Learning how to learn | Barbara Oakley | TEDxOaklandUniversity

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Engineering professor Barbara Oakley is co-teaching one of the world's largest online classes, "Learning How to Learn", www.coursera.org/course/learning.
She know firsthand how it feels to struggle with math. Dr. Oakley flunked her way through high school math and science courses, before enlisting in the U.S. Army immediately after graduation. When she saw how her lack of mathematical and technical savvy severely limited her options-both to rise in the military and to explore other careers-she returned to school with a new found determination to re-tool her brain to master the very subjects that had given her so much trouble throughout her entire life.
Barbara Oakley, PhD, PE is a professor of engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her research focuses on the complex relationship between neuroscience and social behavior, and has been described as “revolutionary” by the Wall Street Journal. 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 book A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel in Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra), will be published by Tarcher-Penguin on July 31, 2014.
Prior to her academic career, Oakley rose from private to captain in the U.S. Army, during which time she was recognized as a Distinguished Military Scholar. She met her husband, Philip, when she was working at the South Pole Station in Antarctica. Her experiences with well-intentioned altruism were shaped by her work as a Russian translator on Soviet trawlers on the Bering Sea during the early 1980s. Oakley was designated as an NSF New Century Scholar-she is also a recipient of the Oakland University Teaching Excellence Award (2013) and the National Science Foundation’s Frontiers in Engineering New Faculty Fellow Award. Oakley is an elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@remusomega]

After getting B's/C's during college, I read her book. I then enrolled in a masters program, and got a 4.0 and then killed the MCAT (98th percentile) and now I'm one year away from being a medical doctor at one of the top 10 schools in the US. Crazy how this one little book changed so much for me.

[@Nox-gu9cj]

Impressive

[@heathertoomey7068]

Woah, where were you while I was watching the TEDx talk? And here I was thinking maybe it was the best way for her and some other people but not me. Now I'm gonna check out her book.

[@komorii8342]

What’s the name of the book?

[@persephone1279]

Please mention the name of the book

[@donkey2915]

@@persephone1279 A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)

[@evermore5314]

1. go to diffuse mode whenever you're stuck 2. do podomoro technic 3. do exercise 4. tests yourself 5. recall 6. practice 7. repetition

[@sae4842]

I graduated top of my class and all of these techniques are the same techniques I used. I would redo homework until I could do them twice correctly then repeat with all homework. My tests would contain the same questions from the homework. Tests become easy this way. Having classmates ask you to explain concepts made me just recall and force me to practice more. I have never met a genius. The barrier to actually learning is entirely emotional (you don't think you can do it, you don't see the benefit now, other things are more important). Everyone can do this. The only things I don't learn are the ones I don't want to put the effort. The talk was very insightful. I'd like to see one for how to motivate yourself to want to learn something that you don't want to learn.

[@federalbureauofindigestion4084]

How much time did you find yourself putting in?

[@v.kalyaneswar9696]

@@federalbureauofindigestion4084 it doesn't matter it may take you more time but it works

[@YOURTVSTATION1]

Fake that u luv it, do it anywhr till u fall in love w it

[@alexmanuel4416]

🧢

[@sandravizija]

Pomodoro, flashcards and recall it often, is that right?

[@AGL23]

There's something about this woman as a teacher. She seems to genuinely care. I took her online course and it's changed my way of learning for the better. Highly recommended for the geniuses and the averages.

[@louiversal_]

What's the course called?

[@mohammedo5712]

@@louiversal_ It is called "Learn How to Learn" You can find it on KZbin or Coursera. It was one of the best courses I have ever taken Highly recommended

[@arnoldkintu6124]

@@mohammedo5712 just bought her book , a mind for numbers, its literally changing how my brain thinks about learning.

[@adarshshahi7225]

@@mohammedo5712 it is free aor we have to pay for it?

[@mohammedo5712]

@@adarshshahi7225 it is free

[@VivekKumar-jm5xf]

Take away: 1. Two modes of thinking : Focused and Diffused 2. The Pomodoro Technique (Procrastination Solution) 3. Understanding with practice and repetition 4. Illusion of competence in learning and the power of recall

[@twinkleverma2102]

Plz explain this video to me in words because I do not understand the English language of the native speaker

[@claudioalejoalarcon5821]

