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Littler Books cover of Learning How to Learn Summary

Learning How to Learn Summary and Quotes

Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski

5.9 minutes to read • Updated September 13, 2024

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What it's about in one sentence:

“How to Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying”

Bullet Point Outline and Summary

  1. The author initially struggled with math and science but eventually became an engineering professor by discovering effective learning techniques.
  2. Learning how to learn not only makes education more enjoyable and less frustrating but also opens up future opportunities and enhances creativity.
  3. Neuroscientists have discovered that the brain operates in two distinct modes: focused mode, where you concentrate intently on specific tasks, and diffuse mode, where your mind is relaxed and free to make imaginative connections.
  4. Diffuse mode can be activated through taking breaks, or engaging in activities that don't require intense concentration.
  5. When stuck on a problem, it's often helpful to switch to diffuse mode by taking a break or focusing on something else, as this allows the brain to work on the problem in the background.
  6. Successful learning and problem-solving involve preparing the brain through focused study, then allowing time for diffuse thinking to gain new perspectives.
    1. Do activities you enjoy (e.g., sports, dance, paint, music) as rewards after focused work; they will serve as tools to activate diffuse mode.
  7. Procrastination, the act of putting off tasks, is a common problem that hinders learning and often leads to running out of time and preventing the formation of solid learning structures in the brain.
  8. Procrastination may not seem harmful in small doses but can seriously damage one's learning and academic performance over time.
  9. The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, is an effective method to combat procrastination by working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks and rewards.
  10. Our habits, both good and bad, can be likened to "zombies" that work automatically towards their goals, and we can train ourselves to develop helpful study habits by replacing unproductive ones. For example, if your phone notifications distract you, develop a habit of leaving your phone in another room.
  11. Active recall, a powerful learning technique which enhances understanding and retention, involves bringing key ideas back to mind without rereading. The process includes doing a picture walk (a quick skim of the headings, subheadings, diagrams, etc.) through the material, reading carefully while jotting down important points, and then looking away to recall the key ideas.
    1. “Pulling the key idea from your own mind, instead of just reading or rereading it on the page, is the critical idea behind active recall.”
  12. The brain is composed of billions of neurons that communicate through electrical signals across synapses, forming brain-links that strengthen with practice and learning.
  13. Metaphors are powerful learning tools that connect familiar concepts to new ideas, helping you understand and remember complex information more easily. By activating existing neural pathways, metaphors facilitate deeper understanding and allow for more complex thinking about unfamiliar concepts.
    1. For example, the communication between neurons can be described as the aliens giving tiny shocks to one another to show friendship. The more frequent the shocks, the stronger the friendship/connection.
  14. Research shows that neurons change and grow new dendritic spines (what form the connections with other neurons) during sleep, solidifying brain connections formed while learning during the day. Spaced retrieval practice over multiple days, with sleep in between, allows time for these neural changes to occur and strengthens memory formation.
  15. Cramming at the last minute is ineffective because it doesn't provide enough time or sleep cycles for the brain to consolidate new information and grow stronger synaptic connections.
  16. Your working memory can hold about four items simultaneously, but it can easily drop or forget items if not focused on, and it can become tired after holding information for 10-15 seconds. For long-term storage, information needs to be transferred to long-term memory.
  17. Nelson Dellis transformed from a forgetful person to a memory champion by developing techniques to improve his memory skills.
  18. Nelson's five tips for remembering things include focusing, practicing, picturing things, storing information by relating it to things you already know, and recalling frequently.
  19. One technique Nelson uses is the “memory palace”. The memory palace technique involves mentally placing items to remember in familiar locations, such as rooms in your house.
    1. For example, if you need to remember to buy milk, tomatoes, and bananas, imagine entering your house and finding a milk bottle blocking your way. Then, you go to the kitchen sink and see it's full of tomatoes. Next, you notice a banana stuck in your blinds.
    2. This ancient method works by leveraging the brain's superior ability to remember spatial information and visual imagery, making abstract information more concrete and memorable.
    3. The technique is versatile, allowing for multiple "memory palaces" to be created using various familiar spaces, and can be used to remember a wide range of information, from grocery lists to complex speeches.
  20. Other memory strategies include creating songs or metaphors, taking handwritten notes, imagining yourself as the object or idea you're trying to remember, associating numbers with shapes or characters, teaching the information to others, and getting enough sleep.
  21. Distractions and task-switching can hinder the formation of brain-links and tire out your attentional span. It is crucial to avoid interruptions when studying or focusing on a task.
  22. The initial stages of learning can be difficult and unenjoyable, but with practice and the formation of brain-links, tasks become easier and more enjoyable, eventually leading to mastery.
