Course Code: EDU511
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Synopsis

This course delves into the multifaceted process of human learning, by exploring core concepts and theoretical frameworks from the field of Learning Sciences. Participants will engage with and explore fundamental debates and contemporary issues in the area. They will reflect on their own beliefs, assumptions, and experiences related to learning, and consider how they align with or diverge from the conclusions of the literature. Through the multidisciplinary lens of the Learning Sciences, and drawing upon areas such as psychology, education, cognitive science, neuroscience, anthropology, sociology and technology, participants will gain a deep understanding of how people learn and how effective learning environments and instructional strategies can be designed.
Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

  • Introduction to the Learning Sciences
  • The neuroscience of learning
  • Cognitive and constructivist views of how people learn
  • Knowledge, learning and transfer
  • The role of motivation and emotion in how people learn
  • Learning as sociocultural-historical practice
  • Learning as tool-mediated activity
  • Distributed cognition
  • Situative perspectives on learning
  • Embodied cognition and learning
  • Constructionism
  • Learning in the digital age: connectivist perspectives

Learning Outcome

  • Apply key concepts and theories of learning from the field of the Learning Sciences in teaching and learning
  • Analyse contemporary issues surrounding human learning processes, especially the dichotomy between individual and social perspectives, as well as the distinctions between ‘learning as knowing’ and ‘learning as doing’.
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different perspectives on learning.
  • Examine the impact of individual and sociocultural-historical context from the perspective of Learning Sciences to derive an integrated understanding of learning.
  • Apply knowledge of the Learning Sciences to real-life contexts and professional practice.
  • Design innovative and effective learning environments and interventions through synthesising perspectives from Learning Sciences.
Part-time Programmes / CET Courses