Prospectus

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Learning, cognition and the brain

Course
2019-2020

NB Language of instruction is English

Admission requirements

This course is related to the Bachelor courses Leren en Cognitie and [). 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 human brain allows this learning to take place but also limits what, when, 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. This has led to the emergence of a new field ‘Educational Neuroscience’ which aims to build a bridge between the cognitive sciences and education. In this course, students will read theoretical and empirical studies about learning from the fields of developmental cognitive neuroscience, educational neuroscience, education, and cognitive development. Students will gain in-depth knowledge about the challenges and opportunities offered by new techniques to study the brain, and will learn more about the relation between cognitive development and learning.

Course objectives

The aim of this course is to help students gain a thorough understanding of the cognitive and neuropsychological processes that take place during learning, and explore implications for education and instruction.

At completion of the course, students will be able to: (1) demonstrate in-depth understanding of recent insights in learning and educational neuroscience, (2) do so with respect to general learning situations as well as specific areas (e.g., reading, mathematics), (3) demonstrate a sound understanding of methodological consideration in the investigation of these processes, and (4) discuss and evaluate the implications of knowledge of these processes for educators, teachers, trainers, and policy makers.

Timetable

Lectures

Mode of instruction

To ensure that students will attain a thorough knowledge of this emerging field, instruction will take a variety of forms, including lectures, group discussion as well as cooperative learning activities and group assignments. Presence at all classes is obligatory. Students will conclude the course with an individual written assignment.

Assessment method

The final grade will be based on an individual written assignment (100% of final grade). Satisfactory participation in weekly group assignments is a condition for completing the course. More details are available in the course manual. Retakes are only possible for grades below 5.5.

Research Master students write all assignments in English. They are assigned to special RM-groups to allow them to be judged separately from Master students.

Blackboard

Study material will be announced on Blackboard. Students’ research proposal and essay questions must be uploaded via Blackboard.

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

Course

Students need to register for lectures in uSis. It is not possible to take a course without a valid registration.

Exam

Students are not automatically registered for exams. They can register themselves in uSis until 10 calendar days before the exam date at the latest. Students who are not registered will not be permitted to take the exam.

Please consult the course and exam registration website for information on registration periods and further instructions.

NB The exam of this course is a paper. This means that you do not have to register yourself for this exam in uSis.

Contact information

With questions about this course email Dr. Linda van Leijenhorst.