This is a 3 credit hour course based on the book How the Brain Learns, 6th Edition by David A. Sousa. Numerous advances in our understanding of the brain’s learning processes have shed light on areas that include:
Organization
The course is organized into 4 modules. The length of time each Module should take to complete varies from approximately 30 to 35 hrs. Lessons will be taught using a combination of readings, videos, external resources, examples, discussion forums, discussion activities, assignments, and enrichment materials. The discussion forums, assignments and reflections will allow participants to utilize and put into practice the theory that they have learned. Students will receive coaching and feedback on their discussions, assignments and reflections from the instructors as these activities are completed.
This course is presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will...
1. Understand basic brain facts
2. Understand how the brain processes information
3. Understand memory, retention, and learning
4. Understand the power of transfer
5. Understand brain organization and learning
6. Understand the brain and the arts
7. Understand thinking skills and learning
8. Understand how to put all of the information from the book into lesson plans
Course Topics
1. Brain facts
2. Brain processing information
3. Memory, retention, and learning
4. Power of transfer
5. Brain organization and learning
6. Brain and the arts
7. Thinking skills and learning
8. How to put it all together
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to participate in all discussion forums and 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: How the Brain Learns, 6th Ed. (2022) by David A. Sousa can be purchases through local bookstores or ordered online.
- The memory systems, especially the changes in working memory capacity ·
- How the explosion of technology may be affecting the brain ·
- How the brain organizes and learns information ·
- How learning the arts enhances cognitive processing and creativity
Organization
The course is organized into 4 modules. The length of time each Module should take to complete varies from approximately 30 to 35 hrs. Lessons will be taught using a combination of readings, videos, external resources, examples, discussion forums, discussion activities, assignments, and enrichment materials. The discussion forums, assignments and reflections will allow participants to utilize and put into practice the theory that they have learned. Students will receive coaching and feedback on their discussions, assignments and reflections from the instructors as these activities are completed.
This course is presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will...
1. Understand basic brain facts
2. Understand how the brain processes information
3. Understand memory, retention, and learning
4. Understand the power of transfer
5. Understand brain organization and learning
6. Understand the brain and the arts
7. Understand thinking skills and learning
8. Understand how to put all of the information from the book into lesson plans
Course Topics
1. Brain facts
2. Brain processing information
3. Memory, retention, and learning
4. Power of transfer
5. Brain organization and learning
6. Brain and the arts
7. Thinking skills and learning
8. How to put it all together
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to participate in all discussion forums and 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: How the Brain Learns, 6th Ed. (2022) by David A. Sousa can be purchases through local bookstores or ordered online.