Teaching Python

Episode 68: Learning How To Learn with Barbara Oakley

19 snips
May 18, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Barbara Oakley, a professor and author known for her insights into how we learn, shares her journey from a Russian translator to a leading educational innovator. She outlines the two pathways of memory—declarative and procedural—and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful practice and pattern recognition in mastering skills like coding. Oakley also explores the thrill of the 'click moment' in learning, the balance of failure and iteration, and the role of curiosity in education. Plus, she highlights her upcoming books and courses.
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ANECDOTE

Discovery Of A Mind-Explaining Book

  • Barbara found a book that finally explains the brain's flow and algorithms in a satisfying way.
  • She felt excited and eager to read more after a poor prior book experience.
ADVICE

Coach More, Lecture Less

  • Give students curated tutorials that match their interests while allowing divergence.
  • Coach them with questions instead of supplying every answer to boost agency and learning.
INSIGHT

Two Memory Highways

  • The brain uses two pathways: declarative (conscious) and procedural (unconscious).
  • Effective learning mixes explicit instruction with lots of practice to build both pathways.
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