Leaders of Learning from edX

All of us carry explicit or implicit theories of learning. They manifest themselves in the ways we learn, the ways we teach, and the ways we think about leadership and learning.

In Leaders of Learning, you will identify and develop your personal theory of learning, and explore how it fits into the shifting landscape of learning. This isn’t just about schools, it’s about the broader and bigger world of learning.

The education sector is undergoing great transformation, and in the coming decades will continue to change. How we learn, what we learn, where we learn, and why we learn; all these questions will be reexamined. In Leaders of Learning, we will explore learning, leadership, organizational structure, and physical design.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How to define your personal theory of learning
What leadership looks like in different learning environments
How an organization's structure reflects its theories of learning

How physical and digital design shape learning
How neuroscience will affect the future of learning

How to define your personal theory of learning
What leadership looks like in different learning environments
How an organization's structure reflects its theories of learning
How physical and digital design shape learning
How neuroscience will affect the future of learning

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores leadership styles that can be used across all learning environments

Examines organizational structure as an outward expression of an organization's theory of learning

Studies design considerations that reflect theories of learning

Projects how the field of neuroscience may or may not impact learning in the future

Reviews summary

Learning leaders insights

Learners say Leaders of Learning is a valuable, insightful course. Targeting leaders in education, the course provides new knowledge and helps participants develop a learning philosophy. Insights from guest speakers are informative, and the course is interactive and well-structured. However, some learners mention that the certificate may not be rigorous enough and is easily obtained.

Informative insights from experts.

"The examples and guest speakers were very interesting and informative."

Engaging and interactive platform.

"This is a very interactive course."

"With an interesting and functional platform."

Provides new insights and helps develop a learning philosophy.

"Even though I spent 6 years on university...I found in this course some new information."

"This is an excellent course! Very insightful and helped me to verbalize the details of my teaching philosophy."

"This course was an eye-opener to the way my brain thinks, learns and ultimately the way I express myself and why."

Designed for leaders in education.

"Leaders of Learning is a great course for each and every individual to pursue."

"This course was a good course on leadership in educational settings."

"It does not only centre around learning in schools but on a broader spectrum takes into consideration learning right across the globe."

Certificate may lack rigor and value.

"As for the certificate though, it's not rigorous enough: it's just too easy to obtain the certificate after verifying."

"Basically you buy the certificate but you don't need to do any assignments that are rigorous."

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 Leaders of Learning with these activities:

Review Basic Neuroscience and Psychology Concepts

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Reinforce your foundational knowledge of neuroscience and psychology to enhance your understanding of learning theories.

Browse courses on Neuroscience

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Review textbooks or online resources on basic neuroscience and psychology
Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test your understanding

Compile a Resource Toolkit

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Organize and store relevant resources, tools, and articles for future reference and continued learning.

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Identify and gather resources related to the course topics
Categorize and organize the resources
Document the resources in a central location, such as a shared folder or a digital notebook

Read 'Theories of Learning' by Dale Schunk

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of various learning theories and their implications for practice.

View Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective on Amazon

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Read and take notes on key concepts and theories presented in the book
Engage in discussions or write summaries to reflect on the implications of the theories

Five other activities

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Engage in Peer-Led Discussions

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Enhance your understanding through discussions and exchange of ideas with peers.

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Form study groups with classmates
Discuss course materials, theories, and concepts
Share perspectives and experiences to broaden your understanding

Analyze Learning Case Studies

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Deepen your understanding of how learning theories are applied in real-world settings.

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Read and analyze case studies of effective learning interventions
Identify the learning theories and principles used in each case study
Discuss your findings with peers or a mentor

Solve Learning Theory Problems

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Develop problem-solving skills in applying learning theories to real-world situations.

Browse courses on Learning Theories

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Use online platforms or textbooks to practice solving learning theory problems
Analyze and explain the rationale behind your solutions
Seek feedback from peers or a mentor to refine your understanding

Design a Learning Environment

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Apply your knowledge of learning theories to create an innovative learning environment that fosters effective learning.

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Identify the learning objectives and target audience for your environment
Select appropriate learning theories and principles to guide your design
Develop a detailed plan for your learning environment, including activities, resources, and assessments
Create a prototype or simulation of your learning environment

Implement a Learning Intervention

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Apply your knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate a learning intervention that addresses a real-world need.

Browse courses on Instructional Design

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Identify a specific problem or need related to learning
Develop a learning intervention based on appropriate learning theories and principles
Implement the intervention and collect data on its effectiveness
Evaluate the results and make necessary adjustments

Career center

Learners who complete Leaders of Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Learning Scientist

This course will help build a foundation for a career as a Learning Scientist, or someone who studies the science of how humans learn. Through the course you will examine the latest research into how people learn and explore what methods are most effective. You will be able to use this information to design learning experiences that are engaging, effective, and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Scientist

Instructional Designer

This course helps build a foundation for a career as an Instructional Designer, which is someone tasked with the creation of educational and training materials. Instructional Designers use their knowledge of learning theory to develop effective and efficient learning experiences, and this course will provide you with the tools necessary to succeed in the field.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants advise schools, businesses, and other organizations on how to improve their educational programs.

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Curriculum Developer

This course provides insight into how an organization's structure reflects its theories of learning, an important concept for Curriculum Developers.

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Education Administrator

Education Administrators develop and implement educational policies and programs.

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Learning Technologies Manager

This course has information on both physical and digital design, something that would be of particular interest to Learning Technologies Managers.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate education policies.

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Teacher

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become a Teacher, as it will provide insight into different learning environments, leadership styles, and theories about how people learn.

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Educational Researcher

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an Educational Researcher, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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Training Manager

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become a Training Manager, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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Education Consultant

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an Education Consultant, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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Academic Librarian

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an Academic Librarian, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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Education Technology Specialist

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an Education Technology Specialist, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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Educational Software Developer

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an Educational Software Developer, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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Instructional Technologist

This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an Instructional Technologist, as it helps build a foundation in the science of learning.

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