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The Learning Brain
One of the most complicated and advanced computers on Earth can't be purchased in any store. This astonishing device, responsible for storing and retrieving vast quantities of information that can be accessed at a moment's notice, is the human brain. How does such a dynamic and powerful machine make memories, learn a language, and remember how to drive a car? What habits can we adopt in order to learn more effectively throughout our lives? And how do external factors like traumatic injuries and mood affect our gray matter? The answers to these questions are merely the tip of the iceberg in The Learning Brain.
These 24 half-hour lectures offer in-depth and surprising lessons about how the brain learns and how we can optimize that learning. Begin your journey by focusing on which parts of the brain are responsible for different kinds of memory, from personal experiences and memorized facts to short-term memory, and how these systems work on a psychological and biological level. Then, discover how to better absorb and retain all kinds of memories in all stages of life. This course is chock-full of valuable information, whether you're learning a new language at 60 or discovering calculus at 16. If you need better study habits, struggle with learning a new skill, or just worry about memories fading with age, The Learning Brain will provide illuminating insights.
Take this journey with Thad Polk, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, whose well-organized curriculum and relaxed teaching style ease you into intricate aspects of learning science, including the underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms involved. Professor Polk's credentials in psychology and over 20 years' experience in education shine through every lecture of The Learning Brain as he firmly supports this rigorous exploration with scientific studies conducted over the last several decades of neuroscientific research.
Listening Length: 12 hours and 23 minutes
These 24 half-hour lectures offer in-depth and surprising lessons about how the brain learns and how we can optimize that learning. Begin your journey by focusing on which parts of the brain are responsible for different kinds of memory, from personal experiences and memorized facts to short-term memory, and how these systems work on a psychological and biological level. Then, discover how to better absorb and retain all kinds of memories in all stages of life. This course is chock-full of valuable information, whether you're learning a new language at 60 or discovering calculus at 16. If you need better study habits, struggle with learning a new skill, or just worry about memories fading with age, The Learning Brain will provide illuminating insights.
Take this journey with Thad Polk, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, whose well-organized curriculum and relaxed teaching style ease you into intricate aspects of learning science, including the underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms involved. Professor Polk's credentials in psychology and over 20 years' experience in education shine through every lecture of The Learning Brain as he firmly supports this rigorous exploration with scientific studies conducted over the last several decades of neuroscientific research.
Listening Length: 12 hours and 23 minutes
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2018
57 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Thad A. Polk
13 books44 followersProfessor Thad A. Polk is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan. He received a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Virginia and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Computer Science and Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. He also received postdoctoral training in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania.
Professor Polk’s research combines functional imaging of the human brain with computational modeling and behavioral methods to investigate the neural architecture underlying cognition. Some of his major projects have investigated differences in the brains of smokers who quit compared with those who do not, changes in the brain as we age, and contributions of nature versus nurture to neural organization. Professor Polk regularly collaborates with scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas and at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, where he is a frequent visiting scientist.
Professor Polk regularly teaches on topics ranging from the human mind and brain, to cognitive psychology, to computational modeling of cognition. His teaching at the University of Michigan has been recognized by numerous awards, and he was named to The Princeton Review’s list of the Best 300 Professors in the United States.
Professor Polk’s research combines functional imaging of the human brain with computational modeling and behavioral methods to investigate the neural architecture underlying cognition. Some of his major projects have investigated differences in the brains of smokers who quit compared with those who do not, changes in the brain as we age, and contributions of nature versus nurture to neural organization. Professor Polk regularly collaborates with scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas and at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, where he is a frequent visiting scientist.
Professor Polk regularly teaches on topics ranging from the human mind and brain, to cognitive psychology, to computational modeling of cognition. His teaching at the University of Michigan has been recognized by numerous awards, and he was named to The Princeton Review’s list of the Best 300 Professors in the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 1, 2021
what an amazing way to start off my reading year :) I highly recommend this wonderful and educational audiobook... in a very easy to understand and follow along way we get to learn all about learning and how it works in our brains :) it's not overwhelming and is full of very interesting studies as well as tips on how to work on your own skills in that department :) I can definitely see myself coming back to this one time and time again in the future :) 5 stars, absolutely worth checking out :)
April 24, 2023
Ugh can I make everyone listen to this
October 7, 2018
Instructor Thad Polk is a professor of psychology with the University of Michigan. His other Great Courses include the Addictive Brain and the Aging Brain.
If you like the Great Courses, and you’re interested in this subject (cognitive psychology), than you will like this course.
I actually think everyone should have exposure to this material. It dispels horribly damaging myths and intuitions about learning that make people wast time and feel frustrated when they work hard for poor learning outcomes. Additionally, the course explains learning and study practices that actually work.
It’s worth it for that alone.
If you like the Great Courses, and you’re interested in this subject (cognitive psychology), than you will like this course.
I actually think everyone should have exposure to this material. It dispels horribly damaging myths and intuitions about learning that make people wast time and feel frustrated when they work hard for poor learning outcomes. Additionally, the course explains learning and study practices that actually work.
It’s worth it for that alone.
March 29, 2019
This is a great course with lots of good tips, supported by research. It also debunks some myths about learning. The lecturer is top notch and kept me engaged throughout the course (with the exception of the lectures in which he talks about the neural aspects of learning, which didn't interest me).
Some highlights:
- The Strategies for Effective Explicit Learning lecture debunks some strategies that are not effective: rereading and highlighting. This took me by surprise as there are strategies that I use most often. But, recognizing information is not the same as recalling information. Then it also recommends some practices: generating explanations, interleaved practice (mixing the learning blocks), distributing practice over time and testing yourself.
- In the Strategies for Effective Skill Learning lecture we learn about SCoRe (Space out practice over time, Challenge yourself and Randomize)
- The importance of motivation, sleep, exercising and nutrition on your learning capabilities.
Some highlights:
- The Strategies for Effective Explicit Learning lecture debunks some strategies that are not effective: rereading and highlighting. This took me by surprise as there are strategies that I use most often. But, recognizing information is not the same as recalling information. Then it also recommends some practices: generating explanations, interleaved practice (mixing the learning blocks), distributing practice over time and testing yourself.
- In the Strategies for Effective Skill Learning lecture we learn about SCoRe (Space out practice over time, Challenge yourself and Randomize)
- The importance of motivation, sleep, exercising and nutrition on your learning capabilities.
June 2, 2023
A good overview and introduction to the science of how our brain works for learning.
July 2, 2021
In this set of 24 half-hour lectures, Thad Polk gives us a fascinating, and often entertaining, rundown on the human brain, memory, and learning. Looking at long-term memory, working memory, and the mutability of memory, we get a good overview of how our brains work in the areas that are most often of everyday interest to us.
Some of the important areas to understand are explicit memory (explicit, declarative knowledge that's easy to talk about), implicit memory (what I've often heard called "muscle memory," though of course it's formed in the brain, not in the muscles, and which you can't really talk about easily), and the mutability of memory. Our memory of events isn't like a video recording, no matter how vivid it seems. We retain some key details, and fill in the rest--meaning that over time, even those "flashbulb memories" of major, shocking events, such as the Challenger explosion or 9/11, can change substantially.
There's also interesting discussion of why learning a new language is easy when you're very young, and much harder as you get older, as well as amnesia, how to improve and expand your working memory, and some brain treatments gone badly wrong. An example of the last is Henry M, who was having epileptic seizures cripplingly often. The surgical treatment for that, after drugs had failed, did stop the seizures, and also stopped him from forming new long-term memories. At least, new long-term explicit memories. He could still acquire new physical skills, even though he had no memory of the daily practice involved in doing so.
I'd like to say more, but really, you're better off listening to these lectures yourself. Polk is better at talking about this than I am.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
Some of the important areas to understand are explicit memory (explicit, declarative knowledge that's easy to talk about), implicit memory (what I've often heard called "muscle memory," though of course it's formed in the brain, not in the muscles, and which you can't really talk about easily), and the mutability of memory. Our memory of events isn't like a video recording, no matter how vivid it seems. We retain some key details, and fill in the rest--meaning that over time, even those "flashbulb memories" of major, shocking events, such as the Challenger explosion or 9/11, can change substantially.
There's also interesting discussion of why learning a new language is easy when you're very young, and much harder as you get older, as well as amnesia, how to improve and expand your working memory, and some brain treatments gone badly wrong. An example of the last is Henry M, who was having epileptic seizures cripplingly often. The surgical treatment for that, after drugs had failed, did stop the seizures, and also stopped him from forming new long-term memories. At least, new long-term explicit memories. He could still acquire new physical skills, even though he had no memory of the daily practice involved in doing so.
I'd like to say more, but really, you're better off listening to these lectures yourself. Polk is better at talking about this than I am.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
March 4, 2019
This is a very clearly and well presented set of lectures...coming from the very engaging Thad Polk. The audio version works for me for a variety of reasons (you audiophiles out there understand), but maybe the video versions might be a little better. Having said that, the guidebook is quite good. If you follow the lectures with the guidebook (all 248 pages), you may come out ahead...but it takes work!
The lectures are structured around a basic pattern in which a brief history (studies by institutions or individuals) is followed by brain physiology (what parts of the brain is involved) and then, often, meaningful suggestions as to how an individual might incorporate those suggestions into improving certain aspects of their life. Sometimes a quick quiz is offered to elucidate the focus of the topic (e.g. short- vs long- term memory.) All the lectures seem to flow easily into one another, with the final lecture, #24, acting as a summation of the course, emphasizing some of the more salient points and suggestions. The guidebook, again, is very, very good!
All in all this is a great course, worthy of your attention and your hard earned money, though even an aging brain can figure out that getting this one on sale, with a coupon, is an easily learned lesson.
(I listened to these lectures during a particularly stressful time in my life. I plan on revisiting the course in the future and will update my review at that time).
The lectures are structured around a basic pattern in which a brief history (studies by institutions or individuals) is followed by brain physiology (what parts of the brain is involved) and then, often, meaningful suggestions as to how an individual might incorporate those suggestions into improving certain aspects of their life. Sometimes a quick quiz is offered to elucidate the focus of the topic (e.g. short- vs long- term memory.) All the lectures seem to flow easily into one another, with the final lecture, #24, acting as a summation of the course, emphasizing some of the more salient points and suggestions. The guidebook, again, is very, very good!
All in all this is a great course, worthy of your attention and your hard earned money, though even an aging brain can figure out that getting this one on sale, with a coupon, is an easily learned lesson.
(I listened to these lectures during a particularly stressful time in my life. I plan on revisiting the course in the future and will update my review at that time).
June 27, 2019
A very interesting listen. For those who've read books on this topic (Make it stick by Peter Brown for instance), this book doesn't offer anything new. However, I am pretty sure that it adds the crux of 2-3 books into one. (Inter-leaved learning, Sleep, Attention, Challenging Brain, Nutrition and so on).
I wanted him to cover attention in more detail and possibly talk more about flow. But I missed that. However, that would have been just a bonus - and that doesn't take the 5-star rating that this book rightly deserves.
I wanted him to cover attention in more detail and possibly talk more about flow. But I missed that. However, that would have been just a bonus - and that doesn't take the 5-star rating that this book rightly deserves.
January 21, 2020
As you would expect, the course on learning was very informative and memorable. The professor provided lots of examples of study techniques you can use in your own learning, which I plan to use. I always thought studying didn’t work for me. However, it turns out that my technique was all wrong! I’m a huge fan of rereading, but that’s been shown to not help very much. What does help is quizzing yourself and thinking about the material in depth, and relating it to other knowledge you have, as well as trying to explain it to others. In hindsight, the last two are actually how I learn. I’m knowledgeable about subjects I’m passionate about because I never shut up about them! Getting back on track, he also provided lots of examples you could try at home, such as testing your working memory. I liked how he frequently repeated things, making them easier to remember. I also enjoyed the chapters on topics such as learning styles, addiction, and “brain training”. Overall, I found it very interesting and informative! I would say that this is one of the better psychology courses I have listened to. 5/5 January 21 2020
abandoned-dnf
August 5, 2019DNF after three lectures. Rare for me not to finish a Great Courses series.
I didn't realize this was the same presenter as The Aging Brain, another GC I had a hard time getting through because of the lecturing style. He's got this arrogant "I'm all that and more" style of presentation that annoys me. He makes obvious statements as if he's imparting some great secret, that "I'm so much smarter than anyone I will ever talk to" demeanor used primarily by people about to try to get you to buy into their latest MLM venture or make you a deal on a gently used mattress.
Might have been some good info in later lectures, but I wasn't willing to put up with being patronized for several more hours just to find out.
I didn't realize this was the same presenter as The Aging Brain, another GC I had a hard time getting through because of the lecturing style. He's got this arrogant "I'm all that and more" style of presentation that annoys me. He makes obvious statements as if he's imparting some great secret, that "I'm so much smarter than anyone I will ever talk to" demeanor used primarily by people about to try to get you to buy into their latest MLM venture or make you a deal on a gently used mattress.
Might have been some good info in later lectures, but I wasn't willing to put up with being patronized for several more hours just to find out.
July 29, 2019
4.5 / 5
1. Interesting Case Studies - Most of which were quite fascinating. However, some felt like a digression from the main point hence a bit tedious to listen through. It could have been shorter. That is the reason for the 4.5 rating.
2. Practical Advice - It's not just theoretical course. It actually boils down to practical guide for optimizing learning.
3. Great Course Structure - The information is quite nicely structured using some of the principles mentioned in the course itself. It begins with a brief introduction and overview of what the course is all about. Then it breaks down the neuroscience of certain processes in our brains and their part in the learning process. And then it culminates with a scientifically-backed guide for optimal learning. It finishes off with a summary.
1. Interesting Case Studies - Most of which were quite fascinating. However, some felt like a digression from the main point hence a bit tedious to listen through. It could have been shorter. That is the reason for the 4.5 rating.
2. Practical Advice - It's not just theoretical course. It actually boils down to practical guide for optimizing learning.
3. Great Course Structure - The information is quite nicely structured using some of the principles mentioned in the course itself. It begins with a brief introduction and overview of what the course is all about. Then it breaks down the neuroscience of certain processes in our brains and their part in the learning process. And then it culminates with a scientifically-backed guide for optimal learning. It finishes off with a summary.
July 27, 2020
I believe this was the course I was in the process of listening to when my region first went into lockdown from the pandemic. I obviously did less driving then and so was slow to finish it. And I also have a huge backlog of things to review from that time since I lost my sense of focus from that time (no urgency to return materials to the library when it wasn't accepting returns anyway.
Anyway, I remember enjoying listening to it, and when I scroll through the course guide file I find I lot that I'm familiar with. I don't know if I could consciously declare what all I learned from this lecture series, but I apparently retain a fair bit, so that is good.
Anyway, I remember enjoying listening to it, and when I scroll through the course guide file I find I lot that I'm familiar with. I don't know if I could consciously declare what all I learned from this lecture series, but I apparently retain a fair bit, so that is good.
February 6, 2021
I am now 3/3 for all of Dr. Polk's Great Courses and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
I took about 2 pages of notes while listening to this and really feel like I got a lot out of this one. I honestly think every student, regardless of where you are (Highschool, College, Trade school, whatever) would greatly benefit from listening to this and being open minded to the material.
I believe in life-long learning and I am currently in pursuit of my masters degree and this is a perfect compliment to my studies.
Highly recommend to anyone who truly wants to make the most of their learning and master their chosen craft.
I took about 2 pages of notes while listening to this and really feel like I got a lot out of this one. I honestly think every student, regardless of where you are (Highschool, College, Trade school, whatever) would greatly benefit from listening to this and being open minded to the material.
I believe in life-long learning and I am currently in pursuit of my masters degree and this is a perfect compliment to my studies.
Highly recommend to anyone who truly wants to make the most of their learning and master their chosen craft.
June 3, 2019
More worthwhile than you could possibly imagine. The professor is engaging and pleasant on the ears, and the content is fantastic. As a former epileptic and a teacher, I found so many nuggets of information that satisfied and challenged my ideas and assumptions about just what is going on in the ole noggin.
The most challenging part for me was some of the hard science bits, but like the prof says, weaker performance in the short term is a necessity for long term learning. Guess I better do that quantum physics lecture next then!
The most challenging part for me was some of the hard science bits, but like the prof says, weaker performance in the short term is a necessity for long term learning. Guess I better do that quantum physics lecture next then!
March 21, 2021
Enjoyed this audiobook 100%. If one is interested to understand WHY and HOW some things happen (or not) in our way of learning - this course is a great source! It not only speaks about how the brain functions, researches that confirm the statements, but also gives clues why we as humans react to one or another thing, e.g. why some people have “math phobia” or why monetary reward might reduce motivation to contribute to some activities.
If one wants only list of suggestions to improve own learning, the last chapter is enough to read.
If one wants only list of suggestions to improve own learning, the last chapter is enough to read.
July 14, 2021
A delightful series of seminars about the brain, how it works, and how one can best utilize it to maximize potential. The expert author and presenter, Thad A. Polk, is eloquent in his scholarly explanations that include example tests and thoughtful imaginings. These lectures are both stimulating and encouraging to those who give up trying to learn because of harmful habits and other self-induced obstacles. Polk's upbeat presentation assures that anyone can improve with time and honest effort applied to any endeavor.
March 30, 2025
Good mix of theoretical background with some practical applications. Goes over the research and the diseases showing how various parts of memory and intelligence works in a Psych 101 way, including separating the constituent parts of the learning brain's resources. A problem with the topic at hand is that there's only so much room for improvement, coming mostly from indirect sources like staying healthy, getting enough sleep, staying motivated and intelligent practice routines (all given their own lectures).
May 10, 2021
If you're interested in picking up new skills or knowledge effectively, or are just interested in how that works, this is the "book" for you. Professor Polk explains how your brain gets stuff into memory, the different kinds of memory that stuff gets into, and the studies that let us know how that all works. All this amounts to a solid set of tools to help you craft a learning plan for how to stuff your brain with the stuff you want in it.
February 13, 2023
Thad Polk, Ph.D.
Michigan Neuroscience Institute Affiliate
Samuel D. Epstein Collegiate Professor of Psychology
Arthur F. Thurnau Professor
If you like the Great Courses, and you're interested in this subject (cognitive psychology), than you will like this course.
Dr. Polk - four courses for The Great Courses:
The Addictive Brain
The Opioid Epidemic: America’s Deadly Addiction
The Aging Brain
The Learning Brain
Michigan Neuroscience Institute Affiliate
Samuel D. Epstein Collegiate Professor of Psychology
Arthur F. Thurnau Professor
If you like the Great Courses, and you're interested in this subject (cognitive psychology), than you will like this course.
Dr. Polk - four courses for The Great Courses:
The Addictive Brain
The Opioid Epidemic: America’s Deadly Addiction
The Aging Brain
The Learning Brain
February 2, 2019
A nice overview of the theories of learning and how they are enacted in the brain. I had hoped that it would inform me what has changed over the last 20 years since my university days, but many things have stood the test of time.
Great for anyone wanting an intersection between education and brain theory.
Great for anyone wanting an intersection between education and brain theory.
July 10, 2019
Polk shares a great deal of important information that educators need. He connects findings in cognitive sciences that apply to our learning. He debunks a few concepts that teachers may still cling to and suggests concepts educators need to understand and to inform their practices. There are some recommendations I would benefit from personally.
August 29, 2019
I cannot recommend this lecture series highly enough! Prof Polk tackles everything from the physiology and psychology of the brain in its various forms of learning to the value of sleep and effective study methods, understanding dyslexia and so much more. His lectures are fun and completely approachable for the layman like me. I’ve learned SO MUCH about learning! Pure brilliance.
March 26, 2021
I love these Great Courses! As an educator, I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and enhance student learning. This lecture series was informative, engaging, and included many useful strategies based on psychology and neuroscience. I particularly liked the lectures that focused on neural structures as they relate to memory. Highly recommend!
May 27, 2022
Great survey of psychology, neurology, and applicable methodology as it relates to learning! So many helpful lessons.
I wasn't as interested in last few lectures - learning as you age etc. They were interesting, but just not the focus I was seeking out.
Dr. Polk did an amazing job with both the material and the narration/lectures. I'd be glad to learn from him again!
I wasn't as interested in last few lectures - learning as you age etc. They were interesting, but just not the focus I was seeking out.
Dr. Polk did an amazing job with both the material and the narration/lectures. I'd be glad to learn from him again!
July 21, 2023
A good read. It is a good book to understand for anyone who is in education. I liked it for that reason and gave me some good ideas about what will work best with students. it even gives some good ideas for explanations about learning disabilities that are a big part of education. It was a little technical in parts, but better to be over my head than a book that is too elementary.
August 25, 2019
Lot's of information about how our brain learns and how it doesn't. Toss away your highlighter - stop wasting time. There are ways to learn better, faster and more efficient. A highlighter won't do you any good. Safe your money. Instead buy this book and learn how your brain really learns.
May 2, 2021
A nice and short coverage of the brain in the context of learning. I usually read (or, in this case, listen) to books like this once every other year, as I tend to forget. Polk did a great job, and I am inclined to get some of his other courses as well.
May 14, 2021
An excellent series of lectures on learning.
Highly recommended to anyone cultivating a newfound interest in the human learning process, this is still an enjoyable listen for anyone who is already familiar with the subject matter.
Highly recommended to anyone cultivating a newfound interest in the human learning process, this is still an enjoyable listen for anyone who is already familiar with the subject matter.
December 27, 2021
Audiobook: Audio quality : Excellent, Narration: Good
An excellent book for those who have no prior knowledge about the subject. However readers who already know how the brain works might find it shallow and a little disappointing.
An excellent book for those who have no prior knowledge about the subject. However readers who already know how the brain works might find it shallow and a little disappointing.
May 28, 2023
Clear strategies of what works best and what not so well when it comes to learning. Based on science and scientific studies. Including how we can improve our ability to learn and how we can keep our brains healthy in late life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews