Educators hold in their hands the power to literally shape students’ brains. New insights into how the brain functions are now allowing educators to more fully understand the mechanisms that stimulate and grow the brain and drive learning. This new understanding not only provides explanations as to why those tried and true strategies seem to work so well, but it also allows educators to capitalize on new approaches and strategies that will maximize student learning by accessing the brain’s innate learning pathways. In this 1 credit hour, Self-Study/Instructor Guided course, participants will take an in-depth look at 3 areas of brain-based teaching, specially selected for their positive outcomes and ease of assimilation into any classroom.
Organization
This is a self-study/Instructor guided (SS/IG) course. Participants will work independently on the course content with coaching and feedback from the instructor. The course is organized into 4 modules and lessons will be taught using a combination of text readings, external resources, activities, assignments, and enrichment materials.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
1. Understand key brain processes related to movement and social interactions and how they can improve achievement
2. Know and be able to implement brain-based movement and social strategies to improve student learning
3. Understand the key developmental stages and brain processes involved in executive functioning
4. Know and be able to implement brain-based strategies that support the development of executive functioning
Course Topics
1. 12 brain/mind principles; Mind, brain education
2. Blood flow, oxygenation and neurotransmitters
3. The role of the cerebellum
4. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
5. Building the brain and improving cognition
6. Socializing; Competition; Positive Social Pressure
7. Patterning
8. Piagetian concepts; How humans think
9. Developing executive function
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to complete all assignments and/or activities. A=90%-100%; B=80%-89%-Because this is a graduate level course, scores must be 80% or better to receive credit.
Required Text: No text required. All materials are provided online.
This is a self-study/Instructor guided (SS/IG) course. Participants will work independently on the course content with coaching and feedback from the instructor. The course is organized into 4 modules and lessons will be taught using a combination of text readings, external resources, activities, assignments, and enrichment materials.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
1. Understand key brain processes related to movement and social interactions and how they can improve achievement
2. Know and be able to implement brain-based movement and social strategies to improve student learning
3. Understand the key developmental stages and brain processes involved in executive functioning
4. Know and be able to implement brain-based strategies that support the development of executive functioning
Course Topics
1. 12 brain/mind principles; Mind, brain education
2. Blood flow, oxygenation and neurotransmitters
3. The role of the cerebellum
4. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
5. Building the brain and improving cognition
6. Socializing; Competition; Positive Social Pressure
7. Patterning
8. Piagetian concepts; How humans think
9. Developing executive function
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to complete all assignments and/or activities. A=90%-100%; B=80%-89%-Because this is a graduate level course, scores must be 80% or better to receive credit.
Required Text: No text required. All materials are provided online.