A Conversation with Barbara Oakley: Learning How to Learn

Barbara Oakley, PhD, is a Professor of Engineering at Oakland University and the author of the massively popular online course "Learning How to Learn." With over 2 million students worldwide, her work has revolutionized how we think about learning and education.

Your Journey to Learning Research

MetaSkills: How did you transition from linguistics to engineering to learning research?

Barbara Oakley: It was quite unexpected! I was a linguist in the Army, studying Russian and learning languages. When I decided to switch to engineering, I struggled terribly with math – I even failed my first calculus class. But this struggle became my greatest strength. It forced me to develop learning strategies that actually worked.

I realized that many "naturally smart" people used techniques that I, as a struggling learner, had to discover explicitly. This sparked my interest in understanding how we learn.

The Learning Styles Myth

MetaSkills: One of the most controversial topics in education is "learning styles" – visual, auditory, kinesthetic. What does your research say?

Barbara Oakley: Here's the uncomfortable truth: learning styles are a myth. Research consistently shows that when people try to learn in their "preferred style," they perform worse, not better.

What does work? Multimodal learning – engaging with material in multiple ways. The brain learns better when it:

• Uses different neural pathways
• Connects new information to existing knowledge
• Practices retrieval and application

The most effective learners switch flexibly between approaches rather than sticking to one "style."

The Neuroscience of Diffuse vs. Focused Thinking

MetaSkills: You've popularized the concepts of "focused mode" and "diffuse mode." Can you explain these?

Barbara Oakley: Certainly! The brain operates in two primary modes:

Focused Mode:

• Concentrated attention on a problem
• Using familiar neural pathways
• Great for executing known solutions
• Can get stuck on "mental ruts"

Diffuse Mode:

• Relaxed attention, not focused on anything specific
• Making new neural connections
• "Aha!" moments happen here
• Essential for creative problem-solving

The key insight? You need both modes. Many people try to power through in focused mode, but breakthroughs often come when you step away and let diffuse mode work.

Practical Learning Strategies

MetaSkills: What are the most effective learning techniques that most people overlook?

Barbara Oakley:

1. Active Recall

Most people reread material, which gives a false sense of competence. Instead:

• Test yourself frequently
• Space out your practice
• Embrace struggle – it's actually learning happening

2. Interleaving

Instead of practicing one topic exhaustively, mix it up:

• Switch between related subjects
• Forces your brain to distinguish concepts
• Improves long-term retention

3. Chunking

Break complex information into small, manageable chunks:

• Each chunk is a neural pattern
• Chunks can be combined in new ways
• Expertise = having lots of interconnected chunks

Overcoming Procrastination

MetaSkills: Why do we procrastinate, especially on difficult subjects?

Barbara Oakley: Procrastination is actually a pain avoidance response. When we think about doing something difficult, our brain activates pain centers – the same areas that light up when we touch a hot stove.

The solution? Just get started. Once you begin, the pain goes away. Here's the technique:

1. Focus on process, not product
2. Use Pomodoro technique (25 min work, 5 min break)
3. Reward yourself after completing Pomodoros

The surprising thing? Even 25 minutes of focused work is more effective than hours of distracted "study."

Advice for Lifelong Learners

MetaSkills: What's your top advice for someone wanting to become a better learner?

Barbara Oakley:

1. Embrace being a beginner

   • Being "bad at something" is the first step to being good
   • Your brain creates new neural pathways when you struggle

2. Sleep on it

   • Your brain consolidates learning during sleep
   • Napping can improve problem-solving by 40%

3. Teach what you learn

   • Teaching is one of the best ways to solidify knowledge
   • It reveals gaps in your understanding

4. Exercise

   • Physical exercise boosts brain health and neuroplasticity
   • Even walking 30 minutes a day makes a difference

The Future of Learning

MetaSkills: How do you see AI and technology changing how we learn?

Barbara Oakley: AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a substitute for understanding. The most successful learners will be those who:

• Use AI as a supplement, not replacement
• Verify AI-generated information
• Focus on understanding fundamental principles
• Practice manual skills alongside digital skills

The key is balance. Use AI strategically, but build your own neural pathways through genuine learning.

Final Thoughts

MetaSkills: What's the most important lesson from your research?

Barbara Oakley: Anyone can learn anything – if they're willing to put in the effort and use effective strategies. Your brain is constantly changing, and every time you learn something new, you're literally physically changing your brain structure.

Learning isn't about being "smart" or "talented." It's about using the right techniques and giving yourself time. Be patient with yourself, and remember – even the most accomplished experts were once beginners.

Barbara Oakley, PhD, is a Professor of Engineering at Oakland University and author of "Learning How to Learn" and "A Mind for Numbers." Her MOOC has enrolled over 2 million students worldwide.