Learning how to learn | Barbara Oakley | TEDxOaklandUniversity

Summary

The speaker, a former poor student in math and science, shares her journey to becoming an engineering professor. She discusses the importance of learning effectively, using the brain's focus and diffuse modes for problem-solving. She introduces techniques like the Pomodoro Technique and self-testing, emphasizing that learning is a creative process requiring both understanding and practice. Her talk encourages broadening passions and mastering learning as a powerful life tool.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker overcame a challenging educational background in math and science to become an engineering professor with a passion for their work.
• 🎓 Despite failing in math and science early in life, enlisting in the army and learning a language opened up new opportunities and perspectives.
• 🌍 Travel and adventure can provide external experiences, but internal change requires learning new skills and ideas.
• 🔄 The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning math, science, and technology alongside language and culture in a rapidly evolving world.
• 🧠 After leaving the military, the speaker pursued a deliberate strategy to change their brain's approach to learning at the age of 26.
• 🤝 The speaker discovered shared learning and teaching methods with top professors, which often lacked a clear understanding of why they were effective.
• 🧬 Neuroscience and cognitive psychology research revealed keys to effective learning, including two fundamental brain modes: focus and diffuse.
• 📍 Focus mode is for direct, familiar thinking, while diffuse mode allows for broader, creative thinking and grappling with new ideas.
• 🤹‍♂️ The pinball machine analogy illustrates the difference between focused and diffuse thinking in the learning process.
• 💡 Procrastination can be combated by techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which trains focus and relaxation as part of the learning process.
• 🏋️ Exercise and self-testing are scientifically proven methods to enhance learning and memory retention.
• 📝 Effective study techniques such as testing oneself, using flashcards, and practicing recall can lead to deeper understanding and mastery of material.
• 🚀 Learning how to learn is a powerful tool that can enrich one's life beyond following initial passions.

Q & A

What was the speaker's educational background in math and science during their early years?

The speaker struggled with math and science from elementary through high school, having lived in many different places and falling behind in the sequential nature of math.

How did the speaker's passion for languages and culture influence their early career choices?

The speaker's love for languages and culture led them to enlist in the army after high school to learn a language, which resulted in them becoming a Russian translator working on Soviet trawlers and later in Antarctica.

What realization prompted the speaker to change their approach to learning?

The speaker realized that while they enjoyed external adventures and gaining new perspectives, they were not experiencing internal change or growth, particularly in areas like math and science.

What did the speaker learn from West Point engineers that inspired them to learn more about math and science?

The speaker was intrigued by the problem-solving techniques and the use of calculus and physics by West Point engineers, which looked like hieroglyphics to them but sparked their interest in learning these 'languages'.

How did the speaker attempt to change their brain after leaving the military?

After leaving the military at age 26, the speaker decided to learn about how to learn effectively by reaching out to top professors, researching neuroscience and cognitive psychology, and understanding effective learning techniques.

What are the two fundamental modes of brain operation described in the script?

The two fundamental modes are the focus mode, where attention is concentrated on a specific task, and the diffuse mode, a relaxed state of neural activity that allows for broader thinking and idea generation.

How does the pinball machine analogy help explain the difference between focus and diffuse modes?

The pinball machine analogy illustrates how thoughts in focus mode move along established pathways (like pinballs bouncing on rubber bumpers), while in diffuse mode, thoughts can range more widely, similar to a pinball machine with spaced-out bumpers allowing for broader movement.

What historical figures were mentioned as examples of individuals who used relaxation techniques to enhance creativity?

Salvador Dali and Thomas Edison were mentioned as examples of individuals who used relaxation techniques, such as holding keys or ball bearings, to transition from diffuse mode to focus mode and enhance their creative processes.

What is the Pomodoro Technique and how is it suggested to be used to combat procrastination?

The Pomodoro Technique involves setting a timer for 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. This method helps build the ability to concentrate and relax, making it a tool to manage procrastination by creating manageable work intervals.

How does the script suggest that having a poor working memory can actually enhance creativity?

The script suggests that a poor working memory can lead to greater creativity because it allows for other ideas to 'creep in' as one is not holding onto a single concept too tightly.

What is the significance of testing oneself in the learning process as described in the script?

Testing oneself is crucial in the learning process as it helps solidify knowledge and recall. The script emphasizes the importance of repeated testing over several days to ensure that the solution to a problem becomes as natural as singing a song.

What misconception about learning does the script refer to as 'illusions of competence in learning'?

The 'illusions of competence in learning' refer to the false belief that one has mastered material simply by studying it, without applying effective study techniques or engaging in practices like self-testing and repetition.

How does the script differentiate between the learning experiences of a 'race car driver' and a 'hiker'?

The script uses the metaphor of a race car driver and a hiker to illustrate the difference in learning experiences. While a race car driver (fast learner) may reach the destination quickly, a hiker (slow learner) experiences the journey more deeply, observing details and gaining a more profound understanding.

What is the final piece of advice given by the speaker regarding learning and passions?

The speaker advises not just to follow one's passions but to broaden them, as this can greatly enrich one's life, implying that a diverse range of interests can lead to a more fulfilling learning experience.