The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know from edX

This education course will show you, through current research, how we learn — the way our brain makes, stores, and retrieves memories.

You will examine common misconceptions and misunderstandings about learning that can prevent students from learning at their fullest capacity. Along the way you will explore the practical implications of cognitive science for classroom teaching in terms of choosing effective instructional strategies, developing useful assessments, motivating student effort, and designing learner-centered curricular units.

This course is aimed to enhance the practice of K-12 teachers.

What you'll learn

How the brain encodes memories, stores them, and retrieves them for later use;
Why working memory is so important for learning and ways to prevent it from getting overloaded;
Strategies for making memories that “stick” and can be readily recalled when needed;
Misconceptions that many students have about learning and ways to correct them;
How student mindsets and beliefs about learning can help or hinder their academic success;
How to help students become independent and self-regulated learners so they can lead their own learning;
Teaching strategies and assessment techniques that maximize student learning.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How the brain encodes memories, stores them, and retrieves them for later use;
Why working memory is so important for learning and ways to prevent it from getting overloaded;
Strategies for making memories that “stick” and can be readily recalled when needed;
Misconceptions that many students have about learning and ways to correct them;

How student mindsets and beliefs about learning can help or hinder their academic success;
How to help students become independent and self-regulated learners so they can lead their own learning;
Teaching strategies and assessment techniques that maximize student learning.

How the brain encodes memories, stores them, and retrieves them for later use;
Why working memory is so important for learning and ways to prevent it from getting overloaded;
Strategies for making memories that “stick” and can be readily recalled when needed;
Misconceptions that many students have about learning and ways to correct them;
How student mindsets and beliefs about learning can help or hinder their academic success;
How to help students become independent and self-regulated learners so they can lead their own learning;
Teaching strategies and assessment techniques that maximize student learning.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Addresses memory encoding, storage, and retrieval processes, which are fundamental for effective learning

Emphasizes the importance of working memory and provides strategies to prevent overload

Focuses on developing effective instructional strategies and assessment techniques based on cognitive science

Helps educators create learner-centered curricula for enhanced student engagement and outcomes

Teaches educators to foster student self-regulated learning and independence

Designed specifically for the professional development of K-12 educators

Reviews summary

Science of learning

Learners say The Science of Learning is an effective course that provides useful strategies for teachers. The course is broken down into manageable pieces and touches on how to improve the mind through logical games and reading.

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Learning Scientist

Learning Scientists study how people learn. They use their knowledge of learning theory to design and conduct research studies. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Learning Scientists design and conduct research studies that are more effective and informative.

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Teacher

Teachers plan, develop, and deliver instruction to students. They use their knowledge of learning theory to create effective and engaging learning experiences. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Teachers improve their teaching practices and create more effective learning experiences for their students.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers plan, develop, and evaluate instructional materials and programs. They use their knowledge of learning theory to design effective and engaging learning experiences. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a solid foundation in learning theory, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as how the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves memories; why working memory is important for learning; and strategies for making memories that stick. This knowledge can help Instructional Designers create learning materials that are more effective and engaging.

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Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Managers oversee the development and implementation of training and development programs. They use their knowledge of learning theory to design and deliver effective training programs. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Learning and Development Managers design and deliver more effective training programs.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations. They use their knowledge of learning theory and best practices to help improve teaching and learning. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Educational Consultants make evidence-based recommendations to improve teaching and learning in schools.

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Educational Technology Specialist

Educational Technology Specialists use technology to improve teaching and learning. They use their knowledge of learning theory to design and implement effective educational technology solutions. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Educational Technology Specialists design and implement more effective educational technology solutions.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches provide support and guidance to teachers. They use their knowledge of learning theory to help teachers improve their teaching practices. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Instructional Coaches provide more effective support and guidance to teachers.

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Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research to improve teaching and learning. They use their knowledge of learning theory to design and conduct research studies. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a solid foundation in learning theory, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as how the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves memories; why working memory is important for learning; and strategies for making memories that stick. This knowledge can help Educational Researchers design and conduct research studies that are more effective and informative.

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School Administrator

School Administrators oversee the operation of schools. They use their knowledge of learning theory to create effective and supportive learning environments. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help School Administrators make decisions that improve teaching and learning in their schools.

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Cognitive Psychologist

Cognitive Psychologists study how people think. They use their knowledge of learning theory to design and conduct research studies. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Cognitive Psychologists design and conduct research studies that are more effective and informative.

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Training and Development Specialist

Training and Development Specialists develop and deliver training programs. They use their knowledge of learning theory to create effective and engaging learning experiences. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Training and Development Specialists create more effective and engaging training programs.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They use their knowledge of learning theory to develop and implement effective training and development programs. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Human Resources Managers develop and implement more effective training and development programs.

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Higher Education Faculty

Higher Education Faculty teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They use their knowledge of learning theory to create effective and engaging learning experiences for their students. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on learning. This knowledge can help Higher Education Faculty improve their teaching practices and create more effective learning experiences for their students.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational curricula. They use their knowledge of learning theory and best practices to create curricula that are effective and engaging. The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know provides a solid foundation in learning theory, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as how the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves memories; why working memory is important for learning; and strategies for making memories that stick. This knowledge can help Curriculum Developers create curricula that are more effective and engaging.

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The Science of Learning - What Every Teacher Should Know