Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers from edX

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.

What you'll learn

What happens in the brain when we learn.
What psychological studies have taught us about learning & memory, and their limits.
How the brain changes throughout infancy, childhood & adolescence.
How we can use this understanding to improve teaching and learning
What teaching methods are supported by the science
How best to understand and support neurodiverse students

What's inside

Syllabus

Unit 1: Learning in the brain

What neurons and synapses are, and their role in memory formation.

The main brain regions implicated in memory and learning.

The power of repetition and spacing for forming memories

How old knowledge can boost the staying power of new facts.

Unit 2: Types of Memory

The difference between short term, long term and working memory

How working memory difficulties can impact student performance

Different types of long-term memory, including explicit and implicit, and the brain regions involved

How recall and recognition memory differ

The importance of cues to help with recall

Unit 3: Brain changes through the ages

How the infant's brain is primed for learning, and how different abilities mature at different times.

The evidence for critical periods in human learning.

The development of skills and thinking abilities across childhood

The importance of tailoring learning to developmental stages

The teenage brain and its implications for teen behaviour

Unit 4: Neurodiversity

Our current understanding of the brain basis of common learning differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Dyslexia

How the neurodiversity model differs from the medical model of learning differences

How teachers can support every student to reach their full potential

Unit 5: Evidence based teaching

Overview of some historical teaching methods and the evidence for them

Current best-practices in evidence-based teaching and learning

A variety of memory boosting techniques, and how they might be applied in the classroom

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an understanding of how the brain stores and recalls memories, empowering educators to optimize teaching strategies

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers with these activities:

Review Brain Development Research

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Reinforce foundational knowledge of brain development, especially during childhood and adolescence.

Browse courses on Brain Development

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Review textbooks or scientific articles on brain development.
Focus on key stages and processes.
Identify implications for teaching and learning.

Read: 'Brain Rules' by John Medina

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Provide a foundational understanding of neuroscience and learning theory, key topics of this course.

View Brain Rules for Work on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-5.
Summarize each chapter's key points.
Identify connections between the book's concepts and the course material.

Complete Memory Exercises

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Provide targeted practice and repetition for developing memory skills.

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Use spaced repetition software.
Play memory games.
Practice active recall.

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Attend Peer Study Groups

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Facilitate peer-to-peer learning, encourage discussion, and provide diverse perspectives.

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Join or form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and concepts.
Share ideas, perspectives, and support.

Develop a Study Guide

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Force active recall, organization of thoughts, and summarization of key course concepts.

Browse courses on Learning Strategies

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Review course materials and identify key concepts.
Create questions, summaries, and diagrams to test your understanding.
Organize the content into a logical structure.
Review and refine your guide regularly.

Explore Online Memory Improvement Courses

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Supplement course material with guided instruction on enhancing memory skills.

Browse courses on Memory Techniques

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Identify reputable online courses or tutorials.
Follow the structured lessons and practice exercises.
Engage with the course community or discussion forums.

Develop a Teaching Plan for Students with Neurodiversity

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Apply course concepts to create a practical plan for supporting diverse learners in the classroom.

Browse courses on Neurodiversity

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Research different neurodiverse conditions.
Identify specific learning challenges and strengths associated with each condition.
Develop differentiated teaching strategies to address these needs.
Create a detailed lesson plan incorporating these strategies.

Attend a Workshop on Memory Enhancement

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Gain practical techniques and strategies for improving memory and learning.

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Find workshops offered by local organizations or institutions.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.
Apply the techniques learned in your daily life.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neuroscientist

A Neuroscientist studies the brain and nervous system. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help understand how people think, learn, and remember. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** can provide a Neuroscientist with a foundation in cognitive neuroscience, which is a subfield of neuroscience that specifically studies how the brain learns and remembers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist

Teacher

A Teacher helps students learn and grow. They use their knowledge of education and subject matter to create and deliver lessons that engage students and help them reach their full potential. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** could greatly benefit a Teacher's ability to understand how students learn and retain information, and help them develop teaching strategies that are more effective and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

School Psychologist

A School Psychologist works with students, teachers, and parents to help children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They use their knowledge of psychology and education to assess and treat children with learning disabilities, emotional problems, and other developmental issues. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** can give a School Psychologist a solid foundation in cognitive development, learning, and memory, which are vital to supporting students' academic progress.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

A Rehabilitation Counselor helps people with disabilities return to work or school. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** can provide a Rehabilitation Counselor with a solid foundation in brain function, neuroplasticity, and the learning process, all of which are directly relevant to the work of rehabilitation.

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Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist helps people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** can provide an Occupational Therapist with a solid foundation in brain function and neuroplasticity, which are crucial to understanding the rehabilitation process.

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Neuropsychologist

A Neuropsychologist assesses and treats people with brain injuries or other neurological conditions. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people improve their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** can help build a foundation in brain function and neural structures, which a Neuropsychologist must understand in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychologist

Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist helps people regain or improve their ability to move. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with physical disabilities. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be useful to a Physical Therapist seeking to understand how the brain controls movement, and how rehabilitation can help restore function.

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Psychiatrist

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with mental health problems. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be helpful to a Psychiatrist seeking to understand how the brain is affected by mental illness and how to help people recover.

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Psychologist

A Psychologist helps people with mental health problems. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be helpful to a Psychologist seeking to understand how the brain is affected by mental illness and how to help people recover.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist assesses and treats people with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people improve their communication skills. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be helpful to a Speech-Language Pathologist seeking to understand how the brain learns and remembers information.

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Mental Health Counselor

A Mental Health Counselor helps people cope with mental illness. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be helpful to a Mental Health Counselor seeking to understand how the brain is affected by mental illness and how to help people recover.

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Substance Abuse Counselor

A Substance Abuse Counselor helps people overcome addiction. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people understand the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and body. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be helpful to a Substance Abuse Counselor seeking to understand how addiction affects the brain and how to help people recover.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people cope with social and emotional problems. They use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to help people with mental illness, addiction, and other social problems. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may be helpful to a Social Worker seeking to understand how the brain is affected by trauma and mental illness.

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Educational Psychologist

An Educational Psychologist helps children and adults with learning and developmental difficulties. They use their knowledge of psychology and education to assess and treat children and adults with learning disabilities, emotional problems, and other developmental issues. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** may provide valuable insights into understanding common learning challenges and evidence-based interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist

Cognitive Neuroscientist

A Cognitive Neuroscientist studies the relationship between the brain and the mind. They research how people think, learn, and remember. This course in **Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers** can provide a solid foundation in how the brain constructs memories and how learning can be maximized. This course may aid a Cognitive Neuroscientist in understanding the practical implications of their research in real-world settings.

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