Kia ora!

Professor Barbara Oakley
Insights Newsletter
7 February, 2025

I’m Barbara Oakley, and I’m delighted to be spending nearly six months with The New Zealand Initiative. My husband, Phil and I are thrilled to return to New Zealand. We were married 41 years ago in charming Akaroa. Coming back now, in a professional capacity, feels like circling back to a place that has always held a special place in our hearts. We’re eager to contribute to the conversations shaping education in this remarkable country.

I’ve spent much of my career exploring how people learn best, blending insights from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and practical teaching techniques. My online course, Learning How to Learn, has reached millions of students worldwide, and my books—including A Mind for Numbers and Uncommon Sense Teaching—focus on helping students and educators apply science-backed strategies to master even the most challenging subjects.

I’ll be working closely with the Initiative’s education team, including Michael Johnston, whose deep understanding of evidence-based learning aligns with my own passion for practical, research-backed approaches. New Zealand is known for its innovative thinking in education, in part arising from the Initiative’s efforts, and I’m excited to both share insights and learn from the incredible work already happening here.

One of my key focuses will be on how we can help students develop better learning habits—techniques that make studying more effective while reducing stress and frustration. Many people believe they’re simply “not good” at certain subjects. But most of us have never been taught how to learn properly. Small changes—like leveraging retrieval practice, interleaving different subjects, and improving working memory strategies—can make a world of difference.

I’ll also be discussing how we can support teachers in bringing these strategies into the classroom. Teaching is one of the most intellectually demanding professions, yet teachers are often asked to implement new methods without clear evidence of effectiveness. My goal is to provide research-based tools that not only help students thrive but also make life easier for educators.

Phil and I look forward to exploring more of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes while also diving into meaningful discussions about learning. Whether in a classroom, at a conference, or over coffee, I hope to connect with many of you.

So, whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or simply someone passionate about learning, let’s work together to make education more engaging, more effective, and maybe even a little more fun.

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