Student Learning and the Brain
Student Learning and the Brain builds the bridge from brain function to classroom learning. This course provides brain-compatible teaching strategies, shows why meaning is essential for learning, and explains how the brain encodes, manipulates, and stores information.
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Course Name: Student Learning and the Brain |
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Course Number: EDUC 714Q |
Semester Credits: 3 |
Course Description
This course, drawing on neuropsychological research and educational experience, gives an understanding of the brain’s learning processes. Before today’s teachers and administrators can effectively match teaching practice to brain functioning, they must have a clearer understanding of how the brain, and especially that of developing students, functions. In addition to the course showing how growing brains are physically shaped by experience, it also shows how television programs and video games develop habits of the mind which can place children at a disadvantage at school. Finally, the course deals with how parents and teachers can help make children good learners; how to deal with attention deficit disorder; and points out practical classroom applications and brain-compatible teaching strategies.
Goals
- Acquire a basic knowledge of the anatomy and functions of the brain, including those of the higher regions, the specific cognitive functions and processes of the frontal lobes, and the varying functions of the left and right hemispheres.
- Understand the roles of parents, teachers, and children, in the context of the function and capabilities of the growing brain.
- Understand how certain environmental conditions can adversely affect the learning process.
- Understand the role of culture on the learning process, including the effects of TV and video games
- Matching instruction to how the brain learns best.
Course Contents
- Endangered Minds
- Changing Brains
- Children’s brains
- Effect of environment
- Language and the Left Hemisphere
- Learning Disabilities
- Cultural Issues
- TV and Video Games
- Disadvantaged Brains
- Minds of the Future
- Structure and Function of the Human Brain
- Sensory Memory
- Working Memory
- Long Term Memory
- Matching Instruction to How the Brain Learns Best
- Making Curriculum Meaningful
- Using Visual and Auditory Senses to Enhance Learning
- Brain-compatible Strategies
Evidence of Learning Outcomes
Upon completing Student Learning and the Brain, the student will have demonstrated knowledge of the brain structure and learning processes. The student will also demonstrate an ability to apply the course information to practical teaching functions.
How to Register
Student Learning and the Brain can be completed in either an online or via emailed PDF format. It is open for anyone to register at any time during an open semester. After completion, students receive graduate, non-degree semester credit on official transcripts from the University of La Verne, an accredited university in La Verne, California.
Registration is fast and straightforward and can be done online or over the phone. Courses are offered on a rolling basis during three standard semesters, and you can begin whenever you are ready! The registration dates are:
- Fall: September 1 - January 31
- Spring: February 1 - May 31
- Summer: June 1 - August 31