Learning How To Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

Welcome to the first week of Learning How to Learn! Since living brains are very complex, we begin our course by using metaphor and analogy to help simplify matters. In this module, you will discover several fundamentally different modes of thinking, and how you can use these modes to improve your learning. You will also be introduced to a tool for tackling procrastination, be given some practical information about memory, and discover surprisingly useful insights about learning and sleep.

Welcome to week 2! In case you missed it, we encourage you to check out this wonderful 1 minute video by Mentor MaryAnne Nestor about the great insights that are ahead for you.

In this week’s module, we’re going to be learning about chunks. Chunks are compact packages of information that your mind can easily access. We’ll talk about how you can form chunks, how you can use them to improve your understanding and creativity with the material, and how chunks can help you to do better on tests. We’ll also explore illusions of competence in learning, the challenges of overlearning, and the advantages of interleaving.

In this third week of Learning How to Learn we're going to do a fun, deep dive into procrastination and memory. We'll also explore the important connection between those two seemingly different subject areas. Building solid chunks in long term memory—chunks that are easily accessible by your short term memory—takes time. This is why learning to handle procrastination is so important. Finally, we talk about some of the best ways to access your brain’s most powerful long term memory systems.

Many of you have mentioned an interest in language learning, so you may have a special interest (if you haven't noticed it already!) in the bonus interview with 'Benny the Irish Polyglot.' Benny emphasizes how important it is to feel free to make mistakes when you are learning to speak another language. So if you make a mistake in the discussion forums because you're not a native speaker of English, that's fantastic! It means you're learning in one of the best ways possible—by doing!

In this final 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 more profitably interact with fellow learners, how to recognize your own strengths, and how to avoid the 'imposter syndrome.' 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!

If you've been thinking about doing final project, you might want to watch this bonus interview with writing coach Daphne Gray-Grant. A lot of learners have found it really helpful for them in beginning the creative process.