How to Learn: Unlocking the Brain's Secrets • Barbara Oakley & Charles Humble

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted. https://gotopia.tech Read the full transcription of this interview here (https://gotopia.tech/articles/345) Prof. Dr. Barbara Oakley - Professor of Engineering at Oakland University & Author of Numerous Books Charles Humble - Freelance Techie, Podcaster, Editor, Author & Consultant RESOURCES Barbara https://barbaraoakley.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraoakley https://twitter.com/Barbara97881398 Charles https://bsky.app/profile/charleshumble.bsky.social https://linkedin.com/in/charleshumble (https://mastodon.social/@charleshumble) https://conissaunce.com DESCRIPTION Barbara Oakley, renowned author and polymath joins Charles Humble for a deep dive into the brain's modes of operation, exploring the focused and diffuse modes of thinking, which together enhance learning by balancing task-oriented problem-solving with creativity. They emphasize the importance of mental relaxation and the role of exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet in boosting cognitive function. Key concepts such as deliberate practice, retrieval practice, and the value of psychological safety in team dynamics are explored, offering insights into effective learning and collaboration. The relationship between working memory and long-term memory is examined, highlighting how techniques like the Pomodoro Technique and spaced repetition optimize retention. Additionally, the conversation underscores the potential of AI in education, encouraging its integration despite concerns among educators. Lastly, the phenomenon of rustiness in skill retention is explained through the dynamics of neural connections, with a hopeful outlook on the future of neuroscience research in understanding conditions like autism and dyslexia. RECOMMENDED BOOKS Barbara Oakley • A Mind For Numbers (https://amzn.to/3Z2tjqi) Pooja K. Agarwal & Patrice M. Bain • Powerful Teaching (https://amzn.to/4gmT5LS) Barbara Oakley & Olav Schewe • Learn Like a Pro (https://amzn.to/3Z3gyf9) Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky & Terrence J. Sejnowski • Uncommon Sense Teaching (https://amzn.to/4hKGaEW) Barbara Oakley & Terrence J. Sejnowski • Learning How to Learn (https://amzn.to/3Cqe7dW) Barbara Oakley • Mindshift (https://amzn.to/3Z2EAaf) Heidi Helfand • Dynamic Reteaming (https://amzn.to/3Fvu5BA) Daniel Kahneman • Thinking, Fast and Slow (https://amzn.to/2XmJEtf) Matthew Skelton & Manuel Pais • Team Topologies (http://amzn.to/3sVLyLQ) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/gotocon.com) Twitter (https://twitter.com/GOTOcon) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/goto_con) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/goto-) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GOTOConferences) CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUS Join this channel to get early access to videos & other perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/join Looking for a unique learning experience? Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.tech (https://gotopia.tech) SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL (https://www.youtube.com/user/GotoConferences/?sub_confirmation=1) - new videos posted daily!