This week, I’ll introduce my favorite books that can help you become wiser and more resilient in this increasingly chaotic world. First up is “Learning How To Learn” by Barbara Oakley, Terrence Sejnowski, and Alistair McConville. It was originally written for students, but I find it incredibly useful for adults too.
The core message of the book is that anyone can become a more effective learner by understanding how the brain works and applying specific strategies. Some of its key ideas:
🔵 Your brain operates in two modes: focused (deep concentration) and diffuse (relaxed, creative thinking). Switching between them helps you understand and solve problems better.
🔵 Break complex topics into smaller “chunks.” Master each chunk, then connect them to build a solid understanding.
🔵 Instead of rereading notes, test yourself. Active recall strengthens memory more effectively than passive review.
🔵 Review material over spaced intervals. This spaced repetition helps transfer knowledge to long-term memory.
🔵 Use the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This keeps your mind fresh and focused.
🔵 Visualize concepts using images or metaphors. This makes abstract ideas easier to grasp and remember.
🔵 Tackle the hardest problems first when you’re most alert. If you get stuck, switch tasks to let your subconscious work on the problem.
🔵 Sleep is crucial. It consolidates memories and clears out brain waste, enhancing your ability to learn.
🔵 Be aware of “illusions of competence.” Just because something feels familiar doesn’t mean you’ve mastered it.
🔵 Mix different types of problems during practice (interleaving). This improves adaptability and problem-solving skills.