Learning How to Learn: Techniques to Master Any Difficult Subject Effectively

From school to university, educators often emphasize delivering as much information as possible. However, the real challenge lies not just in what students learn, but in how they learn it. Few teachers focus on the skill of learning itself. Imagine if students were taught how to learn any subject independently. This ability would empower them to master any topic, especially with the vast array of free resources available online. Meta-learning — understanding and improving one’s own learning process — is crucial. This blog post is inspired by the Coursera course “Learning How to Learn” by Professor Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski. I highly recommend this course to enhance your future learning endeavors.

“Perseverance: The Virtue of the Less Brilliant”
- Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Father of Neuroscience

What is Learning?

Learning involves your brain forming new connections and adapting based on new experiences and knowledge. It encompasses thinking, memory, and emotions.

Active Learning vs. Passive Learning

Active Learning: This approach involves engaging directly with the material. For example, learning coding by writing actual code and learning from mistakes is interactive and hands-on, which enhances retention and understanding.

“What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.”
- Chinese Proverb

Passive Learning: This method involves receiving information with minimal interaction, such as watching a video lecture or reading a book. While passive learning may seem effective, it often results in lower retention because it lacks active engagement.

To avoid the illusion of competence, use these strategies:

• Test While Studying: Regularly quiz yourself on the material.
• Retrieval Practice: Actively recall information from memory.
• Test with Others: Discuss and test your knowledge with peers.
• Deliberate Practice: Use techniques like spaced repetition, review, and participation in discussion groups.

Avoid passive methods like re-reading and highlighting. Instead, utilize tools like Anki flashcards for effective, active learning.

How to learn programming ?

Focused and Diffused Modes of Thinking

Focused Mode: Activated when you concentrate on learning something specific. To enhance focus:

• Use meditation techniques like breathing exercises.
• Choose environments with minimal distractions.
• Opt for a quiet space or use noise-canceling headphones.

Diffused Mode: A relaxed thinking style that helps you see the broader picture and develop new ideas. Balancing focused attention with breaks and varied tasks helps your brain switch between these modes, improving information processing.

Learning effectively requires both focused and diffused modes of thinking.

Chunking: Organizing Information for Easy Access

Chunking makes learning easier by breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable parts. For example, group a long list of words into categories like colors, animals, and fruits. This method helps your brain process and recall information more effectively.

Memory

Short-Term Memory: Like a whiteboard, short-term memory holds information temporarily and gets erased when new information comes in.

Long-Term Memory: Imagine long-term memory as a warehouse where information is stored for later use. Accessing long-term memory can change and strengthen it through reconsolidation.

To improve memory retention:

• Map Ideas to Visual Cues: Link ideas to vivid visual, auditory, and sensory cues.
• Convert Short-Term to Long-Term Memory: Use active learning techniques like spaced repetition, retrieval practice, chunking, and participating in discussion groups.

Apps like Anki use flashcards and spaced repetition to aid long-term retention.

Sleep

Sleep is crucial for brain health. During sleep, your brain strengthens neural connections, consolidates memories, and removes toxins. Even a short nap can significantly enhance problem-solving skills and understanding.

Sleep is essential for:

• Synapse Formation: Strengthening important neural connections.
• Toxin Removal: Cleaning metabolic waste from the brain.
• Overall Health: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues like depression, heart disease, diabetes, and increased mortality risk.

Good sleep supports learning and cognitive function, making it vital for effective study and overall well-being.

Procrastination

Procrastination involves avoiding tasks that cause discomfort or stress. While it may offer temporary relief, it can be detrimental in the long run. Procrastination affects many areas of life, much like addiction. Addressing procrastination can lead to improvements across various aspects of life.

Most learners experience negative emotions when starting a new task, but these feelings often fade once they begin working on it.

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is effective for overcoming procrastination. It involves setting a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break or reward. This approach helps maintain concentration and makes tasks feel more manageable.

Pomodoro Technique

Eat Your Frogs First

To boost productivity, plan your next day the night before. This clears your working memory and allows your brain to find creative solutions. Start your day by tackling your most challenging task first and use the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused.

Focus on the Process, Not the Product

Instead of fixating on the final goal, break it down into smaller tasks. Focus on the process of working through these tasks rather than just achieving the end result. Aim to find a “flow state” during the process. When you’re passionate and interested, learning becomes more enjoyable.

Keep Learning: You Can Learn Anything

The internet is full of free, fascinating content for anyone eager to learn. With a passion for a subject, you can continually expand your knowledge and skills. Stay curious and keep exploring — there’s always something new to discover.

You Can Learn Anything !

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Meta-Learning: Learn how to learn to master any subject.
• Active Learning: Engage directly with material for better retention.
• Passive Learning: Less effective, can create a false sense of understanding.
• Memory Techniques: Use spaced repetition, chunking, and retrieval practice.
• Focused and Diffused Thinking: Balance concentrated study with relaxed thinking for creative insights.
• Importance of Sleep: Essential for memory consolidation and overall brain health.
• Overcome Procrastination: Use the Pomodoro Technique and tackle the hardest tasks first.
• Process Over Product: Break goals into small tasks and focus on the process.
• Keep Learning: Use free online resources to continue learning and growing.

Happy Learning!

References

1. Barbara Oakley & Dr. Terrence Sejnowski. “Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects.” Coursera.
2. Anki Flashcards.
3. Mihály Csíkszentmihályi. “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.”
4. Robert Greene. Mastery.