BH
Nov 14, 2015
I found this course to be incredibly helpful. I am 33 and wish that I would have been taught a more efficient way of learning many years ago. There are definitely some great takeaways from this class.
RS
Sep 7, 2015
I am a more effective learner as a result of this course. It has also, surprisingly, increased my enjoyment while learning. Thanks to Barbara and Terry for a well presented and informative production.
By Hans V d V
•Dec 5, 2016
This course was very helpful to me, it showed me a lot of new approaches, and also showed me to take my Engineering experience and apply it to studying they way I would approach an engineering project. It also helped me to calm down about that I'm not the only one with some of the problems mentioned in the course. What I also found interesting where the examples of the people true history and who overcame their problems this was very inspiring. thank you very much ! Hans Van der Veken (Belgium)
By Darlene R
•May 22, 2016
The course was well paced and structured, allowing anyone, even someone quite busy with other distractions, to manage. There is a wealth of material to focus on, but as the course points out, it is the time you "meditate, sleep and exercise" around what you are learning that allows your defused thinking to store the gems of information away to be used for a lifetime. Great resources too, and both Terry and Barbara were quietly advocates for never being careless about learning. Thank you both.
By Cey Y
•Aug 10, 2020
Good course. I definitely feel as if I've improved my learning skills. I wish I'd had a course like this when I was at school - I'm sure I would have done much better (I wasn't too bad, but I wasn't the best either). I think it's also useful for older people like me (40+) because I can still apply this to lots of areas of life and, as the course explains, we can carry on learning throughout life so there's every reason to do this. I might use the information I've learned here to change careers.
By Anastasia
•May 4, 2020
I wish I knew this way back when I was studying at the university. Fantastic course, explaining very important things about how human brain works in a series of small, comprehensive videos. I would recommend it to anyone who considers learning something new. I have also really appreciated the supportive mood of this course and general approach that learning is for everyone and even if you are terrible at, e.g. math, it is a matter of time and your own effort to succeed in learning this subject.
By Deblin O
•Jan 18, 2020
This course has shown me behind the curtains of how our brain works, especially when it comes to learning new things.
It has imparted with research proven techniques on how I can learn more effectively and has made learning new things a fun challenge to me.
I especially loved to pomodoro technique on how to beat procrastination.
Dr. Barbara Oakley really outdid herself with her fun anecdotes and the way she explained things with such simplicity.
This MOOC could not have been constructed more aptly.
By Adalis F P
•Aug 30, 2017
I´m so please to follow this course. I´ve 57 years old, I realise iit is getting a little more dificult to learn , I've started to learn french since 2014, I have 3 years with a high motivation and perseveration, but I want to continue studing FOREVER, I need to LEARN how to learn , and that why this course is an invaluable treasury for me . THANKS so much for the contents quality, the way to present them y the high proffesional level of every person on it.
Adalis Facenda from Barcelona - Spain
By Yuri C
•Jul 2, 2017
Very good overview on learning "how to learn". Having already read "A mind for numbers" (AMFN) from the same author (Oakley), I can say that -to me at least- this was a good recap of the material already "chucked" from the book. Most of the extras in each course's week (different from the book) are interesting and well-thought. I recommend to read AMFN to those who have liked this course, because it goes more in-depth on some topics, but this course is definitely worth it even without the book.
By Maria B
•Jan 20, 2016
The most useful course I've ever taken! It explained how brain works when you try to learn something in a very practical and easy way. The course gives useful tools and techniques how to overcome procrastination and overlearning. It destroys the belief that some people are good for science only and some are only for humanitarian areas. You really can do everything with the right approach and deliberate practice. Thank you Barbara and the course team for sharing your personal inspiring stories.
By Pajo P
•Apr 3, 2021
Professors are true professionals and great motivators. The tools they give on this course are valuable and will give quality to your further studying. I think everyone should have those tools as early as possible. The only thing related to this course that I need to stress out is the fact that it would make my life easier if I would have finished it before my studies. Everyone who appreciates curiosity and learning, especially if one has some struggles with it, has my recommendation to enrol.
By Azucena A
•Nov 30, 2020
This course has a very friendly outline. The material and topics addressed are explained in a memorable way to facilitates the understanding and the recall of the learning techniques. What I really liked about this course was the pop up prompts with questions related to the topic explained. I recommend it to everybody who wants to improve her/his learning experience in any area on a day today basis. The tasks help to consolidate what was taught all along course. A very well structure course!
By MarkAnthony K
•Jul 30, 2020
The techniques learned in this course can really be used, not only for learning something new but in many other areas of my life. I acquired practical advice that was easy to remember and not so "far out" that I found it hard to believe they'd work. And I enjoy Barbara's style of teaching-I found it calming and easily understood. I would recognize this course to students of all ages. You are never too old to learn new things. I learned some things I've never tried and I am 53 years young.
By Eman A
•Mar 5, 2019
A very useful course covering concepts behind how to learn effectively and efficently. Barbara Oakley is a warm and friendly presenter whose videos make a potentially dull subject fun and enjoyable (with the use of zombies, flying mules, etc). Terrence Sejnowski tends to do one main video a week, detailing more anatomical/medical aspects. I'd recommend it to anyone who is about to undertake some serious studying as it covers techniques such as overcoming procrastination and learning fallacies.
