Learning How to Learn, IE University's new online course on Coursera, provides practical techniques for effective learning

Research shows that learning new skills later in life can help prevent memory loss and extend our lifespan To this end, IE University's new online course, 'Learning How to Learn', provides practical techniques for effective learning in mathematics, technology and languages. It also addresses important issues such as procrastination and how to optimize students' potential through a strong neuroscientific foundation.

Experts from IE University and Prof. Barbara Oakley have designed new teaching materials to understand how the brain learns. IE University is working with this Professor of Engineering at Oakland University and author of the online course 'Learning How to Learn', which has nearly 3 million students worldwide, on the online training platform Coursera.

Teresa Martín-Retortillo, Executive President of IE Exponential Learning, the Executive Education Unit of IE University, and Antonio Gil-Nagel, an expert from IE University, have developed a new online course based on 'Learning How to Learn', designed by Dr. Oakley together with neuroscientist Terrence Sejnowsk. Coursera will incorporate this new online course on its platform this February.

“In the information age, success is measured, more than by how much you know, by how you got to know it.”

“In the information age, success is measured, more than by how much you know, by how you got to know it,” explains Teresa Martín-Retortillo, Executive President of IE Exponential Learning. “Our goal is to make the absorption and use of knowledge effective. We want to debunk the myths of learning and open the door to a new reality of meaningful lifelong learning,” she adds.

Techniques presented in Learning to Learn:

• The brain learns and operates in two different modes, focus fuzzy. By focusing on a specific topic or concept and then allowing the brain to wander, it allows difficult topics to be better assimilated.
• Procrastination is inevitable. There are several methods to help overcome natural mental and motivational logjams, such as the Pomodoro Technique, which is simple and free. All you need is a watch.
• Sleep is a powerful component of learning and memory. When we sleep, our body removes toxins from the brain, allowing us to better process ideas when we wake up. Sleep is also a time when our brain reviews new knowledge, reinforces memories and gets rid of unnecessary information.

“With this new version of the course, many people will understand how the brain learns,” says Prof. Oakley, adding: “knowledge is really powerful. It allows students to address complex issues, learning more effectively with the most powerful tool at their disposal: their mind.”

“We are very pleased to be working with IE University to help students around the world, as well as executives working in different sectors and at different stages, to expand their learning capacity,” says Dil Sidhu, Content Director of Coursera. “In the future, the most critical skill for managers will be the ability to learn quickly and continuously. This course allows professionals to increase the effectiveness with which they learn, preparing for long-term success,” he concludes.

Prof. Oakley also worked with IE University to deliver seminars and webinars from the IE Center for Corporate Learning Innovation with the aim of deepening the knowledge of the brain, understanding and optimizing the processes we use to learn.