked as a communications expert at the South Pole Station in Antarctica, and has served as a Russian translator on board Soviet trawlers on the Bering Sea.

Barbara's latest books:

Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn

Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything

Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying; A Guide for Kids and Teens

You can find others here: https://barbaraoakley.com/books/

Social Links

LinkedIn: @barbaraoakley

Instagram: @barb_oakley