​@@twinkleverma2102 Quizás en español. Te explico lo que entendí. La ponente describe los 2 modos de pensamiento del cerebro: Enfocado y Difuso. El enfocado trabaja muy bien ideas que ya se conoce y las puede relacionar rápidamente con temas similares, pero cuando conocimientos nuevos y distintos entran al cerebro, le costará entenderlos. El modo difuso esta mas abierto a adquirir estos conocimientos nuevos y diferentes. Según explica, esto sucede porque no se esta pensando en el tema directamente. Ahí pone los casos con el pinto Dali y el inventor Edison, que cuando se encontraban con un problema y se bloqueaban. Se ponían a descansar y luego volvían a su trabajo con mayor claridad en ideas. Lo otro que dice es que para hacer efectivo el descanso y no caer en la procrastinación, se debe usar la técnica Pomodoro, donde se dedica 25 minutos a una concentración extrema y 5 minutos para relajarse o divertirse. Lo otro que dice es que el Ejercicio ayuda al aprendizaje y la memoria. También dice que tomar Pruebas rápidas y repetidas de conocimiento ayuda a retener lo aprendido. Además dice que es más efectivo que luego de leer se practique el Recuerdo de lo aprendido, en lugar de volverlo a leer o resaltar el texto. Y por último dice que el tener un amplio entendimiento no significa la maestría en el tema. La maestría lo hace la aplicación practica y repetida del tema entendido en diversas circunstancias. Saludos :D

[@naftalibendavid]

Twinkle Verma bottom line: learn material in 25 minute blocks with no interruptions or distractions and then rest for 5 Take notes as you listen to lectures. At the bottom of each page, and in the margins, write a question that is relevant to the material. That night, review your notes by attempting to answer the questions that you wrote in the margins and at the bottom of the page. Get plenty of sleep. The next morning, wake up early, see what you remember and write down your diffuse impressions. Perhaps you will make some novel connections to the ideas. Take your time and go back to the questions you wrote. Can you answer them? Good. Then see if you can reword the questions or ask them in a different way. Can you answer the new questions? If so, great. If not, review. Then, teach the material to a friend. Repeat these steps until you cover all of the material.

[@remacorban93]

U saved my time thanks

[@lotusleo1]

Thanks for summing it up.

[@bydesign3169]

Ironically, I am avoiding work to watch KZbin to learn that avoiding work to watch KZbin is a bad idea...

[@zenadove9128]

exactly ;)

[@orlandoalvarado1850]

It is called procrastination, have fun & Keep cool 😎!

[@captioner1313]

Yeah, me too.

[@nanfees7036]

Avoid procrastinating. If you have watched that much KZbin and Ted talks, then you must know about procrastinating and there is some solutions to avoid it

[@ryandowdy7852]

Sometimes personal development is part of improving your work performance

[@wriozumi]

Summary: If you find yourself, as you're focusing on something trying to learn a new concept or solve a problem, and you get stuck, you want to turn your attention away from that problem and allow the diffuse modes. Those resting states, to do their work in the background. **Procrastination => Pomodoro method** - 25min of work (with mindset *I'm going to work with focus attention for 25 minutes*) - 5min of some fun - Relaxation is also an important part of the learning process === - Exercise within a matter of a few days can increase our ability to both learn and to remember. - Test. Tests are the best. Test yourself all the time. Give yourself little mini-tests. - Recall. The most effective technique is simply to look at a page, look away and see what you can recall. Doing this, as it seems, helps build profound neural hooks that help enhance your understanding of the material. The understanding alone is enough to build mastery of the material. - Practice and repetition in a variety of circumstances can you truly gain mastery over what you're learning.

[@Jeezburger]

thanks (:

[@Mrhonoraryboomer]

Pomodoro technique has helped me deal with my ADHD. I started with 25 minutes at a time with work assignments and studying. Now I focus 1 hour at a time. My attention span grew within 2 weeks. I kept my self consistent every day and with dedication, I was able to improve my attention span. I did add 10 minutes every couple of days which is how I was able to keep focus for an hour. My advice is to keep persistence, discipline, and gradually add time to your task.

[@oneiota2424]

"Don't just follow your passions, BROADEN your passions, and your life will be enriched beyond measure" Her story is such an inspiration! I'm starting the MOOC this month : )

[@zhuomingyang9230]

使命必达！！！

[@zhuomingyang9230]

使命必达！！！

[@7mbmasihbelajar]

!!!

[@joelmelnick3786]

What do you think she means by "Broaden your passions"?

[@arnoldkintu6124]

@@joelmelnick3786 I would believe she means, try new things that you may fall in love with, not of us have hidden gifts that we never even knew about because we are stuck in a comfort zone.

[@numericacid9130]

"understanding is truly important but only when combined with practice and repition"

[@GooseTheFlick]

Where was this video all my life?

