Learning How To Learn for Youth (Coursera)

Learning How To Learn for Youth Online Course Overview

Based on the most popular open online course in the world, Learning How To Learn for Youth Coursera course gives you easy access to the learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. No matter what your current skill level, using these approaches can help you master new topics, change your thinking and improve your life.

This course explains:

• Why sometimes letting your mind wander is an important part of the learning process
• How to avoid “rut think” in order to think outside the box
• The value of metaphors in developing understanding
• A simple, yet powerful, way to stop procrastinating

If you’re already an expert, these strategies will turbocharge your learning, including test-taking tips and insights that will help you make the best use of your time on homework and problem sets.

We all have the tools to learn what might not seem to come naturally to us at first—the secret is to understand how the brain works so we can unlock its power.

Filled with animations, application questions, and exercises, this course makes learning easy and fun!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Compare two modes of thinking and their effective use.
• Identify the cause of procrastination and how to stop doing it.
• Explain how sleep and exercise improve learning and memory.
• Discover how active learning can help you study more effectively.

Course Syllabus

WEEK 1 – What is Learning?

In this module, we’ll use metaphor and analogy to help you more easily understand key ideas about how your brain works. You will discover two modes of thinking—you can use these modes in different ways to improve your learning. We will also show you a powerful tool for tackling procrastination, give you some great memory tips, and point out why “sleeping on it” can be a good idea!

WEEK 2 – Tips to Build Your Memory

In this module, we explore the brain’s process for storing information in long-term memory in an easy to understand metaphor involving a school bag, a locker and an octopus. Then, we will talk about some of the best ways to access your brain’s most powerful long-term memory systems, like metaphor, recall, memory palace and rhyming.

WEEK 3 – Brain Links and Study Tips

In this module, we’re going to talk more about important ideas and techniques that will enhance your ability to learn. You’ll also discover how to avoid “information overload,” and how to recognize your own strengths. Fighter pilots and surgeons use checklists to help them with their critical duties—you can use a similar checklist to help you prepare for tests. Ultimately, you will learn more about the joys of living a life filled with learning!

Teacher

• Dr. Barbara Oakley
• Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
• Greg Hammons