Blueprint

Cheery Friday Greetings to our Learning How to Learners!

Book of the Month

 Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are, by Robert Plomin.  With the rapid advancements in genomic sequencing and the ever-expanding field of behavioral genetics, we feel the age-old question of “nature vs. nurture” is one of the hottest debates around. After all, scientists can now point to the vast array of twin and adoption studies available nowadays—as well as the new opportunities created by identifying the specific genes associated with behavioral traits and cognitive abilities. Plomin’s book lays out the evidence and implications from his 45 years of groundbreaking research in behavioral genetics, making the case that inherited DNA differences are the major systematic force in shaping who we are. The current prevailing view tends to assume that only environmental factors, particularly parenting and socioeconomic status, are causal in determining behaviors and life outcomes. However, there are growing inconsistencies and problems with this view that are difficult to reconcile, including the inability to explain stark differences between siblings raised together, the finding that the effects of parenting on children’s outcomes are mostly correlational rather than causal, and the discovery of inherited DNA differences that increasingly account for variations in behavioral traits and cognitive abilities. Plomin introduces the concept of “the nature of nurture”, positing that our genes are in fact what’s driving us to perceive, select, modify and create environments that fit our genetic predispositions.

Live Webinar Event with Robert Plomin, Barb Oakley, and Olav Schewe

If you’re interested in finding out more about genes in defining our identities and learning capabilities, Join Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe as they explore this intriguing topic in a conversation with Robert Plomin – and pose your own questions directly to Dr. Plomin as well. Sign up now for this free webinar to save your seat and receive a link to the recording. Note that there is an attendance capacity in Zoom for this event of 1,000 participants, which means that some participants might be forwarded to watch the webinar from a streaming page.

Barb in Santiago, Chile speaking March 19 & 20 on behalf of Universidad San Sebastián and Aptus!

Don’t miss Barb’s talks by streaming with English and Spanish options, 

• March 20, 8:50 AM -1.30 PM GMT-3 (Santiago de Chile)
  • Primer taller: Enseña a distancia con personalidad, estilo y generando impacto
  • Segundo taller: Inteligencia artificial generativa para reforzar y acelerar el aprendizaje

Here is the link to register for the March 20 event)! (For non-Chileans, just place any number, or “Non-Chilean”  in the space labeled “RUT”) Here is the YouTube link that will be streaming in English.

• If you happen to be in Santiago on March 19, there is an in-person event that includes simultaneous translation (space is limited), 08:30 a 13:30 horas, Marchant Pereira 10, Auditorio Piso 2, Providencia. The talks include:
  • Enseñanza directa y aprendizaje activo: sistemas de aprendizaje procedimental y declarativo.
  • Una guía para el “altruista patológico” en educación: ¿cómo ayudar sin hacer daño?
  • El gran debate sobre los estilos de aprendizaje: una mirada iluminadora y contraintuitiva basada

If you plan to come in person, please register for Tuesday’s (March 19) event here.  

The brain isn’t as adaptable as some neuroscientists claim

In this eye-opening article, Tamar Makin and John Krakauer take a fresh look at the popular idea that our brains can dramatically rewire themselves after injury or sensory loss. While they don’t deny that the brain is adaptable, they argue that we’ve been overselling its ability to completely overhaul itself. By diving deep into some classic neuroscience studies, Makin and Krakauer show that the brain’s flexibility is more about fine-tuning existing pathways than completely repurposing brain regions for new tasks. They remind us that true neuroplasticity comes from good old-fashioned training and learning, not from instantly tapping into hidden brain powers. This new perspective has big implications for how we approach rehab and set expectations for recovery. It’s not about unlocking secret brain potential, but about putting in the hard work to gradually rebuild and adapt.

The Best of No-Nonsense Self Help Books

We like this compendium of great self-help books, (not least because Barb’s A Mind for Numbers is amongst them). Check it out! 

Inspiring Email from a 50-year-old newly certified safety professional

It can be so inspiring to hear of learning successes from all walks of life, at all ages.  Here’s an inspiring email we received from Nizar: 

“I am writing to share some exciting news with you and to express my deepest gratitude for the inspiration you have provided me through your work.

 Today marks a significant milestone in my professional journey as I celebrate my success in achieving the “Certified Safety Professional by BCSP” certification, widely regarded as the golden standard in Safety. This accomplishment holds special meaning for me, as it not only signifies personal achievement but also serves as a testament to the power of learning and determination.

 Your book Learning How to Learn, has been a guiding light for me throughout this endeavour. Your insights and practical methodologies have equipped me with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of acquiring new knowledge and skills, even at the age of 50. By applying your principles diligently, I have not only surpassed professional barriers but also demonstrated to my children that age is no barrier to learning and growth. 

I am immensely grateful to you for sharing your wisdom and expertise with the world. Your work has had a profound impact on my life, and I cannot thank you enough for being such a source of inspiration.

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!