Learning music instruments---order of difficulty? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano on Nov 6, 2009 - 40 answers

I'm looking for the name of a cognitive/learning technique in which a person is given two or more questions--on unrelated subjects--and is to give the answer to both questions at the same time. [more inside]
posted by zardoz on Nov 4, 2009 - 0 answers

Is there a set of Urban Alphabet Flashcards? Alternatively, I'd like to create my own for my kid. [more inside]
posted by MasonDixon on Nov 3, 2009 - 15 answers

I recently purchased a Nikon D5000 DSLR, and while I'd like to think that I have a bit of a photographer's eye, I really haven't used anything beyond a point-and-shoot for the last few years. Any advice or resources that people have (beyond reading the manual) to improve my skills would be awesome. [more inside]
posted by Political Funny Man on Nov 2, 2009 - 14 answers

What are your benchmarks for estimating/comprehending quantities? I'm terrible with magnitudes; if someone tells me that they weigh 85kg, or that they come from a city of 2 million people, this doesn't create a mental picture for me at all; they might as well be speaking another language. After a lifetime of being resigned to this, I've decided I'm going to familiarise myself with a list of benchmark quantities: my height, the height of my tallest friend, population of my city, etc. Help me compile a list of quantities I should be familiar with, and tips for learning to come to grips with quantities! [more inside]
posted by surenoproblem on Oct 31, 2009 - 26 answers

I found a great Java programming site awhile back. I was given a programming task and could get immediate feedback on whether or not it was correct. Tasks were things like, test if two integers are equal and 'reverse a string'. It was targeted toward learning .. but I seem to recall the tasks had advancing levels of complexity. This is not Java BlackBelt. I can't believe I didn't bookmark it. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
posted by duckus on Oct 14, 2009 - 6 answers

Relocating to South America: haven't touched Spanish in 20 years, how do I freshen my lingual skills up? [more inside]
posted by devilish on Oct 12, 2009 - 7 answers

Recommend some French-language books (or sites) for a intermediate French-learner, to (hopefully enjoy) reading with the aid of a dictionary and bescherelle. [more inside]
posted by Kurichina on Oct 6, 2009 - 16 answers

Improve your writing by imitating the greats. [more inside]
posted by ekpyrotic on Oct 1, 2009 - 27 answers

Help me name my wicked-cool collaborative learning group! [more inside]
posted by soma lkzx on Sep 24, 2009 - 18 answers

Please help me really grok chemistry. [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Sep 24, 2009 - 13 answers

Modern Spanish-language music to help a complete newbie? ... but I have some specific preferences based on what I like in French! [more inside]
posted by wingless_angel on Sep 17, 2009 - 8 answers

What are some really great "learn by example" music tutorial websites? [more inside]
posted by rongorongo on Sep 15, 2009 - 4 answers

Is there software that mimics a 'memory palace'? [more inside]
posted by ollyollyoxenfree on Sep 11, 2009 - 7 answers

Philosophy Filter: What are some fresh and interesting questions or topics in philosophy? [more inside]
posted by k. on Sep 6, 2009 - 21 answers

I'm trying to organize a series of classes based on a collaborative learning environment, but I need some information about how a non-hierarchical classroom could actually work. [more inside]
posted by soma lkzx on Sep 3, 2009 - 4 answers

Does subliminal learning work? I'm at an intermediate level of french but since I'm leaving for France in a month I want to speed up the process a bit. I already do a lot of work (listening to RFI while I work, speaking whenever possible etc) but I figure if listening to podcasts while I sleep would help too then why not? [more inside]
posted by minicloud on Aug 31, 2009 - 18 answers

What are some free online resources for learning Armenian?
posted by JTKestrel on Aug 22, 2009 - 4 answers

Cheap, efficient way to learn German online. [more inside]
posted by ekpyrotic on Aug 22, 2009 - 15 answers

How do I stop setting ridiculous expectations of myself and then either beating myself up when I don't meet them, or feeling more stressed during the process than is warranted? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 20, 2009 - 10 answers

How do I learn to build stuff? [more inside]
posted by orville sash on Aug 20, 2009 - 30 answers

Is there a review site for foreign language immersion classes (Spanish, German or Japanese in particular)? [more inside]
posted by rr on Aug 11, 2009 - 1 answer

How do I learn intimidating material without making myself miserable? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 10, 2009 - 10 answers

I used to feel pretty confident with computers / IT in general (80s child). Now I need a boost to get back up to speed, especially digging around in the OS / filesystem. Recommend me a good book / website / hands-on project? [more inside]
posted by KMH on Aug 6, 2009 - 7 answers

How can I advance from being someone who plays the guitar to a real guitarist? I'm tired of the same old open chords and basic barres. How do I become a true musician on the instrument? Kinda long inside thingy. [more inside]
posted by Precision on Jul 28, 2009 - 22 answers

I just bought an ukulele, and I want to learn how to play it. Thing is, I know nothing about music in general. What should I learn? [more inside]
posted by TheyCallItPeace on Jul 23, 2009 - 32 answers

