Barbara Oakley PhD, a top expert in the psychology of learning, shares practical advice on optimizing learning, memory boosting, and neutralizing procrastination. Topics include improving the education system, mechanics of learning, perceptions of mathematical ability, and the importance of optimistic realism. Oakley's online course, 'Learning How to Learn,' has over half a million students. Discover her inspiring story and strategies to improve memory and learning.
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Quick takeaways
To increase memory and learning, use visual imagery or funny associations to enhance memory retention.
Rather than focusing only on natural talents and passions, explore new subjects and skills to broaden knowledge and improve job prospects.
Deep dives
Practical Strategies for Learning and Memory
To increase memory and learning, focus on one small thing at a time and work on that. Use visual imagery or create funny associations to enhance memory retention. Visual cues have a strong impact on memory, so try to make information more visually engaging. The more vivid and humorous the associations, the better the memory retention. Practicing these techniques can lead to faster and more effective learning.
The Importance of Broadening Passions
Rather than only pursuing what you are naturally good at or passionate about, consider broadening your interests. Explore new subjects and skills, even if they may not come naturally at first. Having a diverse range of knowledge and abilities can open up new horizons and improve job prospects in today's technology-driven world.
The Value of Systems Thinking
Systems engineering emphasizes the interconnectedness and underlying relationships between different disciplines. Similarly, cultivating a systems thinking mindset can help in understanding the deeper connections between seemingly unrelated topics. It allows for a more holistic and flexible approach to learning and problem-solving.
The Pomodoro Technique and Overcoming Procrastination
To combat procrastination, use the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes and dedicate that time to focused work on a specific task. After the 25 minutes, take a short break to relax. This method helps increase productivity and reduces the avoidance of challenging tasks.
On this episode of The Psychology Podcast, we dive deep into the psychology of learning with one of its top experts, Barbara Oakley PhD. She shares some tremendously practical advice on how to optimize learning, boost memory and neutralize procrastination. We also shed light on related topics like improving the education system, the mechanics of learning, popular perceptions of mathematical ability and the importance of optimistic realism. Barbara's free online course Learning How to Learn is one of the most popular courses in the world, with well over half a million students in its first six months alone; We’re lucky to learn from this master of learning how to learn!
"Barbara Oakley, PhD, PE, is a professor of engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and writer of national acclaim. Her research focuses on the complex relationship between neuroscience and social behavior. Dr. Oakley’s research has been described as “revolutionary” in the Wall Street Journal—she has published in outlets as varied as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and The New York Times. Oakley’s books have been praised by many leading researchers and writers, including Harvard’s Steven Pinker and E. O. Wilson, and National Book Award winner Joyce Carol Oates. Her forthcoming A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra) (Penguin, July 31, 2014) is opening new doors on how to learn.” -Blurb taken from Coursera