[@KDD8]

+Nightcore Coras God dammit. lol all those wasted nights studying nothing....

[@lovedivasong]

+Coras Ⓥ she also gives a course at coursera in much more detail

[@italavadic8622]

Ok

[@adstub]

you mean the beginning of your life !

[@HassanRaza-pe5rh]

This woman changed my life! I was really bad at school and I thought I would never succeed in life. I took her free course on Coursera and today I am a chartered accountant!

[@user-hw9xb5kj4q]

Well done.proud of you 💜

[@Dydreth]

I wish I could have seen this 20 years ago. She speaks to several issues I had with learning, retention, and confusing understanding with mastery.

[@camweb3192]

Dydreth I am 19 now so I’ll take these next 20 years doing what you could not

[@FranicJosip]

I saw this an hour ago. I'm 25 and after finishing one college, preparing for learning adventure in a completely different studies. Maybe book of this interesting and inspiring lady can help.

[@aminarahman3610]

its never too late

[@awesomecool3280]

​@@camweb3192are you?

[@thetute59]

Whats saddening me is that this should be a course in every schoolsystem... Learning how to learn effectivly, how to 'discover' what your type is, what your strengths are etc. is prolly one of the most powerful overall skills a human can learn. Well, besides how to hang the toilet paper the correct way around, but you get the point.

[@alexkonstantinou4782]

13:03 this woman just told me that I am creative?? Ohh hello self esteem I thought I had lost you xD!! I absolutely loved this video!!

[@ajaysaini-np6qi]

Me too

[@AswinSSoman]

Its likely you are creative, but it's alone doesn't guarantee. But the good thing is your neurons are so damn `plastic` such that whatever & however you were earlier; is not even a tip of an iceberg compared to what you are capable of !! Eg - look @ some psycho killers, you think they are abnormal ie., why they are good in executing murders by giving prior info and still manage to hide. Surprisingly they are normal, but just trying really hard to use their small stuff sitting on your shoulder weighing 3000 pounds .!!

[@jjuca_]

Me too bro

[@ludwinrafaelchaconquiroa1484]

she is just awesome at the moment of show how to master your skills

[@escuelapsicodelica]

Hahahha this made me laugh

[@CasioArtist]

I completed the course , "learning how to learn" . Its an excellent course and helped me improve a lot...

[@tello9504]

Yes, she is the best.

[@sachinkantjha]

Then why don't you try 'Mindshift'

[@ismailhakkkutluhan7159]

Where did you take and complete? Thanks

[@tello9504]

@@ismailhakkkutluhan7159 Coursera

[@ismailhakkkutluhan7159]

@@tello9504 many thanks for informing.

[@criticalquitter]

Watching this makes me feel awful. I view myself as a chronic quitter. I've quit 3 different schools (post high school). The reason for doing this in the end has always been emotional. The act of studying and focusing my attention on exercises intently over time gives me extreme anxiety and also drains me so much. I've tried the pomodoro technique several times, even being able to have "good sessions" multiple days in a row but finally giving in to the deathly anxiety of feeling that what I'm doing isn't worth it and that I'm burning myself out. I'm 24 and haven't ever found a way of learning anything by choice that didn't automatically stick in my brain. I just feel so worthless and handicapped when i think about it. I truly am in awe of people who can learn by choice, and who don't get depressed by the process.

[@vitorialeonardo2453]

i'm feeling the same... when i sit down and try to do something i just can't

[@DailyMental]

Anxiety can be a difficult thing to overcome, and getting into an STEM field is definitely challenging but worth it. I felt the same way.I knew i was smart but anxiety would just make me loose control of my thoughts and ended up feeling insecure, this is why i believe fitness and health is very important in this matter, not about becoming a bodybuilder or an athlete but exercising and eating healthy will help tremendously and give you a sense of confidence and control of your life, from there you take small steps into who you want to become and start feeling more confident with time.

[@kevinfaltin4856]

There is a few ways of circumventing that problem. Hypnosis, self affirmations, NLP and most importantly a playful attitude to name a few. Just do some research on these and you're half way there. Good luck.

[@QuentinYT-]

Je suis comme toi

[@Seftehandle]

To sum up: focused learning (pomodoro technique), exeecise, tests, replace highlighting with read-look away- recall learning. FOR ME MAYBE MOST IMPORTANT : RE-DO HOMEWORK OVER AND OVER UNTIL THE ANSWER COMES NATURALLY TO YOU.

