D186: Learning as a Science
Study Guide for Objective Assessment (OA)
Get ready to ace your Objective Assessment (OA) with this study guide.
This guide is your go-to resource to prepare for the test, packed with key
info and practice to help you feel confident and ready.
To make the most of this guide, take your time to go through each section,
and focus on areas where you want to improve. You’ve got this, and we’re
here to help you shine! Let’s dive in and get prepped for success!
Unit 1: Increasing Understanding and Knowledge Retention
Module 1: Defining the Science of Learning
1. What is the history, purpose, and interdisciplinary nature of the
learning sciences field of study?
History- The field emerged as researchers recognized limitations in
traditional educational research, which often focused on lab settings and
classroom instruction.
Purpose- The purpose of the Science of Learning is to better help
students learn the content in ways that help connect different parts of their
brains and retain the information
Interdisciplinary nature- Trying to understand the cognitive and social
processes to design more effective learning environments.
2. How can the learning sciences be applied to improve teaching and
learning?
The learning sciences can be applied to improve teaching and
learning by having students connect different parts of their
brains by doing different activities instead of lecturing
constantly
o I.E. dancing, group discussion, sing alongs
3. What are some ways current research from the learning sciences can
be used to enhance your instructional practice?
, I use movement breaks to keep my students focused, as well as “turn and
talk” discussions to keep them working with peers.
Reflection Space for additional notes from the module’s learning checks
What is a foundational characteristic of learning sciences? Multidisciplinary focus on learning
Learning sciences as a field begins with a focus on learning (methodologies and implications).
This differs form other forms of educational research which traditionally focus on educational
contexts, policies, or practices.
Learning sciences is focused on learning but is supported by multiple disciplines such as
neuroscience, linguistics, and psychology.
The utilization of empirical findings is a foundational tenet of the learning sciences. Anecdotal
evident and participant reflections can be useful when triangulated with other sources of date that
can be validated by other researchers.
What are three brain research facts that teachers need to know and integrate into their
instructional practices?
o Students learn better when socially interacting
o Students’ learning is connected to their mind, body, and brain
o Students need repetition to engage in deeper learning
o Trusting relationships enhance learning
Module 2: Increasing Understanding and Integration
1. How do summarizing and drawing help increase understanding?
The act of summarizing requires the brain to process
information at higher levels than simply recalling.
Similarly, drawing or sketching can also aid understand, as it
requires the brain to process information in multiple ways.
2. What methods can be used to integrate modeling and teaching
questioning techniques into instructional practices to promote deep
learning?
Real life scenarios
Elaboration
Higher Order Questioning
1. Open-Ended Questions - These questions encourage discussion and
exploration, allowing students to express their thoughts without a single
correct answer.
Study Guide for Objective Assessment (OA)
Get ready to ace your Objective Assessment (OA) with this study guide.
This guide is your go-to resource to prepare for the test, packed with key
info and practice to help you feel confident and ready.
To make the most of this guide, take your time to go through each section,
and focus on areas where you want to improve. You’ve got this, and we’re
here to help you shine! Let’s dive in and get prepped for success!
Unit 1: Increasing Understanding and Knowledge Retention
Module 1: Defining the Science of Learning
1. What is the history, purpose, and interdisciplinary nature of the
learning sciences field of study?
History- The field emerged as researchers recognized limitations in
traditional educational research, which often focused on lab settings and
classroom instruction.
Purpose- The purpose of the Science of Learning is to better help
students learn the content in ways that help connect different parts of their
brains and retain the information
Interdisciplinary nature- Trying to understand the cognitive and social
processes to design more effective learning environments.
2. How can the learning sciences be applied to improve teaching and
learning?
The learning sciences can be applied to improve teaching and
learning by having students connect different parts of their
brains by doing different activities instead of lecturing
constantly
o I.E. dancing, group discussion, sing alongs
3. What are some ways current research from the learning sciences can
be used to enhance your instructional practice?
, I use movement breaks to keep my students focused, as well as “turn and
talk” discussions to keep them working with peers.
Reflection Space for additional notes from the module’s learning checks
What is a foundational characteristic of learning sciences? Multidisciplinary focus on learning
Learning sciences as a field begins with a focus on learning (methodologies and implications).
This differs form other forms of educational research which traditionally focus on educational
contexts, policies, or practices.
Learning sciences is focused on learning but is supported by multiple disciplines such as
neuroscience, linguistics, and psychology.
The utilization of empirical findings is a foundational tenet of the learning sciences. Anecdotal
evident and participant reflections can be useful when triangulated with other sources of date that
can be validated by other researchers.
What are three brain research facts that teachers need to know and integrate into their
instructional practices?
o Students learn better when socially interacting
o Students’ learning is connected to their mind, body, and brain
o Students need repetition to engage in deeper learning
o Trusting relationships enhance learning
Module 2: Increasing Understanding and Integration
1. How do summarizing and drawing help increase understanding?
The act of summarizing requires the brain to process
information at higher levels than simply recalling.
Similarly, drawing or sketching can also aid understand, as it
requires the brain to process information in multiple ways.
2. What methods can be used to integrate modeling and teaching
questioning techniques into instructional practices to promote deep
learning?
Real life scenarios
Elaboration
Higher Order Questioning
1. Open-Ended Questions - These questions encourage discussion and
exploration, allowing students to express their thoughts without a single
correct answer.
