Soft SkillsSoft Skills
Keynote60min
BEGINNER

Hack Your Brain: Smarter Learning for Devs

This talk connects neuroscience and software learning, showing how developers can retain knowledge more effectively. It explains the gap between learning speed and retrieval, applies the primary–recency effect to coding sessions, and offers science-based techniques to boost focus, use downtime productively, and make technical skills stick for long-term mastery.

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Simone de Gijt
Simone de GijtOpenValue

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Wednesday, June 17, 09:45-10:45
Room 1
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This talk explores how developers can learn smarter, not harder, by applying insights from neuroscience to coding practice. You’ll discover why learning is more than storing information. We’ll dive into the difference between rate of learning and rate of retrieval, and why being a fast learner doesn’t always make you a fast retriever. You’ll learn practical strategies to make new concepts stick.

We’ll also cover how to structure your coding sessions using the primary–recency effect. Along the way, you’ll get actionable tips for boosting focus and leveraging downtime.

Whether you’re learning a new Java framework or mastering advanced concepts, you’ll walk away with science-backed tips to learn smarter, code better, and stay ahead.
focus
learning
retrieval
neuroscience
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Simone de Gijt

Simone de Gijt

OpenValue

Netherlands

Simone de Gijt is a passionate Java and Kotlin developer at OpenValue Amsterdam. Based in Houten, the Netherlands, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and social energy to every project.

Outside of work, Simone is a scuba diving enthusiast, board game strategist, and Hogwarts Legacy adventurer. She thrives on collaboration, loves sharing ideas, and likes to work together on complex issues. She's defined by the combination: social but nerdy!