[@sidshri6080]

tina:D till solutions flow like a song

[@Amanda-qe5lj]

may i ask you to explain it better to me please? I've tried this recall learning (read and look away in Anki) and i couldn't most of the times remember even the word i was learning.

[@personwatchingthings1354]

Another good way when it comes to book learning is to try to build on to what it's saying. Say you're studying history, read the page and then think about connections to other things you can make. I like to write little notes on the side like, this reminds me of this. Then connect it to other parts of you're reading. In the end, I type mini-essays to recall all of the information.

[@abbaslegend9214]

@@Amanda-qe5lj watch the full video bro its goof

[@abbaslegend9214]

@@Amanda-qe5lj goof

[@Crazywaffle5150]

OMG I love this woman.

[@naingchanmyae]

Crazywaffle5150 me too

[@ajun7308]

Me too:)

[@rooost9856]

Me too

[@juliechase2325]

She's such a badass educator and person. Very inspiring!

[@MA-yu2ss]

@August Beckwith how is she a man? Childish comment

[@user-je4xw6tx3k]

You know what? You are my hero, because you flunked all your math and science subjects since 3rd garde but you turned out to be an engineering professor! No one is more encouraging than your story! I am definitely a slow learner, i got frustrated all the time, spinning my wheels, but i have a dream to learn the most profound laws of the universe - string theory, that’s my dream, although i got bad grades from almost all of the courses, some even failed but i still working on it. Yes you are right, i should regard myself as a hiker, and i should believe on myself that one day i could success. On the other hand, yes you are right, i should broaden my passions too, my life could be enriched beyond measure, i take that idea and i will change my life.

[@aika7974]

so, hows your physics bro?

[@user-je4xw6tx3k]

@@aika7974 haha, I graduated from Master degree of physics, and now I am a normal programmer. I realised I should accept the past and deal with real life problems like saving, marriage, buy new houses, give birth to kids etc.

[@BineeshDharmajan]

hope you learnt string theory?

[@TusharPatel-ke3kb]

Outstanding! Read her book ' A Mind For Numbers'. Don't let the title fool you as it is not just about learning Maths. It is about learning period and it is an absolute gem. Thank you Barbara Oakley for inspiring me to learn and be more.

[@HenriQ2]

"I will do my entire homework in 25 minutes. No, i will work with focused attention for 25 minutes. And thats the key." One of the best mental health advice one can give and have.

[@sherrymilligan-turner2999]

I always have a half-hour to one hour break before any exam/test. I purposefully push out all thoughts of the test and either sleep or do something completely unrelated that's fun. While I'm doing this, the info is prepping itself for the test. Works like a charm! (It only works if I have studied efficiently, as per the suggestions in her talk.)

[@adamcarr9442]

In senior year at college, I was about to take the Graduate Record exam. I hadn't had a math class in 4 years. The night before, I dreamed about solving math problems. I ended up with a 89th%ile score on the math portion.

[@Funandconsciousness]

"Don't just follow your passions - broaden your passions ... and your life will be enriched beyond measure." Appropriate expansive conclusion, Barbara. And I like the concept of focused thinking balanced with diffused thinking. Thank you.

[@DrSRanjanMBBSAcupuncturist]

Be in the company of People who are Living passions like you.

[@Alexandra-yr1qr]

This is the first time during procrastination that I found such a useful video for my college life. I'm a med student in my second year and I'm trying not to procrastinate or let down what I have to do, since I can't seem to remember stuff so well. I feel so much better right now

[@ishruthimamdin2215]

As a teacher myself,I have enrolled n completed her online course on Coursera during lockdown. It was just amazing! Then I shared the techniques that I learnt with the students. Simple techniques, yet so powerful. Thanks Barbara!

[@lucias1276]

Which techniques works for you?

[@slash_odessa]

противно уже читать про ваши изоляции....

[@XXXFirebird76XXX]

After watching this video, I've come to the conclusion that I spend way too much time in the diffuse mode. =)

[@wowzers9270]

+Racer X bomb diffused.

[@sprouts]

+Racer X maybe use the Pomodoro more often ;)

[@erika8627]

Haha, ditto!

[@fernadot.baltazar4486]

Racer X you addicted junkie

[@drxn4598]

Motocross?

[@jennifergustin1389]

I am a homeschooling mother and have started looking into more effective ways of learning and how to teach my children more effectively. Thank you for sharing your passion for effective learning.

[@swavnasahoo711]

That's beautiful!

