Brains Resources

Linking the Brain, Mind, Teaching, and Learning

Syllabus

RATIONALE:

Recent studies are beginning to reveal how various brain areas are working together to produce cognitive processes. Numerous seemingly unrelated areas of biology, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, and computer simulation are attempting to understand mental processes. The educator has control over the creation of effective, efficient, and enjoyable learning environments; however, the bridge between the process of teaching and learning is limited to the five senses. In preparation for the changing needs of the learner and the workplace in the 21st Century educators must incorporate what this recent scientific research has provided into their teaching strategies.

GOAL:

The goal of this course is to produce teachers that will use the latest brain based research to formulate better models of how we learn and remember in order to become more effective educators.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Results of research will be presented to provide a better understanding of what occurs inside the brain during the process of learning.

2. Technological resources will be modeled and reviewed for use in addressing the varied needs of the learner. Students will be challenged to develop their own uses of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process.

TEXT:

- How the Brain Learns by David Sousa.

Students will also be required to read journal articles from education, science, and science-education journals. The core articles are listed, however, students are expected to contribute references for consideration by the class. Students are also expected to contribute to the discussions held on the "Brain" list serve.

Software & Technology Tools:

The following software will be used at various times throughout the course.

Inspiration (We use this for the first two weeks only. You may download a trial version if you or your school does not have it available. This is NOT required to be purchased.)

Microsoft PowerPoint. This is used extensively through the first 1/2 of the semester. You must have access to this software. If you know you don't have this at school, you will need to purchase it.

Microsoft FrontPage 2002 or higher. This is used extensively through the second 1/2 of the semester as well as all of the MSET core courses. You must have access to this software. If you know you don't have this, you will need to purchase it. Please note that this software is only available on the Windows platform. There is no Macintosh version available.

Flash, Jump, or Thumb drive. 128 mb or higher.

FrontPage 2002. (Text) Barnes & Noble press.

COURSE TOPICS:

- What is known about the brain.

- The brain as an information processor.

- Short-term memory, working memory, long-term memory.

- Memory retention and learning.

- Transfer.

- Hemisphericity.

- Thinking and learning.

- Constructing learning environments

SCHEDULE:

The course will be taught at from 5:00 - 9:00 PM on the day announced for your section.

GRADING:

The grade will be determined by assessment of two course projects each worth 50% of the final grade. The project grade will be a combination of written material and a presentation to the class.

TECHNOLOGY:

- Power Point,

- Inspiration,

- Web-Page and "Web-Quest" construction.

** If you are in need of accommodations because of a documented disability please advise one of the instructors.

Linking the Brain, Mind, Teaching, and Learning

Session 1

- Introduction, "Brainy Bits" - The neuron - general anatomy and the myelin sheath.

- Learning Styles

- "Out to the Internet"; web page introduction

Assignment:

How the Brain Learns - Chapter 1

Debunking the Digital Brain - SciAm. 9/97

Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences - Edu. Leadership 9/97

http://www.sciam.com/1998/0998issuebarkley.html

Session 2

- Modes of acquiring information

- Dynamic model of how the brain deals with sensory information

- Discussion on readings

- Introduction to "Inspiration", "Power Point"

Assignment:

- Create a concept map describing the neuron, Autonomic, and Central nervous system

- Understanding Surprises, Using Concept maps to teach Evolution - Inspiration Software handouts.

- Text - Chapter 2

Session 3

- "Brainy Bits" - Action Potential, synapse, autonomic and central nervous systems

- "Inspiration"

- "Power Point"

Assignment:

- Visual Systems Provide Ideas on how the Brain Perceives - Science V275 3/14/97

- Phantom Limbs - SciAm special issue - Mysteries of the Mind.

Session 4

- "Brainy Bits" - CNS - sensory reception

- "Brainy Bits" - Finally - the brain - from jelly fish to people who fish.

- Visit the Hall of Illusions.com

- Power Point practice

Assignment:

- Create a simple Power Point presentation on meaning in new learning.

- The First Seven - Ed. Leadership

- Understanding Rubrics - Ed. Leadership

- Text - Chapter 3

- Bringing the Brain into Assessment - the HS Magazine

Session 5

- Dynamic model of how the brain deals with sensory information

- Creating meaning in new learning

- How do we know if information is in long term storage.

- Discussion of readings.

- Power Point - fine points

Assignment:

- Text - Chapter 4

- Meaning of Dreams - SciAm special issue - Mysteries of the Mind.

Session 6

- Work on Mid-term project

- "Inspiration", Power Point

Assignment:

- Prepare your mid-term

Session 7

- Mid term presentations

Assignment:

- Text chapter 5

- The Split Brain Revisited - SciAm special issue - Mysteries of the Mind.

Session 8

- "Chunking"

- The power of transfer.

- Math and science anxiety

- Learning a second language

- Introduction to "Web-Quest"

Assignment:

- Text - chapter 6

Session 9

- "Brainy Bits" - More about the human brain (whether they fish or not).

- "Brainy Bits" - The emotional brain - Lets talk about teenagers.

- "Web-Quest"

Assignment:

- Creating False Memories - SciAm special issue - Mysteries of the Mind.

Session 10

- "Brainy Bits" - Left brain - Right brain;

- "Brainy Bits" - He brain - She brain

- "Brainy Bits" - Memory

- "Web Quest"

Assignment:

- Text - chapter 7

Session 11

- The thinking brain - dimensions of human thinking

- Revisiting Bloom’s Taxonomy

- Putting it all together

- Discussion of reading

- "Web Quest"

Assignment:

- Memory Lane is a Two Way Street - Assoc. Supervis. And Curr. Development.

Session 12

- "Brainy Bits" - How do you remember when....

- "Brainy Bits" - Memories from the biochemical point of view

- "Web Quest"

Assignment: TBA

Session 13

- Work on final projects

Session 14

- Work on final projects

Session 15

- Final presentations

Dr. Angela Cristini, Program Director. Ramapo College. Office G-428. 505 Ramapo Valley Road. Mahwah, New Jersey 07430. Tel: 201-687-7721 Fax: 201-684-6699. acristin@ramapo.edu. Weather Info: 201-236-2902.

Last UJanuary 26, 2005 8:46 PMe -->