NB Language of instruction is English
Admission requirements
This course is related to the Bachelor courses Leren en Cognitie and Het Lerende Brein. If you did not take these courses it might be helpful to examine their reading materials.
Description
Children have a tremendous potential to learn and benefit from education during their development. The developing brain allows this learning to take place and at the same time determines what, how, and how much can be learned. In recent years, research in developmental cognitive neuroscience has provided important insights into the workings of the developing mind and its relation to learning and academic skill acquisition. This has led to the emergence of the new scientific field of Mind, Brain, and Education, which aims to build a bridge between the neurosciences, psychology, and educational science.
In this course, you will read theoretical and empirical studies about learning and development from the fields of (developmental) cognitive neuroscience, educational psychology, and evolutionary developmental psychology. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the neural mechanisms contributing to cognitive development and learning, and you will learn to reflect on the insights, as well as the challenges and opportunities offered by educational neuroscience research.
**Evaluation and communication of scientific insights **
The course also has a science communication component. You will critically reflect on the implications of scientific knowledge, and learn how to effectively translate and communicate research findings to a non-scientific audience.
Course objectives
The first key objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between learning and neurocognitive development. It aims to deepen their knowledge of the cognitive and neuropsychological processes that underlie learning, memory, reading, and mathematics.
The second key objective is to cultivate the ability to critically evaluate research findings and communicate research insights to a wide audience in an effective manner.
At completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of recent insights in the field of Mind, Brain, and Education, with a specific focus on
the neurocognitive processes that are of key importance to learning
and development
2. Reflect on the theoretical insights and methodological considerations of this research.
3. Evaluate the implications of knowledge of these processes for schoolchildren, parents, and educators, and/or policy makers
4. Effectively communicate relevant scientific insights to a non-scientific audience using different communication approaches (a written paper and a knowledgeclip)
5. Effectively collaborate and communicate with fellow students.
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
Mode of instruction
To ensure that students will attain a thorough knowledge of this emerging field, and get sufficient practice in understanding and translating findings from the science of learning, instruction will take a variety of forms, including lectures, group discussion as well as cooperative learning activities and group assignments. To facilitate collaboration and peer feedback, we use a collaborative online platform designed to facilitate brainstorming and teamwork.
Presence at all classes is obligatory. Students’ knowledge of the literature will be tested in group assignments and discussions. Students will conclude the course by writing an individual paper that aims to translate scientific findings to a non-research audience. In addition, groups of students will create an informative videoclip on one of the topics discussed in this course.
Assessment method
The assessment involves:
An individual written assignment, consisting of a scientific reflection (40% of final grade) and a short article aimed at a lay audience (40% of final grade).
A collaborative video assignment aimed at a lay audience (20% of final grade).
Guidelines about the assignments, including AI use, can be found on Brightspace.
To pass the course, both the written assignment and the videoclip should be completed with a passing grade. In addition, satisfactory participation in weekly group assignments is a condition for completing the course. Retakes of the written assignment and/or the videoclip are only possible if no passing grade for the component is obtained (grade below 5.5). More details are available in the course manual. Partial grades can be carried over to the next academic year.
Research Master students create all assignments in English. Regular Master students are allowed to write in Dutch.
Brightspace
Study material will be announced on Brightspace. Students’ should upload their written assignment and videoclip via Brightspace.
Reading list
Study material will consist of recent book chapters as well as primary research articles from leading journals in education, psychology, and cognitive science.
Registration
Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register via My Studymap up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.
Exams
The exam in this course concerns a paper or a practical assignment; you do not need to register in My Studymap.
Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Contact information
With questions about this course email dr. Dietsje Jolles.