Graduate Certificate in Educational Neuroscience

UNIT OVERVIEWS

EDED20515 Orientation to Educational Neuroscience
Educators are brain changers through the learning experiences they create (Willis, ca 2018). They are neural architects working with students/clients (Fuller, 2019). It is critical to have informed knowledge about the brain to maximise learning and wellness. In this unit, you will learn how our social brain connects with others in ways that are core to our very existence. You will learn too about neurobiological fundamentals and how neuroplasticity drives the development of neural networks in learning and memory, the role of stress responses in learning, and how sleep, nutrition and movement are critical to a healthy brain. You will gain neuroscientific insights into evidence-based findings, both contemporary and emerging, to enhance your practices to create optimal learning environments that underpin achievement and wellness.

EDED20516 Neuroleadership and Conceptual Approaches in Educational Neuroscience
With so much neuroscientific research emerging daily, having robust, practical models based upon contemporary understandings are critical for professionals to inform practice. You will learn about quality models in Educational Neuroscience exemplified by ‘The Icecap model’ (Newman, 2018) in Neuroleadership. From these, you will also learn practical strategies for professionals and leaders that can be used immediately. You will learn about contemporary evidence from cutting edge research using brain-friendly principles and cover topics including brain architecture, neuroplasticity, genes, epigenetics, maintaining a healthy brain, and the science of learning. The conceptual approaches learnt will provide well-researched, holistic perspectives beneficial to educators, professionals and those with whom they interact. You will develop a new paradigm of achievement and wellness based upon neural models that can powerfully inform your practices. As a leader informing your practices using Neuroleadership understandings will impact positively on your learning community including colleagues and any young people.

EDED20517 Neuroplasticians and Neuromyths
Educators and other professionals quite literally change the brain of students/clients – they are ‘neuroplasticians’ (Willis, ca 2018). Learn how findings from Psychology, Education and Neuroscience (PEN) disciplines co-jointly support brain-friendly principles to improve both achievement and wellness. Learn too about the many neuromyths that abound and how to challenge and avoid those. Unit content is carefully selected from authoritative sources such as Tokuhama-Espinosa, Willis, The Science of Learning Research Centre (SLRC), Howard-Jones, Siegel and other prominent, cutting-edge researchers in Educational Neuroscience. You will learn about research-based findings that have immediate practical use with learners including young people and colleagues. You will review contemporary brain teaching guidelines and use those to enhance your practices utilising integrative reflections.

EDED20513 Learning and Memory - A Neuroscientific View
Educators need an understanding of learning and memory that is informed by evidence-based research involving neural activation patterns. In this unit, you will engage with contemporary views on how the brain works and develops by responding to internal and external stimuli. You will learn about how information flows in the brain, and how the brain creates, consolidates, stores and retrieves memories. The knowledge and skills that you develop in this unit may be applied immediately in your professional practice to enhance learning and memory.