

Barbara Oakley
Distinguished engineering professor and learning-science author known for the hugely popular 'Learning How to Learn' course and work on cognition, memory and effective teaching methods.
Top 10 podcasts with Barbara Oakley
Ranked by the Snipd community

2,253 snips
Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 14min
TKP Insights: Learning and Thinking
Join renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman, engineering professor Barbara Oakley, author Adam Robinson, economist Tyler Cowen, and organizational psychologist Adam Grant as they unravel the intricacies of learning and decision-making. Discover how environment influences cognitive performance, the synergy of intuition and algorithms, and innovative strategies to combat procrastination. Hear insights on the balance between belonging and individuality, and the mental benefits of reading. This conversation dives deep into cultivating better thinking habits for personal growth and effective decision-making.

464 snips
Apr 10, 2018 • 1h 35min
#31 Barbara Oakley: Learning How to Learn
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.

39 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 47min
How to Learn: Unlocking the Brain's Secrets • Barbara Oakley & Charles Humble
Barbara Oakley, a Professor of Engineering and author known for her insights on learning, teams up with Charles Humble, a tech podcaster and consultant. They dive into the brain's modes of operation—focused and diffuse thinking—and how balancing them enhances learning. Topics include the importance of exercise, sleep, and healthy habits for cognitive function. They discuss psychological safety in teams, effective memory strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, and the promising role of AI in education, urging educators to embrace new methods for better learning.

32 snips
Jan 7, 2024 • 56min
(Un)common Sense Teaching - A Conversation with Dr. Barbara Oakley
Dr. Barbara Oakley, author of 'A Mind for Numbers,' discusses the limitations of specialized training, the science of learning, the complexities of studying learning, dangers of molding character traits, contrasting perspectives on human nature, the free rider problem in teaching, and the value of slow thinking in education.

27 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
Why students struggle in math and how to fix it with Barbara Oakley and John Mighton (Ep 61)
Join John Mighton, a mathematician and founder of JUMP Math, alongside Barbara Oakley, a learning scientist and bestselling author, as they dive into the world of math education. They discuss their new Coursera course aimed at tackling math anxiety and highlight the significance of practice and worked examples. From building mathematical schemas to the dangers of over-relying on manipulatives, they address critical learning strategies. The conversation reveals how transforming math education can unlock human potential and improve societal resilience.

25 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 33min
Avsnitt 68: Roundtable on Math instruction based on the Science of Learning with Amanda VanDer Heyden-Anna Stokke-Barbara Oakley-Craig Barton-John Mighton
Craig Barton, former teacher and author known for applying cognitive science to lessons. Anna Stokke, mathematician and K–12 advocate behind Chalk and Talk. John Mighton, founder of Jump Math who builds scaffolded mastery programs. Barbara Oakley, learning scientist and author. Amanda VanDer Heyden, MTSS founder focused on fluency and screening. They discuss designing instruction for limited working memory, fluency vs accuracy, scaffolded class-wide interventions, and making evidence-based methods scalable and irresistible to teachers.

20 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 44min
#401 Dr Barbara Oakley: Upgrade Your Learning. Upgrade Your Career.
We often equate "learning" with our school days. It basically just involved being able to memory a lot of facts. But what if your capacity to learn extends far beyond that, influencing everything from your clients' results to your business's success? And…what if you could...learn to...learn more effectively? In this episode, Stuart is joined by an expert in this very field. Dr. Barbara Oakley is a distinguished educator, author, and engineering professor. Her work spans a multitude of disciplines, but she is particularly recognised for her research in learning practices. In this episode, they delve into the heart of effective learning strategies. They discuss the crucial role of 'chunking' information, finding the right balance between focused and diffuse modes of thinking, tackling procrastination head-on, and why experiencing imposter syndrome might not be as negative as it seems... So, whether you're striving to remember the content of the courses you watch, the books you read, or simply to recall the distal insertion of Semimembranosus (it's the horizontal groove on the posteromedial surface of the medial tibial condyle, if you were wondering), then this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss this opportunity to learn…about learning… from one of the leading experts in the field. Timestamps: 1:50- Career Advice: Why imposter syndrome might be helpful. 8:17- What is learning? 12:53- Why is learning important? 14:45- Is it good for people to learn? 18:05- Is learning practical information better for people's mood? 19:36- Learning and problem solving. 24:11- Diffuse and focused mode. 27:02- How long should learning blocks be? 30:35- Reviewing Notes 32:30- What is a chunk? 35:10- What is retrieval practice? 36:53- Why does procrastination occur? 39:36- The Importance of getting started. Find Out More About Barbara https://barbaraoakley.com/ Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/ Website: https://liftthebar.com/ Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial

19 snips
May 18, 2021 • 1h 4min
Episode 68: Learning How To Learn with Barbara Oakley
In this engaging discussion, Barbara Oakley, a professor and author known for her insights into how we learn, shares her journey from a Russian translator to a leading educational innovator. She outlines the two pathways of memory—declarative and procedural—and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful practice and pattern recognition in mastering skills like coding. Oakley also explores the thrill of the 'click moment' in learning, the balance of failure and iteration, and the role of curiosity in education. Plus, she highlights her upcoming books and courses.

16 snips
Dec 4, 2018 • 1h 10min
Ep17 - Barbara Oakley | Learning How to Learn
Barbara Oakley, Professor of engineering at Oakland University, discusses effective strategies for learning math and science, including the importance of creative thinking, different modes of thinking in the brain, the role of sleep in learning, the limitations of working memory and multitasking, the benefits of spaced repetition, and the relationship between working memory and creativity.

16 snips
Oct 24, 2015 • 58min
28: Learning How to Learn
Barbara Oakley PhD, a top expert in the psychology of learning, shares practical advice on optimizing learning, memory boosting, and neutralizing procrastination. Topics include improving the education system, mechanics of learning, perceptions of mathematical ability, and the importance of optimistic realism. Oakley's online course, 'Learning How to Learn,' has over half a million students. Discover her inspiring story and strategies to improve memory and learning.


