Learning How to Learn

About the Author

Barbara Oakley is a professor of engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and is widely recognized for her interdisciplinary work that merges the fields of engineering, education, and neuroscience. Her academic journey is unconventional; she initially struggled with technical subjects, particularly math and science. However, driven by a desire to overcome her challenges, she pursued a career in the U.S. Army, eventually returning to academia with a newfound determination to conquer the subjects that once seemed insurmountable. This personal experience of transforming from a self-professed "math-phobe" to an engineering professor provides the foundation for Oakley’s commitment to helping others learn effectively.

Oakley’s passion for education and effective learning strategies led her to author several books, including the highly acclaimed "A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)." Her work often focuses on demystifying the learning process, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. In "Learning How to Learn," co-authored with Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, a prominent neuroscientist, Oakley combines practical study techniques with insights from neuroscience. Together, they provide a comprehensive guide that is as useful for pre-teen students as it is for adult learners, grounded in the latest scientific understanding of how the brain works.

Main Idea

"Learning How to Learn" is a practical guide that empowers readers to master any subject by applying effective study techniques grounded in neuroscience. The book challenges the notion that success in learning is reserved for the naturally gifted or those with inherent abilities. Instead, Oakley and Sejnowski argue that anyone can excel in any subject by understanding how the brain processes information and by utilizing strategies that align with these processes. By focusing on how to form and strengthen neural connections, the authors provide actionable advice that can improve memory, enhance understanding, and boost overall learning effectiveness.

The central message of the book is that learning is not about innate talent but about strategy. By adopting a growth mindset and employing specific techniques—such as active recall, spaced repetition, and multisensory learning—readers can unlock their potential to learn anything, no matter how difficult it may seem. The book serves as both a motivational tool and a practical manual, offering insights that are applicable across all ages and educational backgrounds.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Unlocking the Power of Learning
• Chapter 1: The Science of Learning – How Your Brain Learns
• Chapter 2: Strengthening Your Synapses – Techniques for Better Learning
• Chapter 3: Multisensory Learning – Engaging All Your Senses
• Chapter 4: The Power of Metaphors – Making Abstract Concepts Concrete
• Chapter 5: The Importance of Sleep and Exercise – Enhancing Brain Function
• Chapter 6: Active Recall and Spaced Repetition – Proven Memory Techniques
• Chapter 7: Focused and Diffuse Thinking – Balancing Two Modes of Thought
• Conclusion: Becoming a Master Learner

Introduction: Unlocking the Power of Learning

Barbara Oakley’s journey from struggling with math to becoming a respected engineering professor is a powerful testament to the book’s core message: learning is a skill that can be developed with the right approach. In the introduction, Oakley reflects on her experiences, emphasizing that her success was not due to natural talent but to the deliberate application of effective learning strategies. This personal narrative sets the tone for the book, reassuring readers that they too can overcome their learning challenges.

The introduction also highlights the collaboration between Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski. Together, they explore the science behind learning, making complex neurological concepts accessible and relevant to everyday study practices. The goal of the book is clear: to provide readers with the tools they need to learn more effectively by leveraging the latest insights from neuroscience. This foundation is crucial as it dispels common myths about learning and prepares the reader to embrace new strategies that can transform their educational experience.

Chapter 1: The Science of Learning – How Your Brain Learns

The first chapter dives into the fundamental science of how learning occurs in the brain. Oakley and Sejnowski explain that learning involves the formation of neural connections, or synapses, between brain cells. These connections represent the pathways through which information is stored and retrieved. The more frequently these pathways are used, the stronger they become, making it easier to recall the information associated with them.