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Foundations of the Science of Learning (EDUC90872)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject will explore the philosophical, theoretical, and practical foundations of the emerging field of The Science of Learning (with a particular focus on Educational Neuroscience). The focus of this subject will be how an understanding of the mechanisms of learning can meaningfully inform and improve pedagogical practice and learning outcomes. This subject will provide students with a broad understanding of the scientific method, the importance of neurophilosophy, an appreciation of the important brain/mind question in education, and the tenets of a successful educational philosophy. More generally, students will also learn scientific principles, and so be equipped with the skills to scientifically evaluate the validity of educational, psychological and neuroscientific arguments.
Specifically, the subject will explore the following:

  • Essential concepts of scientific methods;
  • neuroimaging and brain research;
  • neuroscience as it applies to human learning;
  • neurophilosophy and the brain/mind problem;
  • theoretical and philosophical implications of science of learning, particularly the neuroscience of learning and teaching philosophies

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:



  • Understand and effectively evaluate educational psychological, and neuroscientific literature relevant to learning;
  • Understand essential concepts in neuroscience, including brain structure and function, neural correlates of learning, and cognitive development;
  • Understand the scientific method in order to empirically evaluate effective learning interventions;
  • Understand educational, psychological, and neuroscientific research, particularly in the social, emotional, and interpersonal domains.

Generic skills

Through completing this subject, graduates will develop the following set of key transferable skills:

  • Critical/Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving (the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature from a number of academic domains).
  • Communication Skills (the ability to develop and present an educationally relevant evaluation).
  • Self-Awareness (will reflect on and consider personal theories and beliefs on teaching, learning, and practice).
  • Planning & Written Communication

Last updated: 10 February 2024

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 10 February 2024

Assessment

Additional details

  • Essay on Teaching Philosophy (1,000 words) due mid-semester (20%)
  • Essay on Neuro-Informed Educational Products (3,000 words) due end of semester (60%)
  • 10 min. Individual Presentation (1,000 words) due end of semester (20%)

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance at all scheduled tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Last updated: 10 February 2024

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorGregory Donoghue
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours24 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019
    Last self-enrol date15 March 2019
    Census date31 March 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail10 May 2019
    Assessment period ends28 June 2019

    Semester 1 contact information

    Mr Gregory Donoghue
    gregory.donoghue@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 10 February 2024

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Participants will be provided with a collection of readings via the online Learning Management System (LMS).

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseProfessional Certificate in Educational Neuroscience
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

Last updated: 10 February 2024