🧠 Is “Learning How to Learn” the Secret to Mastering Any Subject?
Have you ever struggled to grasp complex topics or felt like your study techniques just weren’t working? The good news is that learning is a skill—and like any skill, it can be improved.
Coursera’s Learning How to Learn, taught by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, has become a must-take course for students, professionals, and lifelong learners. But does it truly work? In this detailed review, we’ll break down the course, its key takeaways, and whether it’s worth your time.
🎓 What is Learning How to Learn?
Learning How to Learn is one of the most popular online courses on Coursera. With over 3 million enrollments, it teaches learners the science behind effective studying, memory techniques, and how to overcome procrastination.
Rather than just memorizing content, this course focuses on understanding how your brain absorbs and retains information—a game-changer for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about self-improvement.
📖 What You’ll Learn in This Course (Key Takeaways)
This course is structured into four key modules, each designed to build a strong foundation in cognitive psychology and neuroscience-backed study techniques.
🔹 1. What is Learning?
- How your brain processes new information
- The difference between focused mode vs. diffuse mode thinking
- Why understanding cognitive biases helps you learn better
🔹 2. Chunking: The Secret to Mastering Complex Topics
- How breaking information into “chunks” improves learning
- Strategies to group concepts together for better recall
- Practical applications for exam preparation and skill mastery
🔹 3. Beating Procrastination and Improving Memory
- The role of the Pomodoro Technique in productivity
- How sleep enhances memory retention
- Science-backed methods to beat distractions and stay consistent
🔹 4. Renaissance Learning: Unlocking Your Full Potential
- How to connect ideas across different disciplines
- The benefits of lifelong learning for career and personal growth
- Strategies top performers use to continuously improve
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Learning How to Learn
✅ What Makes This Course Great?
- Self-Paced: Study anytime, anywhere, at your own speed
- Practical & Actionable Tips: Backed by neuroscience and applied research
- Beginner-Friendly: No prerequisites needed
- Free to Audit: You can take the course for free! (A certificate costs extra)
❌ Potential Downsides
- Requires Self-Discipline: No live instructors = more personal responsibility
- May Feel Basic for Some: If you’re a student of cognitive science, some material might feel repetitive
- Limited Direct Interaction: No one-on-one coaching or personalized feedback
🔍 How Does It Compare to Other Learning Strategy Courses?
Looking for other options? Here’s how Learning How to Learn stacks up against its competitors:
| Course | Platform | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning How to Learn | Coursera | All learners | Science-backed techniques, free to audit |
| Mindshift (by Dr. Oakley) | Coursera | Career changers | Adapting to new fields, career growth |
| Become a SuperLearner | Udemy | Speed readers | Memory, speed reading & accelerated learning |
| Learning to Learn (Efficient Learning) | Udemy | Students & professionals | Productivity & focus strategies |
While Become a SuperLearner dives into speed reading and memorization, and Mindshift focuses on career transitions, Learning How to Learn stands out as a foundational course for any learner—whether you’re a student, a working professional, or just someone looking to improve.
🏆 How Much Does Learning How to Learn Cost? (Is It Worth It?)
One of the best features of this course is its FREE audit option. That means you can access all the lectures and resources without paying anything. If you want a certificate for professional use, the cost is typically around $49.
Considering the high-quality content and expert teaching, many students feel this course is well worth investing in—especially if you’re serious about improving your learning skills.
🔥 Who Should Take This Course? (Is It Right for You?)
- Students who want to study more efficiently
- Professionals looking to upskill without feeling overwhelmed
- Self-learners who struggle with consistency and motivation
- Anyone interested in neuroscience and memory techniques
If you want to cut down on study time, retain more, and feel confident in your learning ability, this course is a no-brainer.
🚀 Final Verdict: Is Learning How to Learn Worth It?
Absolutely! With millions of students raving about its effectiveness and scientifically proven techniques, Coursera’s Learning How to Learn is one of the best online courses for mastering learning strategies.
While some of the material might be available in books and YouTube videos, this course packages everything into a structured, easy-to-follow format, making it accessible and effective for all learners.
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your mind, now is the perfect time to start.
What’s stopping you from becoming a smarter, more efficient learner? 🚀