Teaching, Learning, and the Brain
(06-21-2012)
Adams State University is proud to sponsor a certificate in: Teaching, Learning, and the Brain.
This 10 credit certificate is designed to inform educators, counselors, and individuals how research that examines brain function can be applied to promote better learning in the k-12 classroom. The certificate consists of two workshops and three online courses. Courses are offered in a semester based format as well as an open enrollment format.
Students may chose to complete the entire certificate or they may chose to complete one or more of the courses for the certificate. Some courses may be taken out of sequence as well.
Explore the fascinating world of the brain, while also learning how to use this material in your career and life. Additionally, the certificate will provide exposure to assessments and strategies that can be used in the k-12 classroom for reading, math, and behavioral issues. After completion of the certificate material, students will learn the following:
- Understand the different theories of brain function as they pertain to teaching and education.
- Understand neuroanatomy and the basic principles of brain function.
- Understand how specific developmental disorders influence brain function and learning.
- Understand brain laterality and its applications to teaching.
- Define criteria associated with developmentally appropriate behavior for early learners up to late adolescents.
- Discuss strategies associated with math and reading and diagnostic assessment of each area.
- Discuss behavioral assessments that identifies ADD/ADHD, autism, ect.
- Understand different strategies to support behavior issues in a classroom and educational setting.
- Understand how language, attention, and brain plasticity influence learning. Additionally, students will become familiar with how web 2.0 technologies can be applied in the classroom with respect to brain research in language, attention, and brain plasticity.
- Understand the role they play in leadership and neuroethics as it relates to the certificate material.
Instructors Dr. Gina Mitchell and Kelly Murillo, M.A.
Dr. Gina Mitchell will address the specifics of the brain and behavior and Kelly Murillo will address the specifics of learning and teaching from the lens of a special educator.
The following courses are part of the certificate.
- Introductory Workshop (1 cr): Offered in the fall and summer.
This workshop will provide an overview of the certificate and explain how each of the courses will be delivered and carried out. Additionally, participants will get an introduction to how the brain works and how brain function is related to education. Participants will also be introduced to Blackboard. Students will be provided an opportunity to dissect an animal brain.
Next offering is June 10th, 2013
- Introduction to Neuroscience and Education (3 cr): Offered in semester based and open enrollment formats.
This course is designed to give participants information about how the brain functions and how the principles of the neuroscience can be used in the classroom. The course is intended for individuals with little or no experience with neuroscience. The course will provide basic knowledge and understanding of how the brain works while focusing on areas that are related to education. Topics of study will include brain development, memory, language and speech, cognition, emotion, and brain laterality. Students will be introduced to current and past neuroscience research and be asked to apply this knowledge to the educational setting by creating lesson plans and participating in group discussions.
Next offering is June 17th, 2013 - Assessment and Intervention (3 cr): Offered in semester based and open enrollment formats.
This is the second course in the three part online course work that you will complete in the Teaching, Learning, and the Brain Certificate through Adams State College. This course will focus on three primary areas; reading, math, and behavior. We will discuss assessments associated with each area and discuss targeted interventions.
Next offering is July 29th, 2013 - Special Topics: Language, Attention, and Brain Plasticity (2 cr): Offered in semester based and open enrollment formats.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Neuroscience and Education & Assessment and Intervention This capstone course provides a more in-depth look at brain based research as it relates to education. The course will build upon ideas and principles discussed in the previous courses while further examining research within the areas of language, attention, and brain plasticity. Students will be asked to critically think about and evaluate the research. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn how this research can be applied in the classroom using Web 2.0 technologies.
Next offering is May 13th - June 7th, 2013
- Concluding Workshop (1 cr): Offered in the summer and fall.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Neuroscience and Education & Assessment and Intervention In this culminating workshop students will complete a concluding presentation that summarizes what they have learned throughout the coursework. Students will also learn more about leadership and ethics regarding the material presented in this certificate.
Offered online June 8th-14th, plus a face to face workshop held June 15th, 2013, 8:00 AM to 2 PM, Adams State University.
