Minor in Science of Learning

The Minor in Science of Learning is minor course offered by the Office of Education Research (OER).

Rationale

The purpose of this minor is to provide students with the opportunity to gain exposure to key developments in scientific advancements in learning, particularly in the field of Science of Learning.

The Science of Learning is an approach that recognizes the value and importance of cross-fertilization across traditional fields of study, drawing on many different methods and techniques to understand how learning occurs - with the ultimate goal of optimizing learning for all.

Students will be equipped with cutting-edge competencies and skills in the development of learning optimizations. They will also be exposed to new ideas pertaining to rapidly advancing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience modalities. 

Completion Criteria

All five courses (15 AUs; details below) must be completed with passing grades to complete the Minor in Science of Learning.
 

This course aims to equip students with an understanding of a learner’s brain in learning areas such as reading, writing, computing mathematics and executive functioning. By analysing the structural and functional organization of the brain, students will be more informed about popular myths such as learning styles and age-appropriate learning stages. This course will also explore how such insights into the learner’s brain can be used to inform choices about learning environments and practices for teaching and learning. Educators looking to understand the inner workings of a learner’s brain would find this course useful.

No. of hours per week3 (Tutorials)
Total contact hours39
No. of AU3

Only offered in Jan semester

This course aims to equip students with a theoretical basis for the development of efficient pedagogies. With an emphasis on translating neuroscientific findings into practical classroom practices, this course will provide students a theoretical basis to evaluate existing classroom practices as well as to develop new ones informed by brain science. Students who are interested in how neuroscience findings can help optimize teaching and learning would find this course useful.

No. of hours per week3 (Tutorials)
Total contact hours39
No. of AU3

Only offered in July semester

In conversations to optimize learning in educational contexts, it is crucial that equal focus be placed on both cognitive and affective neurosciences. This course aims to explore the complex interplay between a learner’s social and emotional competencies, and their learning processes through the lens of affective neuroscience. Using this knowledge, educators will be able to evaluate existing classroom management strategies and also to develop strategies to manage students’ emotions and behaviour in class.


No. of hours per week3 (Tutorials)
Total contact hours39
No. of AU3

Only offered in Jan semester

This course aims to discuss the managing of neurologically diverse learners in order to maximize learning. Since learners are themselves unique individuals, every learning environment is arguably a neurologically diverse space. On top of that, learners who are at different developmental stages will face different cognitive, affective, and social factors that can impact their learning. Educators who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of how affective and cognitive processes as well as social factors can influence a learner’s ability to navigate their learning would find this course useful.  

No. of hours per week3 (Tutorials)
Total contact hours39
No. of AU3

Only offered in July semester

This course explores the emerging field of Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence, paying special attention to the body of work emanating from Educational Neuroscience research. Students will learn about the trends in computational thinking, computing, artificial intelligence and educational neuroscience developments and their applicability for teaching and learning. Relatedly, this course explores how technology can be effectively incorporated into the designing of learning environments as well as modes of learning and assessment. Students interested in the understanding how educational technologies intersect with neuroscience would benefit from taking this course.

No. of hours per week3 (Tutorials)
Total contact hours39
No. of AU3

Only offered in Jan semester

Contact Details

Asst Prof Azilawati: [email protected]

Ms Wah Shih Fen: [email protected]