What 5-25 songs should I learn that will be most likely to come in handy at bluegrass/old-time music jams? [more inside]
posted by mzurer on Jul 18, 2009 - 14 answers

I am looking for a (preferably Opensource / free) Learning Management System that will link up with LDAP / Windows Active Directory [more inside]
posted by mrw on Jul 14, 2009 - 6 answers

What is better? The Leapster Gaming System or the Leapster 2 Gaming System? [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh on Jul 14, 2009 - 7 answers

TwangFilter: I've got about 2.5 months to pick up guitar. I'm not looking to play Stairway - I need to play chords and sing along, basically. Mostly folksy songs. What books/methods are best for learning? [more inside]
posted by SNWidget on Jul 14, 2009 - 16 answers

Help me learn a few new programming languages. Python, Perl, Lisp, Haskell, Ruby. [more inside]
posted by jgunsch on Jul 9, 2009 - 22 answers

I'm a student who is in the process of teaching herself French. As much as I would love to take the French I course through my university, the course conflicts with a class I am taking Fall semester for my major. What I need? Practice. [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette on Jul 8, 2009 - 16 answers

In grad school; older student. Should I apply to a PhD program? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 8, 2009 - 24 answers

I have always been fascinated by children's amazing ability to learn new things FAST and now that I have a child of my own doubly so. So I am looking for evidence-based information (preferably in books) about 'early learning'. Languages come to mind first but it could be anything fun and/or useful. To be clear (and perhaps put your mind at ease): I am not interested in pushing my daughter to do anything she will not enjoy!
posted by dinkyday on Jul 8, 2009 - 12 answers

What are some good examples of failing to learn from history? [more inside]
posted by Hargrimm on Jul 1, 2009 - 36 answers

I'm looking for basic scripts/example projects so I can hone my developing PHP skills... [more inside]
posted by Funky Claude on Jun 30, 2009 - 5 answers

Programmable Logic Chips and Microcontrollers: Which language and where to learn online? [more inside]
posted by lekvar on Jun 30, 2009 - 21 answers

I'd like to learn about biology. Can you recommend some books to get me started? [more inside]
posted by SamuelBowman on Jun 30, 2009 - 21 answers

What are some useful skills or abilities that can be learned in a short amount of time, and are never forgotten? [more inside]
posted by Orange Pamplemousse on Jun 26, 2009 - 43 answers

What should I learn within 6 - 8 weeks? I have an open summer and 3 years of professional IT experience. What certificate/degree/accreditation should I earn this summer? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by gocubbies on Jun 17, 2009 - 3 answers

Should a left-handed person forced, as a child, to be a right-handed person teach himself to be left-handed as an adult? [more inside]
posted by gwpcasey on Jun 17, 2009 - 16 answers

What's the best preschool/kindergarten software for Mac? [more inside]
posted by musofire on Jun 15, 2009 - 4 answers

I've been asked to look after two work experience kids (young teens) for the coming two weeks to experience and learn what I.T. is all about. What tasks can I give them that will educate and enlighten them while not killing my productivity? [more inside]
posted by Static Vagabond on Jun 12, 2009 - 8 answers

Can you give me any pointers on learning web development? Unlike other similar questions in the archives (1, 2), I have a lot of programming experience. I haven't really followed web programming practices closely, however, because without keeping closely involved, it has been hard to sort out useful stuff from buzzwords and fads. (Non-web programming has enough of those!) [more inside]
posted by silentbicycle on Jun 8, 2009 - 10 answers

Ive been learning spanish for about 8 months now and i'm really frustrated. Of course, 8 months is little time in terms of picking up a whole new language but i'm finding that going from English to Spanish seems to be a big step up in terms of complexity but what I think is most frustrating is that even if you knew all of the equivalent words, as in.. memorized the dictionary, simply translating whats in your head from english to spanish almost NEVER works. [more inside]
posted by postergeist on Jun 6, 2009 - 24 answers

Learning intermediate/advanced guitar via the net filter [more inside]
posted by figTree on Jun 1, 2009 - 5 answers

Polyglotfilter: How do I keep track of all these languages in my brain? In short: I'm at various stages of each language, though some are on "pause" for the moment. What are the best methods for continuing my progress in each, without mixing them up? [more inside]
posted by hasna on May 21, 2009 - 7 answers

Japanese conversation practice with a native speaker in the Portland, OR area (or maybe Skype)? [more inside]
posted by wastelands on May 19, 2009 - 6 answers

Please introduce me to your field of study (or work) in a way that one can experience [more inside]
posted by Wolfster on May 6, 2009 - 23 answers

I'm going to Germany on 21 May. I've been told (by Germans) that my German is good, but I'd still like to do a bit of immersion before I go to get used to hearing it, etc. I'd particularly like to listen to some German radio. Any favorite stations? [more inside]
posted by bibliophibianj on May 5, 2009 - 10 answers