All Things Being Equal

Cheery Friday Greetings to our Learning How to Learners!

Book of the Month

All Things Being Equal: Why Math Is the Key to a Better World, by John Mighton, presents a compelling case for the transformative power of mathematics education. Drawing on his extensive experience as the founder of JUMP Math, Mighton argues that by fostering intellectual potential through math, we can break down social inequalities and empower individuals to build a smarter, kinder, and more equitable world.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the practical applications of math in everyday life. Mighton convincingly demonstrates how mathematical thinking equips us with invaluable mental tools, such as pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and risk assessment. By cultivating these skills, he suggests, we can make more informed decisions.  Throughout the book, Mighton shares inspiring stories of children who initially struggled with mathematics but, through the JUMP Math approach, went on to excel. These anecdotes serve as powerful reminders that with the right strategies and support, all students can succeed in math, regardless of their background or previous challenges.

Mighton’s writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand for a wide audience. He seamlessly weaves together the latest cognitive research with practical teaching strategies, providing a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective on math education.

While All Things Being Equal is undoubtedly a must-read for math educators, its message resonates far beyond the classroom. Mighton’s vision of a numerate society is both urgent and hopeful, reminding us that by investing in math education, we can empower individuals and communities to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Learning Styles Debunked? Neuroscience Might Have Other Ideas

For decades, the idea of learning styles has been fiercely debunked by prominent psychologists as a neuromyth. But what if fresh insights from neuroscience suggest there’s more to the story? In a provocative new article, our very own Barb Oakley dives deep into the divide between learning styles proponents and detractors. Drawing on cutting-edge research, she argues that dismissing all patterns of differences in how people learn may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. From deliberative vs. automatic learning systems to the dyslexia spectrum and autistic cognition, Barb explores nuanced perspectives that could bridge this long-simmering debate. Is it time to move past dogma and toward evidence-based practices that embrace neurodiversity? Read on and decide for yourself in this must-read piece, which starts on page 69.

Join Dr. Oakley’s Oxford Lecture on AI & Learning – Whether In-Person or Remote!

In this hybrid event, (register here) Barb will speak on using ChatGPT & Generative AI to leverage the brain’s natural learning in the Distinguished Lecturer Series at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Thu, Jun 27, 2024, at 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm London time (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Eastern US time). In this insightful lecture, our very own Dr. Oakley, co-creator of the popular Learning How to Learn MOOC and a leading expert on the neuroscience of learning, will explore how understanding the brain’s learning processes can help learners effectively leverage generative AI to enhance skill acquisition and drive innovation. Dr. Oakley will present research from neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and pedagogy, providing practical strategies for organizations – and learners – to optimize their use of generative AI in training and development. Join us to discover how the latest advancements in learning science and AI can be leveraged to revolutionize education and support organizational growth in an era of rapid technological change. (Register here) 

Discover “Ask Barb”: Your New Gateway to Mastering Effective Learning & Teaching Techniques!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Ask Barb,” a groundbreaking chatbot designed to bring the expertise and engaging teaching style of Learning How to Learn directly to your fingertips! This specialized chatbot, available to ChatGPT subscribers, is tailored to assist learners, educators, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of effective learning practices. Dive into a range of intriguing uses, from exploring unusual learning methods to dissecting complex educational theories or preparing for tests like the rigorous Gaokao in China, the MCAT (for medical school aspirants) in the United States, or the Sri Lankan firefighters’ examination. Whether you’re seeking tips on navigating challenging examinations, exploring the nuances of effective learning strategies, or seeking guidance on educational challenges, “Ask Barb” is here to provide personalized insights in the conversational, friendly style you’ve come to expect from our Cheery Friday emails. While “Ask Barb” isn’t perfect—no tool ever is—it’s a fantastically resourceful companion for anyone looking to enrich their educational journey with a touch of creativity and expert insight.

Are you redesigning a course?

Here is a potential idea—you can input whatever information you have about a course you are redesigning, (whether PowerPoints or handwritten notes made into pdfs or whatever), into the “Ask Barb” specialized chatbot. Ask the chatbot to suggest lesson plans for you growing from the ideas in the Uncommon Sense Teaching book and MOOC specialization.  It’s not a fool proof method for perfect course design, of course, but you can play around with it and have a lot of fun—and get some interesting ideas and approaches.  

Practicing Your Way to Math Mastery

In Mind Matters, writer Denyse O’Leary observes “In an older story that Nautilus recently republished, a woman seemingly born to be an English or languages major, ended up as a professor of engineering as an adult. Barbara Oakley’s story sheds an interesting light on the current war on math.” Read the whole thing.

Check Out the McGraw Prize Interview

Here’s Barb’s interview with the leaders of the Harold W. McGraw  Jr. Prize in Education. She also lets us in on a little secret about her online teaching: “I was awful to start with; I was such a nervous wreck.” 

That’s all for now. Have a happy week in Learning How to Learn!

Barb, Terry, and the entire Learning How to Learn team

• Uncommon Sense Teaching—the book and Coursera Specialization!
• Mindshift—the book and MOOC
• Learn Like a Pro—the book and MOOC
• The LHTL recommended text, A Mind for Numbers
• For kids and parents: Learning How to Learn—the book and MOOC. Pro tip—watch the videos and read the book together with your child. Learning how to learn at an early age will change their life!