Unveiling the Surprising Benefits of Forgetting
9th May 2024
Cheery Friday Greetings to our Learning How to Learners!
The Forgotten Advantage: Unveiling the Surprising Benefits of Forgetting
Do you easily forget? New research shows that forgetting is actually good for us and required for our minds to work best. How exactly does forgetting help our cognitive, creative, and decision making abilities? And how do we identify and deal with undesirable forgetting?
Join Olav Schewe and Barb Oakley for a webinar on this intriguing topic with Dr. Scott Small, physician and Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, Columbia University and author of Forgetting: The Benefits of Not Remembering, which Barb counts as one of her “top books of all time.” In this webinar, you will also be able to ask Dr. Small your most pressing questions about memory, learning and forgetting. May 13, 2024 11:15 Eastern time. Sign up now for this free webinar to save your seat and receive a link to the recording!
Exciting New Video on Generative AI and the Power of Metaphors in Learning
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our Learning How to Learn course! In this captivating (even if we do say so ourselves) video, we explore the fascinating world of generative AI and its surprising similarities to the way our brains form connections when we learn. Discover how metaphors, far from being mere literary devices, play a crucial role in helping us understand and remember complex concepts. We’ll show you how powerful language models like ChatGPT can generate vivid and memorable metaphors to explain challenging topics, just like how our neurons form clusters of information called “chunks.” Join us as we delve into the different ways metaphors can illuminate abstract ideas, from comparing atoms to a school, a fruit, or even a city. Get ready to harness the power of metaphors and generative AI to supercharge your learning journey! Check out the video here. (You may need to log in to Coursera.)
Barb speaking today (noon Eastern time) on “The Empathy Commons: The Risks of Caring without Clear Boundaries”
While empathy is championed as a crucial trait to nurture, particularly in children and caring professions, it also presents a unique challenge. Empathy can be thought of as a common pool resource, susceptible to depletion. Its overuse can lead to serious issues such as depression, burnout, compassion fatigue, and codependency.
This presentation will delve into understanding empathy as a common pool resource and describe methods to reduce its exploitation. Additionally, the talk will explore philosophical dilemmas stemming from the impulse to extend help beyond established boundaries. Register here! (It’s free.)
Quest for Fire and ChatGPT: AI from the Perspective of Human Evolution with Shigeru Miyagowa
A fascinating, evolutionary approach related to the development of the human brain—and Large Language Models such as ChatGPT—is given in this YouTube video by Barb’s longtime friend, brilliant MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa.
Inspiring message about changing career trajectories!
If you think you can’t find a good job with whatever your current skillset is, read this inspiring message about how it’s VERY possible to change:
“In 2012, I was a new grad having trouble finding a job after majoring in social sciences without much direction. Your book A Mind for Numbers gave me the confidence to completely switch gears, take basic science courses for the first time since 11th grade, and go to medical school. Math and science were always challenging for me, but learning how to learn them and having enough maturity to be willing to work hard have really expanded my mind. I’m now toward the end of my residency in diagnostic radiology. The journey is long but fulfilling. Thanks again.” M.M.
Matías Rojas Torres: Bridging Cultures and Inspiring Educators through Evidence-Informed Practices
We are thrilled to introduce you to Matías Rojas Torres, a passionate educator, content coordinator at Aptus, and a true inspiration in the field of education. With a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a deep commitment to promoting evidence-informed educational practices, Matías is becoming a leading voice in the education community. Through his work as the creator and host of the “Después del recreo” podcast at Aptus and his involvement with researchED Chile, Matías has been instrumental in bridging the gap between research and practice, empowering educators to make a positive impact on student learning. We invite you to explore Matías’ incredible journey and learn more about his tireless efforts to transform education by reading his recent posting about ResearchEd Toronto!
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!
- 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!