[@dracunculusmedinensis8210]

*applause*

[@alelo9422]

11:04 Pomodoro Tecnique: a) stay focus 100% on what you are studying b) followed by 5mins of a joyful activity 12:04 Dont sit thinking you'll end your whole homework set in those 25 mins, instead I am going to work with my focused attention for 25 mins 16:00 Recall: what I recall and understand of what I just read

[@redshows6964]

Can we talk?

[@Letrus100]

I took her class on coursera a few months ago. She taught some very useful information about learning.

[@franciscoj.mavoa.70]

+Letrus100 absolutely

[@erika8627]

Was the class free? I can't seem to find a free version.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Thanks! I'll research that!

[@BPSYED]

I would love to take the class also, but I may not be able to afford it. I wish to get a free version if available.

[@anush7386]

@Big Smoke yes do her course if u want

[@ChristineEDrew]

When I was in college, I would do the Pomodoro effect...I had no idea...I would study for 20 to 30 minutes and then eat 10 or 12 Chinese noodles. I am not sure why that seemed to be such a treat, but perhaps it was just a way to take a break. I would enjoy EACH one and this was a shared event with my roommate, by the way. I have always been introspective about the process, fortunately. Now I work in the Art of Learning as applied to K-12 public education. BRAVO to you and thank you for your introspection, shared.

[@bensonleonard8414]

Hello Christine

[@bensonleonard8414]

How are you doing?

[@toseeornot2see]

So true. Unfortunately, the very institutions that should be teaching us this - like schools - fail to do so.What's worse is that modern day desk jobs overload employees with so much work that learning is turned into a very stressful exercise, rather than being fun,

[@revan6614]

You and everyone else can easily learn this on your own online.

[@kloudthree1886]

Revan that's awful advice for anyone in SWE....that whole career is centered around learning

[@miteshrupal3235]

watch 3 idiots

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Desk jobs will never be fun but someone has to do them anyway.

[@amirhosseinetemad3094]

conclusion of video : until you dont do practice tests and spaced repetition you dont truly get mastery of concept xDD

[@yousifshukry2807]

i have this awesome woman, professor now for one of my engineering classes at OU. Sentences can't describe this legend. I'm honor and proud to be one of her students. Thank you Professor Oakley for every single thing you teaching me.

[@RooHemmings]

All my life I've convinced myself that I'm not good enough for maths, so just like her I've struggled with maths during middle school and high school. So I avoided maths and decided to study Library and Information Science. I'm 22 and I'll finish my career next year, and I've been thinking that after I finish I want to study electrical engineering. I forgot everything I knew about maths but this woman has inspired me with her story and I now believe that if I put all my effort I can achieve my new goal. I've started reading her book (A Mind for Numbers) and it's really helping me! If you have any book suggestions or opinions on what should I start working with first, I'd really appreciate it.

[@meghanakv2127]

I would recommend you mindshift. It is more about career change but it will help you

[@quinnherden]

Hey Ro! That's awesome. How's it going? Need a hand?

[@Hailexx]

15:40 "When you do a homework problem, never just work it once and put it away. Would you ever sing a song once and think you knew the song? (...) Work that problem several times over several days until the solution flows from your mind, like a song." Beautiful analogy, that I personally really needed to hear. Not only on how to actually learn something, but NOT TO PROCRASTINATE!

[@DisappointingPorn]

Genuinely powerful. Nothing flashy, just truth. I loved this. Thank you.

[@thaboradebe1003]

Thanks a lot, my name is Thabo I live in South Africa. And this video has showed me that in life you can change the way you do things. After my high school I completed a National Diploma in IT, and while my friends after graduation they went to work place and I went back to high school improve my grade 12 marks so that I can enroll to a university. and fortunately my marks did improve very well and currently I am studying Bachelors Degree in Education majoring with computer science, English and Geography at the top 5 university in AFRICA! which is University of South Africa. If I have not changed the way I do things, I wouldn't be where I am. Thanks a lot.

[@michaelafanasiev2318]

This video is a MUST for anyone trying to learn something new or be better in school. This completely changed my way of learning and for that I am forever grateful to Professor Barbara Oakley!

[@hannanmalik4793]

1-Difference between Focused mode and Diffused mode and how you can use diffused mode to learn new things. 2-Pomodoro Technique 3-A method to kill procrastination by above technique 4-Learning effectively by doing homework over and over again until it flows like song in your mind. 5-Difference between recognition and recalling study text and why recalling is better than earlier.

[@USSBARBEL]

Wow! Tailor made for me. Right between the eyes! 52 years old and struggle with learning. Loved Physics and Chemistry in high school, programming for as long as I was in college... but nearly failed at all 3. Late in life, but this was a list of simple, encouraging techniques. Thank you!

