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All 16 learnings · one per slide
A Mind for
Numbers
Barbara Oakley, in bytes
16 key learnings on how to excel at maths and science, even if you struggled with them.
16 learnings · ~40 sec eachSwipe →
Library / Habits & Productivity / A Mind for Numbers
A Mind for Numbers, in bytes
16 key learnings from engineering professor Barbara Oakley's guide to learning hard subjects, drawn from neuroscience and her own journey. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
A Mind for
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Learning 1 · Chapter 1
From Maths-Hater to Engineer
Her story
Oakley flunked her way through school maths and science, joined the army and learned Russian, then retrained in engineering.
The lesson
She found that people can change their brains and learn what once seemed impossible.
Takeaway
It's never too late to learn hard things.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 2 · Chapter 2
Focused and Diffuse Modes
The idea
The brain has two modes: focused (concentrated attention) and diffuse (relaxed, wide-ranging thinking).
Image
Like a pinball machine with tightly packed bumpers versus widely spaced ones.
Takeaway
Learning needs both modes.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 3 · Chapter 2
Step Away to Solve
The idea
When stuck, stepping away lets the diffuse mode work in the background.
Example
Thomas Edison is said to have dozed holding ball bearings, waking as they fell, to catch diffuse-mode ideas.
Try this
Take a walk when you're stuck on a problem.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 4 · Chapter 6
Procrastination
The idea
Procrastination happens because starting something unpleasant triggers discomfort, so we switch to something nicer.
Example
Thinking about maths homework makes you feel uneasy, so you check your phone.
Takeaway
The discomfort fades once you begin.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 5 · Chapter 6
The Pomodoro Technique
The tool
Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, then take a short reward break.
Why
Small, timed sessions make starting easier.
Try this
Do one pomodoro on a task you've been avoiding.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 6 · Chapter 7
Process, Not Product
The idea
Focus on the process (time spent working) rather than the product (finishing the task).
Example
'I'll work for 25 minutes' instead of 'I'll finish the assignment'.
Takeaway
Process goals reduce anxiety.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 7 · Chapter 4
Chunking
The idea
A chunk is a compact unit of understanding, built by focused attention, understanding and practice.
Example
Learning a maths technique until you can use it automatically.
Takeaway
Build chunks to free working memory.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 8 · Chapter 5
Illusions of Competence
The idea
Rereading and glancing at solutions create a false sense that you understand.
Example
Following a worked example and thinking you could do it yourself.
Try this
Solve the problem without looking at the solution.
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Learning 9 · Chapter 5
Recall
The idea
Recalling key ideas after reading is one of the most powerful ways to learn.
Example
Looking away from a page and saying its main points.
Try this
After each section, recall its main idea.
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Learning 10 · Chapter 5
Spaced Repetition
The idea
Practising over several days builds stronger memory than cramming.
Image
Like building a brick wall, letting the mortar dry between layers.
Takeaway
Space your practice.
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Learning 11 · Chapter 5
Interleaving
The idea
Mix different types of problems so you learn when to use each technique.
Example
Doing a set that mixes different problem types.
Takeaway
Know when, not just how.
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Learning 12 · Chapter 2
The Einstellung Effect
The idea
An idea you already have can block a better solution.
Example
Using a familiar method that doesn't fit the problem.
Try this
Step back and ask if there's another approach.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 13 · Chapter 10
Metaphors and Analogies
The idea
Comparing new ideas to familiar things helps them stick.
Example
Thinking of electric current like water flowing through pipes.
Try this
Create a metaphor for a concept you're learning.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 14 · Chapter 3
Sleep and Exercise
The idea
Sleep clears toxins and consolidates learning; exercise helps the brain grow new neurons.
Example
Reviewing material before sleep helps it stick.
Takeaway
Look after your brain.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 15 · Chapter 17
Hard Start, Jump to Easy
The test tip
In exams, start with a hard problem briefly, then switch to easy ones while the diffuse mode works on the hard one.
Why
It uses both modes.
Try this
Try this on your next test.
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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Learning 16 · Chapter 18
Your Brain Can Change
The idea
Oakley argues anyone can improve at maths and science with the right methods and persistence.
Example
Many successful scientists were slow learners at first.
Reflect
What hard topic could you tackle with a short focused session today?
A Mind for Numbers · Barbara Oakleybooksinbytes.in
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
Your brain has two modes; use both. What hard topic could you tackle with a short focused session today?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley (2014) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes