Educación y aprendizaje
engineering
learning processes
online education
online learning
Barbara Oakley is an engineering professor at Oakland University and one of the foremost researchers in exploring the intersection between neuroscience and social behavior. Her multidisciplinary approach spans STEM education, engineering instruction, and online learning practices. Her work has been described as “revolutionary” by the Wall Street Journal, and her course “Learning How to Learn,” which she co-created and teaches, is one of the world’s most popular MOOCs, with over two million students enrolled.
Barbara Oakley’s career is a testament to diversity and dedication to knowledge. Her professional journey began in the U.S. Army, where she joined after high school to train as a linguist, studying Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, before earning a degree in Slavic Studies from the University of Washington. After serving for four years in Germany as a Signal Officer and reaching the rank of captain, she decided to switch paths and study Electrical Engineering.
During her engineering studies, she worked as a Russian translator on ships in the Bering Sea, an experience she chronicled in her book *Hair of the Dog: Tales from a Russian Trawler* (1996). She also spent time as a radio operator at the South Pole Station in Antarctica. Throughout her career, Oakley has contributed to esteemed media outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and holds a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering. Her books include *A Mind for Numbers* (2014), *Practicing Sustainability* (2013), *Pathological Altruism* (2012), and *Cold-Blooded Kindness* (2011).
Barbara Oakley’s conferences are recognized for their practical and insightful approach to learning, neuroscience, and education. Her accessible, engaging style allows her to connect with professionals, students, and educators alike. Oakley presents effective methods for optimizing learning and tackling academic and professional challenges. Drawing from her own experiences and cutting-edge research, her talks offer a unique, scientifically-backed perspective on how to improve the learning process and apply it across various fields.
In this talk, Barbara Oakley delves into the principles behind her popular MOOC “Learning How to Learn.” She explains practical techniques for enhancing learning ability, based on neuroscience principles, and how these tools can be applied in both academic and professional settings to improve performance and reach goals.
Barbara shares her unique experience across fields, from linguistics to engineering, and how this diverse knowledge base fuels innovation. She discusses how multidisciplinary approaches are key to solving complex problems, encouraging attendees to broaden their perspectives and apply their skills across various domains.
If you’re looking for an enlightening and innovative talk on effective learning and applied neuroscience, you can book Barbara Oakley through Thinking Heads. As one of the most influential figures in education and learning, Barbara provides a scientific and practical perspective on optimizing learning at any stage of life. Contact Thinking Heads today for more information and to secure her participation in your next event.
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+(34) 91 310 77 40
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© Thinking Heads, 2025
MADRID
+(34) 91 310 77 40
+(34) 91 310 77 40
MIAMI
+1 (305) 424 13 20
SEOUL
+(34) 91 310 77 40