Learning to Learn Syllabus

Learning topics:

• Focused and diffuse modes of thinking.
• Key techniques proven by research to help students learn most efficiently
• Illusions of learning
• Memory
• Chunking
• Sleep
• Metaphor, story, and visualization in learning
• Transfer of ideas and concepts from one area to another
• Deliberate practice
• Interleaving
• Procrastination
• Testing
• Mindset
• Working with others in learning
• Cultural similarities and differences in learning
• Life-long learning and broadening your passions
• Learning independently

Course objectives:

• Explain the difference between focused and diffuse modes of thinking. Be able to practically apply this knowledge to solve problems and understand concepts with less frustration.
• Relate key techniques proven by research to help students learn most efficiently
• Describe common illusions of learning, and explain how to most effectively help yourself to avoid these illusions.
• Explain how working memory and long term memory differ from one another.
• Explain what a chunk is, and how and why you can and should enhance your chunking skills.
• Relate latest research findings explaining why sleep is so important in learning and memory.
• Use metaphor, story, and visualization to allow pre-existing neural scaffolds to help in improving memory as well as to assist in learning more quickly and deeply
• Transfer, deliberate practice, and interleaving
• Apply proven and effective techniques dealing with procrastination.
• Describe the most important aspects of proper test preparation.
• Explain why multi-tasking (trying to do more than one task at the same time) makes it more difficult to grasp concepts.
• Explain the importance of “mindset” in learning. Describe how some famous people in history defied all odds to go from failure to success through a change in their mindset.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of working with other students in your studies.When would you want to work with other students? When would it be better to work alone?
• As a consequence of your interactions with other students in this course, explain some of the commonalities and differences of learners from around the world.
• Prepare yourself to be a "life long learner" who is able to learn well independently.