[@BPSYED]

Steve Bridge Hi Steve, I hope you have finished your study. I am going to be 63 young and would like to go to uni to master something I do not know much. It will take me 4-5 yrs to learn. I need your opinion about my intention. I am just an average guy, not that smart anymore like when I was a child. Thank you

[@imback2killu328]

Yanto Irjanto 63 years old*

[@saniyayaya7608]

@@BPSYED good luck with your course! I'm sure you will do great :)

[@beautifulday7528]

I'm 65 and my experience has been similar. It is never too late, right? Finally learning how to retain info.....

[@Lyra1963]

I changed careers, now 2 years in I'm stuck. I feel like I'm in over my head. 17 minutes later and I feel like I have a chance at learning this stuff, which rewrites that I learn how to learn - for me! This was a godsend!

[@ducdinh8404]

As someone who heard this story the first time from Barbara on Coursera 5 6 years ago, I still find it amazing the 2nd time I hear it 😂 she's like a living proof to me that someone actually successfully done it, being an expert of something that they used to run away from because they either hate or are bad at it. "An expert" may not even be enough to cut it here. I mean, she became a professor, someone who research and grab concepts academically. That's much harder comparing to just being able to master the skills after years of practicing, in my opinion

[@jane_maloloy-on9767]

I'm like I am being the example of diffuse mode.... Thank you for making me realize, that it is an addiction, and not helping me grow up in my own learning/understanding... Content stays as content itself, unless you put your heart to it, to understand, translate and apply where is this to be use, of which we know is necessary in learning.

[@z8669zzz]

I took Barbara Oakley's class "Learning how to learn" and several years later it brought a smile to my face to the palmadaro timer [tomato in Italian] and 25 minutes! 😅

[@jessicaurban6276]

I must say, this is one of the best ted talks I have ever seen.

[@zxnz215]

As a skilled procrastinator and a graduate student, I confirm that her methods and suggestions are very reliable and practical. And the course of Coursera with the same name is a treasure -- I read a lot of materials about procrastination and learning, so I have a collection of methods of my own, but the content of the course is weirdly coincident with my methods (of course, more informative and in a better organization).

[@lucias1276]

Can you share?

[@kohikappu]

@@lucias1276 Google "How to learn about learning" and you will see that website. And about the OP, yes, it is strangely similar to methods I used but a bit more informative.

[@neverforget7545]

I'm learning for my final law exam for 8 month now and I still have to go for at least 10 more month.. I used this method without knowing that it is a "method".. When I was stuck at a Subjekt I started walking around in the library thinking about anything but law.. just because I was fed up.. when I got back to my desk the problem was much clearer and easier than before.. So now I always focus for 30-45 min and then go for a walk around the library.. it really works..

[@kwanpakshing]

whenever i re-watch this video , I re-focus on what is the key concepts in effective learning that I've forgot find some enlightenment. This advice from Barbara is timeless.

[@RobertCaruntu]

That's so great. I've started working with the pomodoro technique several days ago and I can feel a difference. The "pain " caused by procrastination has reduced.

[@MeiZu0606]

Teacher Barbara it's awesome, she is a genius, i take this course with her and it's excellent!!

[@Human_Evolution-]

Where is "this course?"

[@souley7084]

@@Human_Evolution- the "Learn How To Learn" course of her it's in Coursera. It's the most famous MOOC course of the entire world.

[@93pula]

Thank You Professor! I can see that you absolutely LOVE what you do! That's the kind of teachers that should be teaching! Much respect!

[@Johnged15]

Dr. Oakley is a genuine help to students all over the world.

[@johnmariano47]

I always go back to her talks. These are just so helpful to be reminded and discover for oneself his or her personal roadblocks in learning and essentially in how to focus. I recommend a regular watch of her videos as we are inundated with information but not really taking anything. The slow learner strikes me as one who would dwell on the material and carefully see the subtle differences and is not worried about chasing new information. The recalling part is usually not even something we think is necessary as we have become new information-devouring machines. It seems to me that in real-life situations it is the "slow and recall method" that works hand in hand to get something to stick whether it is learning and mastery and expanding its application or even changing a habit. Thanks Mrs. Barbara!

[@TheGreatslyfer]

very good method and explanation of the concepts behind why certain learning methods are better than others. Great job Barbara Oakley!!