  23. “It really helps to work on difficult problems with other people. Find people who let you sparkle. Hanging around with people who have good ideas can boost good ideas of your own!”
  24. Learning in one area (e.g., physics) can inspire ideas in others (e.g., biology, art, sports, etc.).
  25. Julius Yego, a Kenyan javelin thrower, became a world champion through dedicated practice and watching YouTube videos, despite lacking traditional coaching and resources.
  26. Exercise plays a crucial role in learning and memory by stimulating the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region vital for memory formation.
  27. Exercise benefits the brain by releasing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which improve cognitive functions such as idea generation, focus, and decision-making.
  28. BDNF, a chemical produced during exercise, acts like a fertilizer for neurons, strengthening them and promoting the growth of connections between them.
  29. A healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise, significantly enhances learning and memory abilities.
  30. Brain-links are well-practiced thought patterns that, when sufficiently developed, allow one to become an expert in a subject.
  31. Building strong brain-links is crucial for rapidly handling complex information, as they allow you to easily access and connect information stored in long-term memory. Creating brain-links requires both understanding and practice. Experts in various fields have numerous well-connected sets of brain-links that allow them to process large amounts of information efficiently.
  32. Two key ideas for creating brain-links are deliberate practice (focusing on challenging material and getting feedback when possible) and interleaving (practicing different aspects of a skill; for example if you're a handyman you need to know both how to hammer and screw).
    1. “Interleaving means practicing different aspects of what you are trying to learn so you understand the differences between the techniques. Chapter 4 in your algebra textbook may introduce you to one set of problem-solving techniques, while chapter 5 introduces you to a different set of problem-solving techniques. Interleaving means alternating between chapter 4- and chapter 5-type problems so you can see when to use the two different techniques.”
  33. Persistently trying to create brain-links will lead to easier learning over time.
  34. To become an effective learner, it's important to observe your own study habits objectively, like a scientist looking down from the ceiling, and experiment with different techniques such as listening to music while studying.
    1. Generally, music with lyrics distracts you.
  35. Varying your study locations can improve memory retention, as your brain associates learning with different environments, making it easier to recall information in various settings.
  36. Rather than relying on a single preferred learning style, it's more effective to engage multiple senses when studying, as this creates stronger neural connections and enhances overall learning.
  37. Adequate sleep is crucial for learning, as it allows the brain to clear toxins, consolidate memories, and make new connections. At least eight hours of sleep is recommended for most people.
  38. To optimize your study sessions, try techniques like "eating your frogs first" (tackling difficult tasks early), setting a firm quitting time, and being mindful of potential distractions like music with lyrics, while also recognizing that the effectiveness of these strategies may vary from person to person.
  39. Slow learners can sometimes outperform fast learners, as they may develop more creative and elegant solutions due to their need to simplify and link ideas.
  40. Certain types of video games, particularly action games, can improve focus, vision, and spatial abilities, although moderation is key to avoid addiction.
  41. Learning something completely different from your main area of interest can enhance your skills through the concept of transfer, where brain connections from one area help build links in another.
  42. Taking notes by hand is more effective than typing, as it requires more cognitive processing and helps create stronger brain connections.
  43. Tests are important for demonstrating knowledge and can be effective learning tools. Research has shown that tests are beneficial for learning.
  44. To prepare well for tests, follow a checklist that includes getting enough sleep, reviewing notes regularly, studying consistently instead of cramming, focusing during study sessions, and actively working through problems.
  45. The "hard-start" technique, which involves starting with difficult problems and switching to easier ones when stuck, can help use both focused and diffuse modes of thinking during tests and homework.
  46. Practicing active recall in the weeks before a test can reduce stress.
  47. Reframing test anxiety as excitement can improve performance.
  48. During tests, double-check answers after going to diffuse mode by looking away for a moment (if you have time).
  49. Learning is a privilege rather than an obligation.
    1. "You get to learn so you can go on and follow your passions. You get to learn so you can discover more about the mysteries of the universe. You get to learn so you can fulfill more of your amazing potential each week. You get to learn so you can help humanity solve some of the world's problems. You get to learn because you are an inquisitive human being."
  50. A refresher:
    1. Key strategies for effective learning include utilizing both focused and diffuse modes of thinking, creating brain-links through practice and repetition, interleaving different techniques, spacing out learning sessions, and incorporating physical exercise.
    2. Use learning techniques such as self-testing, teaching others, using memory aids like interesting pictures and metaphors, and employing time management methods like the Pomodoro Technique.
    3. Watch for common pitfalls in learning, including insufficient sleep, passive reading, over-reliance on highlighting, cramming, and avoiding challenging material.
    4. It's important to clear up points of confusion, minimize distractions, and engage in productive study groups to maximize learning potential.

Learning How to Learn: Resources