By Kevin M K M
•Oct 24, 2017
A big thank you to the course instructors Terrence and Barbara, a very informative MOOC on how the brain works and how we can apply ourselves in mastering any subject we are interested in. This course has practical tools and techniques to get you started in the journey of learning. I high recommend to anyone who is struggling to grasp new concepts, getting back to school after a while, career change or already in school. And lastly if you are a teacher, you definitely have to take this course!
By David B (
•Aug 14, 2022
Ideal course for people starting the first semester of university bachelor, or even a master’s. Great course for those who hate subjects usually considered hard, like maths and science. It will help you learn anything you want though. It will give you plenty of valuable techniques that are research-based, and that will enhance your learning. It teaches you that learning is not about punishments but more about rewards, habits, and knowing how to use habits to save valuable cognitive resources.
By Jeremiah G
•Jul 27, 2021
This is the most comprehensive and compact course on self-studying techniques I've had the pleasure of completing. Even though I decided not to get a certificate (which can be paid for), the fact that it's free gives everyone the opportunity to jump start self-learning. It's for beginners, experts, young, and old alike. Everyone should take this during or after graduating school. It's essential for upgrading your current skillset and not plateau intellectually. I highly recommend this course!
By Jose E
•Aug 12, 2020
If you are trying to learn a new skill or study something new, regardless if you are student, professional or just someone that likes to learn, you MUST TAKE THIS COURSE FIRST before anything else, as it will give you the tools and techniques required, to help make learning more effective and fun. I think Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski have created a little gem in the teaching field, that anyone interested in learning or involved in the teaching field must study and appreciate.
By Alireza A
•May 30, 2020
It is faith-giving to see reliable and proven scientific facts about knowing and improving our brains performance. There is almost no redundancy in the materials presented in this course. I was a person who struggled years and years to study and work efficiently during the day. This course is a game/life-changer for me. Im not exaggerating at all. I am now doing almost 3 times more than i did a day, in terms of hours of focused work/study. I cant be grateful enough to creators of this course.
By Aaron F
•Apr 8, 2019
This course reinvigorated a belief that I can learn and retain information useful to my life. I have been out of school for about 7 years and was anxious to go back or do studying of any kind. I happened upon this course through an article of self improvement and it was a fantastic find. It helped me understand some of my self defeating beliefs related to learning and how to move forward with useful study and retention techniques. Thank you Dr Oakley and Dr Sejnowski for this wonderful class!
By Kartika
•Feb 26, 2021
Incredible class. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to take this class. I am currently working towards changing my career path and Dr. Oakley and Dr. Sejnowski have been so encouraging. Dr. Oakley is an inspiration. Changing focus from Social sciences to Mathematics has been daunting to say the least, but listening to her experience, I feel very encouraged. I look forward to many more classes by the duo. I have already enrolled in Mindshift! Thank you Professors, you are the best!
By Mike M
•Sep 17, 2020
I've done a lot of learning skills courses before, but none were as directly relatable as this one was. The presenters are engaging, informative, and fun. I've already begun using some of the techniques and reference materials shown in the course. (Anki is so simple and so effective!)U sing tools and techniques from this course, I've upped my learning skills, and I've finally gotten around to doing something concrete about my procrastination! I've already recommended this course to others.
By Breno M
•Dec 18, 2018
It's amazing learning about the things helpful to keep learn. I have a lot of difficult to understand and keep focus in a task, but this course help me to understand how my mind work and how I can improve my skills, develop new skills and have new goals. It was my second MOOC, I had difficul to keep the course because my time is short, I work and study at the same time, but I know it's very important this course to help me understand myself and improve my professional life and private life.
By Bee O
•Jan 27, 2018
Suitable for students of ALL ages. If you are interested in becoming a better learner overall, regardless of your course of study I HIGHLY recommend this course. The techniques discussed in this course will help to relieve much of the anxiety that we all share when it comes to learning something new. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, why not strengthen your learning habits now! It is never too late to become a better learner, and "Learning how to Learn" will help do just that. Happy Learning!
By Amanda U
•Jul 31, 2020
This course is exceptional! Thank you for presenting such complex material in such an accessible way. I also appreciate the pop up mini-tests and the way the questions have been written, as this helps with acquisition. Also demonstrating the power in what you are teaching as you are modelling the techniques. This is a great start to building confidence for students and those who would like to return to studying at a higher level. Much appreciation to you all for providing this opportunity.
By shaunaqkulkarni
•Dec 16, 2019
This course has changed my perspective of learning and made sure that I learn with an open mind. The techniques mentioned in this course are scientifically backed and have helped me with my focus. One take away that I highly recommend everyone should try is the Pomodoro Technique i.e. Learn with complete focus for 25 minutes, then reward yourself with a break of 5-10 minutes allowing your brain to do it's job of (unintentionally) recalling things you've learnt in the topic you are learning.
By Odysseas C
•Dec 21, 2017
A must for every student, working man or woman out there. The course depicts the biological concepts behind learning and the necessary psychological elements that everyone must know to become better at it. It's a course that should be taught in every university as the first class when you enter it. Dr. Oakley and Dr. Sejnowski will take you on a beautiful journey that will make you understand better your brain, mind and make you fall in love with learning. Thank you for this awesome course!