Course Overview:Source: Growth Mind Academyhttps://grothmind.com/courseras-better-learningThe "Better Learning" course is part of the "Student Success Specialization" on Coursera. It is designed to help individuals improve their study habits and become more effective and efficient learners. The course is based on research principles from cognitive psychology, aiming to provide scientifically validated learning techniques.Target Audience and Prerequisites:The course is designed for individuals at a beginner level, recommended for high school students or above. No prior experience is explicitly stated as required, suggesting it is accessible to a broad audience looking to improve their learning methods.Course Structure and Time Commitment:The course is structured into 12 modules and is estimated to take approximately 2 weeks to complete at 10 hours per week, offering a flexible schedule for learners.Main Themes and Key Ideas:The core focus of the "Better Learning" course is to move learners beyond commonly used but ineffective study strategies towards research-backed techniques for better learning and retention. The key themes and ideas covered throughout the modules are:Identifying and Overcoming Ineffective Study Habits: The course begins by highlighting common study habits that are not effective or efficient, based on cognitive psychology research. It encourages learners to identify the shortcomings of their current methods, including the use of notes, highlighting, and flashcards.The Importance of Metacognition: A significant theme is the role of metacognition – the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes – in learning. The course explains how metacognitions can sometimes lead learners astray and emphasizes its importance in improving studying.Addressing Procrastination: Procrastination is identified as a common issue impacting learning effectiveness. The course explores the causes and consequences of procrastination and aims to equip learners with effective plans to overcome it.Understanding Memory and Forgetting: A foundational module delves into the basics of memory and forgetting, introducing key terminology like encoding and retrieval. It discusses the different stages of memory and explains how information is lost, setting the stage for strategies to improve retention.Introducing Scientifically Validated Learning Strategies: The course focuses on four key research-based learning strategies:Elaboration: Connecting new information with existing knowledge to improve encoding and recall. The concept of "Elaborative Interrogation" is introduced as an easy way to apply this strategy.Focused Learning: Emphasizing the importance of minimizing distractions to allow for deeper processing of information, leading to stronger and more accessible memories. The course debunks the "Myth of Multitasking" in this context.Spaced Learning: Advocating for spreading out learning over time instead of cramming. This technique is presented as crucial for improving long-term retention by impacting the forgetting curve.Retrieval Practice: Intentionally forcing oneself to recall information. This practice is likened to strengthening a muscle, leading to improved ability to recall information during assessments. The course highlights evidence suggesting retrieval practice is more effective than rereading or concept mapping.Applying Strategies to Traditional Study Tools: Later modules provide concrete advice on how to apply the learned principles to improve the effectiveness of traditional study tools such as rereading, highlighting, outlining, note-taking, and flashcards.Integrating Learning Principles: The course culminates in a module that brings all the concepts together, offering actionable advice on how to become a better learner by improving metacognitions, applying the core strategies, and combating procrastination.

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