Barbara Oakley is a Professor of Engineering at Oakland University. She is involved in multiple areas of research, ranging from STEM education, to Engineering education, to learning practices.

Most recently, Professor Oakley has co-created and taught Learning How To Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects, the world's most popular online course. She also has written a number of books, including: 'A Mind For Numbers' and 'Mindshift'.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Focused mode vs. diffuse mode for thinking, problem solving and working
• Environments for productive learning: distractions, timelines and procrastination
• "Neural chunking" and creating patterns for developing skills
• Preventing regression of knowledge and skill acquisition
• Advice for improving scientific literacy/proficiency and confidence in reading/understanding science
• How to soak up (and retain) more information from podcasts