Professional Summary for Professor Barbara Oakley
Professor Barbara Oakley is a distinguished academic and educator at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where she serves as a Professor of Engineering. Renowned for her contributions to online education and learning methodologies, she has made a significant impact on global education through her work in massive open online courses (MOOCs) and authorship of influential books on learning and cognition.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor Oakley holds a diverse and interdisciplinary academic background:
- B.A. in Slavic Languages and Literature, University of Washington
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Washington
- M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oakland University
- Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Oakland University
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Her research and academic interests span several areas, including:
- Learning and memory, particularly the science of learning and its application to education
- Engineering education and pedagogical innovation
- Neuroscience and cognitive psychology as they relate to effective learning strategies
Career History and Appointments
Professor Oakley has held various roles in academia and industry, reflecting her versatile expertise:
- Professor of Engineering, Oakland University, Rochester, MI (current position)
- Instructor and co-creator of 'Learning How to Learn,' one of the world’s most popular MOOCs, offered through Coursera in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego
- Previous roles in the U.S. Army as a Russian translator, demonstrating her linguistic proficiency before transitioning to engineering and academia
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Her contributions to education and engineering have been widely recognized:
- Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award, University of Washington (2018)
- Teaching Innovation Award, Oakland University
- Recognition for 'Learning How to Learn' as one of the most impactful online courses, reaching millions of learners worldwide
Key Publications
Professor Oakley is a prolific author, with notable works in learning science and education:
- A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra) (2014)
- Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying (2018, co-authored with Terrence Sejnowski and Alistair McConville)
- Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn (2021, co-authored with Beth Rogowsky and Terrence Sejnowski)
- Numerous academic papers and articles on learning strategies and engineering education
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Professor Oakley has had a transformative impact on education through her pioneering work in online learning. Her Coursera course, 'Learning How to Learn,' has reached over 3 million learners worldwide, making complex cognitive science accessible to a broad audience. Her books and teachings have reshaped how students, educators, and professionals approach learning, emphasizing evidence-based techniques such as chunking, spaced repetition, and metacognition. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering, neuroscience, and education, fostering innovation in pedagogical practices.
Public Lectures, Roles in Committees, and Editorial Contributions
Professor Oakley is an active contributor to the academic and public spheres:
- Frequent keynote speaker at international conferences on education and learning science
- Contributor to educational initiatives promoting effective learning strategies
- Active role in shaping online education through platforms like Coursera