Introduction

We begin with an introduction to Barbara Oakley's unique and inspiring learning journey - the hurdles she overcame on her path to becoming an expert learner. She introduces the disciplines and the tips and tricks she encountered along her way and encourages the audience to spark their own learning journeys.

What is Learning?

With Barbara, we explore what learning is, the different types of learning our brain is capable of as well the the processes whereby the brain creates neural pathways called chunks.

Chunking

Next, we can discover how to create chunks and use them to work for us in innovative ways. Barbara also helps disentangle some of the common barriers to learning - procrastination and Einstellung - as well as the powerful mental tools we can use to overcome them.

Procrastination, Memory and Renaissance Learning

In this segment, Barbara helps us uncover some of the deep-rooted reasons for procrastination as well the link between procrastination and memory. She also, with the help of several examples, introduces us to the concept of Renaissance Learning and shares the learning journeys of notable scientists and experts who used Renaissance Learning to tackle difficult problems.

Conclusion

Finally, Barbara shares insights from her popular Coursera MOOC, Learning How to Learn, talks about the community she has fostered as part of the course and provides resources to educators who wish to take up the difficult task of teaching digitally. She leaves the audience hopeful that with the aid of powerful mental tools, no subject is too difficult to learn!