Learning How To Learn

01Learning how to learn is key. It's not just about absorbing info, but understanding how your brain works to process it

"Learning is crucial, but knowing how to learn is even more vital." This might sound a bit puzzling at first, but it's a nugget of wisdom about the learning process that's worth pondering. Let's break it down. Every day, we're learning something new. It could be a new recipe, a new language, or a new skill. This process of soaking up knowledge is key to our growth. But, the way we learn can make a big difference in how well we learn. That's where the idea of 'learning how to learn' comes in. The folks behind this idea, Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, are big shots in their fields of engineering and biological sciences. They've spent their careers digging into the science of learning. Their research shows that effective learning isn't just about the hours you put into studying. It's more about the strategies and techniques you use while you're learning. For example, they talk about 'focused' and 'diffuse' modes of thinking. When you're in 'focused' mode, your mind is zeroed in on the problem you're trying to solve. In 'diffuse' mode, your mind is relaxed and free to wander. Both modes are key to learning well. 'Focused' mode helps you nail down the details, while 'diffuse' mode helps you see the big picture. Knowing when and how to flip between these modes is part of 'learning how to learn'. Another handy technique they mention is 'chunking'. This is a way of breaking down complex info into smaller, easier-to-handle chunks. It's like turning a big, scary monster into a bunch of cute, cuddly teddy bears. This makes it easier for your brain to process and remember stuff. Using techniques like this can really boost your learning power. So, 'learning how to learn' is all about getting to know how our brain learns and using that knowledge to supercharge our learning process. It's about being smart and purposeful with our learning, instead of just passively soaking up info. That's why 'learning how to learn' is seen as more important than learning itself. In a nutshell, knowing how to learn gives us valuable insights into the science of learning. It shows us that the secret to learning effectively isn't just about learning, but about understanding and mastering the process of learning. By 'learning how to learn', we can make our learning more efficient, more fun, and ultimately, more successful.