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University of Cambridge

Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers

University of Cambridge via Coursera

Overview

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This course provides a guided tour through the brain, looking at the changes that occur on a cellular level when we learn new information or store a memory. Using research from neuroscience and psychology, we will look at the process of storing long-term memories, and how you can help your students do this effectively. We will also examine the way the brain changes from birth to adulthood, and how these affect the way we learn and remember information. We will explore how teaching to a child’s developmental stage can benefit students and teachers. Then, we will dive into neurodiversity in the classroom, covering the current understanding of autism, dyslexia, ADHD and other cognitive differences, and how best to support these pupils. Throughout the course, we will discuss how to apply this learning to your own classroom, and what the evidence says about the best ways to teach. By understanding more about the way memories are stored and recalled, we can explore different ways you can support your students to learn efficiently, so the memories last a lifetime, not just until the exam.

Syllabus

  • Welcome to the course
  • Learning in the brain
    • We will cover the reconstructive nature of memories, false memories, and their implications.
  • Types of memory
    • We will discuss the distinctions that can be made between different types of memory, and their usefulness.
  • Brain changes through the ages
    • We will explore how these changes impact our ability to learn at each stage in our life.
  • Neurodiversity
    • We will introduce the concept of neurodiversity, and explore our current understanding of the brain basis of common learning differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Dyslexia.
  • Evidence based teaching
    • We will discuss some of the issues with extrapolating lab-based research into the real world, then explore some of the best techniques that science has discovered to boost learning and memory.

Taught by

University of Cambridge - Professional and Continuing Education

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4.8 rating at Coursera based on 27 ratings

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