[@idkwhouthinkuis]

1:36 wow look at the passion of the way she says that

[@armer18]

For me, Pomodoro never worked as a solution for procrastination, time blockers on certain websites, hiding headphones, etc. GAMECHANGER was making these experiences less pleasurable for example I installed plugins that remove recommended videos, comment sections (I have turned it off to write this comment ;) ), trending videos on youtube, deleted all spamming friends on Fb, unfollowed people on Instagram that post only pictures of themselves. For me, these strategies helped with life-long addiction so I hope this might help you. At first, you miss it but after a month, or two. You will be happy that you have done that AND you will never look back!

[@MediaNSTEM]

We at NSTEM are constantly encouraging girls and boys, men and women to study STEM fields. Many struggle to learn and study correctly. Knowing about the two learning modes- focus and diffuse modes- is important and vital. Your idea of focusing for 25 minutes and then doing something relaxing and fun is wonderful and should be used when learning and teaching.

[@YGNCode]

Amazing, I finish the course on Coursera. And I still re-watch this talk sometime. Thank you, thank you, thank you

[@crivera7525]

My 12-year-old son, said mom please let her know that this message came right on time. Thank you.

[@aamirafzal3992]

amazing... reallly needed this at this time of my life. Nothing could ever work better than this for sure. Thanks Barbara.

[@marlenemunoz3633]

I just loved your book: "A Mind for Numbers"

[@minisahu5446]

This book inspired me to work hard in math. She talked about how bad she was in math and science . And now she is a professor.

[@jmauremootoo]

Thank you Barbara for these powerful and succinctly expressed insights

[@hmbach]

A really interesting talk. I like to learn new stuff (even at the age of 58) but am such a procrastinator. I am also a teacher so its great to have some ideas to pass onto my students to help them with their learning, as well as to inspire me in my teaching. Anyway, I'm going to get off KZbin now and go for a spin on my bike. After that I'll do 25 minutes of Italian language study followed by a nice cup of coffee! Thanks to TEDx for another brilliant video.

[@seanadcroft1993]

Just signed up for Professor Oakley's "Learning to Learn" Coursera class.

[@NguyenHuynhVinhPhuoc]

1. Try to focus, not try to complete the task 2. Learn how to relax in addition to how to focus 3. Try to remember thing by looking around to find the hook 4. Try to test the information in various circumstances. Don't do it alone 5. Turn the lesson into test, exam

[@ChristineEDrew]

The comments about highlighting vs looking away from the page may have been, oddly, the most profound tip for students and studying. Annotation vs remembering has a foothold that is not helping students stretch their own minds for memory.

[@teodorocastillo2175]

I can feel her passion on the topic. OMG I love her so much!

[@alessandrofacciani7209]

Some people can teach you tons of interesting things and how to apply them in different fields...and definitely she is one of those people!An accurate explanation of what means learning to learn!Very very exciting

[@javeth88]

This is a profound addition. Thank you, Barbara, for such an amazing talk and boosting the self-esteem of myself and all our brothers. You are so sweet and also sounds like that yellow little bird from Tom and Jerry.

[@pritichandrakar1612]

It seems like she solved my every problem now I am feeling very confident

[@optimuschow4132]

Oh my gosh, it took back me back to the good old college days. How I missed them

[@BrunoRodrigues-fw9ri]

one of the best videos i've seen on youtube in a while! absolutely wonderful

[@rahulmn007]

you and your book are a revolution.thank you.

[@colorsandsymbols8994]

I'm on this "How to Learn" marathon, watching videos after videos and they're all saying the same thing she's saying. 1. You have to be excited about what you're learning. If it's a topic you hate, find a way to be excited about it. 2. Focused learning for 25 minute, reward yourself with fun for 5min. Repeat. The more you do this, the longer you can remain focused before automatically zoning out. 3. Recall - Test what you know. Do you know the material well enough to actually teach it? Practice teaching someone else what you learned. Apply the information, don't just learn it, use it.

[@omeomy831]

She's describing me! I'm with possible OCD & never seem to focus but when my mind is defused I feel powerful so powerful I can easily understand a language I am getting familiar with or whole essay! I always thought that was a bad thing but in contrary it's a good thing on having OCD!

[@backfru]

really enjoyed this one. took alot of different ideas I have heard over the years and put them into one place. excellent. thanks!

[@mmolive19]

One of the most insightful videos ever

[@Hypercube1729]

Best video on this subject by far! TEDx has alot of videos covering this issue, but this is the best one. Those others have some random new-age quasi-intellectual philosophical mumbo-jumbo. What she says is really scientific and practical. BRAVO!!

[@theuser7472]

For those who wish to learn how to learn effectively, I would recommend the book 'Make it Stick' by Peter c brown. It's a wonderful book about learning. It incorporates evidence based research and scientifically proven ways to learn effectively.

