The Knowledge Project #31 Barbara Oakley: Learning How to Learn
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Apr 10, 2018 
Barbara Oakley, a polymath and engineering professor, shares her remarkable journey from a math-resistant student to an educator. She discusses effective learning strategies, including the power of 'chunking' knowledge and the benefits of switching between focused and diffused thinking. Oakley explains how overcoming procrastination can boost learning efficiency and emphasizes the importance of practice and memory retention. She also challenges traditional learning styles, advocating for diverse methods and the evolution of online education to foster creativity and innovation.
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Active Breaks and Exercise
- Take active breaks, like exercise, to promote diffuse mode thinking.
- Exercise produces BDNF, which acts like fertilizer for the brain.
The Role of Memory
- Memorization is crucial for understanding, not its enemy.
- Active recall, like reciting a poem or equation, deepens understanding.
Different Learning Styles
- Oakley's daughters learned math differently; one struggled but persevered, the other was naturally gifted but less motivated.
- Both benefited from supplemental math programs like Kumon.
