A Mind For Numbers

by Barbara Oakley
A Mind For Numbers cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Education and Reference
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Waterstones
Paperback • £13.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 10275
  • Added: 2026-01-19
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781101621615
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2014-07-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A Mind for Numbers is a companion book to the popular Coursera course 'Learning How to Learn.' It offers tools and strategies to help students and career changers grasp intimidating subjects like math and science. Engineering professor Barbara Oakley shares her personal journey of overcoming her struggles with these subjects and provides insights into effective learning techniques. She emphasizes that math and science require both creative and analytical thinking, and that stepping away from a problem can often lead to more effective solutions. The book's strategies are applicable to any subject and aim to make learning less painful and more effective. /n/n Oakley's approach is rooted in her own experiences and research, making the book a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their learning skills. The book is not just about math and science but about changing the way we approach learning in general. It's a guide to retooling the brain to master difficult subjects, with practical advice and real-world examples.

Reviews
The Invisible Mentor · 2025-05-26
excellent 4.50

The book is excellent but shares significant overlap with the author's other work. It offers practical advice for improving math and science skills.

The reviewer found the book to be excellent, particularly for its practical advice on excelling in math and science. However, they noted that there is a lot of overlap with the author's other book, Learning How to Learn. The advice is practical and can be applied to various learning scenarios, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike. The reviewer appreciates the straightforward and actionable tips provided.

Quick quotes

    This is an excellent book, but I read her other book, Learning How to Learn and there's a lot of overlap.

    The advice is practical and can be applied to various learning scenarios.

    It offers practical advice for improving math and science skills.

Ethics and Culture · 2022-05-23
practical 4.00

The book is a treasure for those trying to figure out studying on their own. It offers practical advice for effective learning.

The reviewer considers the book a treasure, especially for those who are trying to figure out studying on their own. They highlight the practical advice provided for effective learning, making it a valuable resource for students and anyone looking to improve their study habits. The book is seen as a helpful guide for those attempting to help students grow and improve their academic performance.

Quick quotes

    A Mind for Numbers is a treasure for those who are trying to figure out studying on their own.

    It offers practical advice for effective learning.

    It is a helpful guide for those attempting to help students grow and improve their academic performance.

Eustacia Tan · 2021-11-24
practical 4.20

The book is easy to read and practical, offering effective studying techniques. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their learning methods.

The reviewer found the book to be easy to read and practical, providing effective studying techniques. They appreciate the straightforward and actionable advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their learning methods. The book is seen as a helpful guide for students and professionals alike, offering practical tips that can be applied to various learning scenarios.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I found this to be an easy to read and practical book.

    If you're looking for things you can do to make your studying more effective, this book is for you.

    It offers effective studying techniques.

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