American Psychological Association

Better Learning

This course is part of Student Success Specialization

Kyle Smith

Instructor: Kyle Smith

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

16 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

16 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify the shortcomings of your current study habits to improve the way you use notes, highlighting, flashcards, and other classic study tools.

  • Learn to use scientifically validated learning techniques to improve your studying and increase your retention.

  • Create effective plans to overcome procrastination

Details to know

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Assessments

35 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Student Success Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 12 modules in this course

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

What's included

3 videos7 readings

This module provides an introduction to this course and illustrates the need for people to rethink their approach to learning. It asks you to consider your current study strategies, and describes problems with each of the most popular strategies. Then it introduces the concept of metacognition and explains how it plays an important role in studying. Finally the module discusses the causes and consequences of procrastination. All of these topics set the stage for the recommendations about how to improve your studying, which come later in the course.

What's included

6 videos10 readings5 assignments

This module walks you through the basis of memory and forgetting. It explains important terminology encoding and retrieval, lays out the different stages of memory, and discusses how we forget. It ends with four different techniques that you can use to shore up your memory and prevent forgetting.

What's included

3 videos4 readings2 assignments

This module showcases the first of our four better learning strategies: elaboration. Very simply, elaboration entails connecting information that you’re learning with information you already know. It’s an effective strategy to encode information in a way that makes it easier to recall later. Focused learning involves removing distractions from your environment so you can process what you’re learning as deeply as possible.

What's included

6 videos5 readings3 assignments

This module showcases the second of our four better learning strategies: focused learning. Focused learning involves removing distractions from your environment so you can process what you’re learning as deeply as possible. This deeper processing allows the formation of stronger memories that will last longer and be more accessible as time passes.

What's included

5 videos6 readings3 assignments

Using spaced learning—spreading out your learning over time instead of massing it right before an exam—is an easy way to improve your long-term retention of information. It requires more planning than pulling an all-nighter the night before a test, but it yields much better results in the long term.

What's included

5 videos6 readings3 assignments

This module focuses on the last of the four studying strategies we cover in this course: retrieval practice—intentionally forcing yourself to recall information. Why do we recommend doing this? Just like using your muscles makes them stronger, using your memory makes it stronger as well. So, using retrieval practice when you study will leave you in a better position to recall information when it counts on the test.

What's included

4 videos4 readings2 assignments

This final content module brings all of the previous course material together and gives you concrete, actionable advice on how to improve your studying.

What's included

6 videos1 reading5 assignments

This final content module brings all of the previous course material together and gives you concrete, actionable advice on how to improve your studying.

What's included

1 video28 readings11 assignments

This module contains a quiz covering all of the material in this course. It will count for 30% of your total course grade, so make sure you’ve reviewed the material well. Good luck!

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.

What's included

3 readings

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

What's included

8 readings

Instructor

Kyle Smith
American Psychological Association
5 Courses1,690 learners

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