[@lovelytongtong]

I am reading her book “ a mind for numbers”, and love this book greatly.

[@curiousmercurius3562]

I understood almost everything what she said 😊.

[@patriciacorrea8871]

That's because she knows how to teach.

[@Bedeborah]

Lol!!! Me too.

[@ShoroukDiyaa]

You are such an inspiration to me, thank you, I'm very grateful. :)

[@latifa6836]

+Shorouk Diyaa وشكرا ممكن من فضلك تلخصي اهم الافكار التي جاءت في المداخلة

[@laschell59]

This was meant for me. Thank you so much. I have a test for teaching next week. I am so ill over test anxiety. I know what I need to teach though, as I have 38 years of personal experience.

[@TheRJS007]

I read Professor Oakley's Op-Ed in today's WSJ (9/23/14) on how to learn math and found it special. This 17-minute film is equally special and I urge all parents to have their children watch this very talented teacher explain her techniques for effective learning. Bravo Professor! (And rush out to buy her book "A Mind for Numbers").

[@xiaojiwang1299]

brilliant. learning "how to learn," that's what I am looking for. but as Barbara emphasized practice and exercise is important as well.

[@chrismihai1944]

As a student slow learner,writing my bsc is hard,a lot of stuff is going on and the ideas are pooping like rain drops.But it also have advantages.The subject i have interest in put me in a state of deep focus where i can decompose the subject in an infinite mode.Mastering is hard for a slow learner,but i will put in the time. Thank you for your lecture and i hope all of you get it as i do. Best of luck!

[@DK-ym8jr]

Currently on a language learning journey (Japanese), and trying to keep on track with studying new words, vocabulary, phrases etc. everyday. This video gave me some good insights on studying and focusing in class. I wish I could like it multiple times.

[@muhammadroyanalfirosyidin2931]

Thank you for the knowledge sharing, Barbara. It relieves and helps me a lot.

[@patriciacorrea8871]

Outstanding, Barbara. You have got to be one of the most balanced intellectuals I've ever seen. You are truly a master.

[@DerrickThompsondeebo]

An absolutely great presentation. I'm currently attending an occupational rehabilitation center in Germany to learn Business. Due to the difficulty of, first, learning in a different language and secondly, the difficulty of retaining information, I've been searching for hints and tips to not only aid my understanding but also to understand WHY I'm having the problems that I am. It's not a simple issue and so Mrs. Oakley's presentation certainly made an impact with me. To her, I send my most heartfelt gratitude.

[@aika7974]

just wondering how's your business learning man

[@HolyFifa]

This talk saved my life, never heard a more complex analyzation of how to overcome procrastination and exactly what it is.

[@catiim979]

People like this are a blessing to humanity

[@JohnNeves]

Great talk, she is amazing. I'd like know her personally.

[@Alienous]

A fantastic compilation of a lot of advice I have heard.

[@guilhermesobrinho1329]

DylanGamesEvelyn Check out for her "Learning how to Learn" course . It's available on Coursera for free (u might consider buying the certificate once u've done all the course). She practically summarized the most important ideas of the course on this TED talk. I enjoyed very much both the course and this TED talk. I was happy to find out that I am a creative slow thinker lol Peace!

[@USSBARBEL]

***** Thanks for the tip! I'll look that course up.

[@Mrkamekrazy]

I am glad to have a level of self-understanding which humbles me at the beauty of this presentation. Oakley has confidently passed down to me intellectual blueprints in an utmost humble manner. I am forever grateful.

[@yongkydjohary]

She wrote a book entitled "A Mind for Numbers".It is lucky for me to read this book first among other books I own, for me like having a key to open every book and knowledge.She is awesome.Barbara,Thank You.

[@alma9465]

I loved this! cant wait to start my coursera class with you Barbara :)

[@sprouts]

+Alma Del Dolce been there. done that. :) now i started even a channel on learning how to learn ... ;)

[@Aditplusk]

Sprouts and you did good

[@chasingtheunknown3763]

she's so cool, my god! talking so casually about learning russian and working in antarctica!!

[@Maya_s1999]

What an inspiration. I took the coursera course last year but will take it again to re-focus my study methods.

[@hayleygore4734]

There's something about this woman as a teacher. She seems to genuinely care. I took her online course and it's changed my way of learning for the better. Highly recommended for the geniuses and the averages.

[@Velerium]

Y'know, I've always wondered what people think they stand to gain from stealing top comments and reposting them. Enlighten me, please.