WGU (D664) learners and learning science
Section 1 And 2 Key Terms, Lesson Take
Aways, And Summaries | 100+ Questions
and Verified Answers | 100% Correct |
Grade A (2026/2027)
This WGU D664 (Learners and Learning Science) covers foundational neuroscience, cognitive
theories, and developmental stages. Sections 1 & 2 focus on neuroplasticity, memory,
behaviorism, constructivism, and Piaget/Erikson stages to improve instructional strategies. Key
exam scenarios involve applying these theories to classroom scenarios to support student
learning and development.
Section 1: Neuroscience & Learning Foundations
Key Terms & Concepts:
• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt in response to experience.
• Encoding: Transforming sensory input into a usable form for the brain.
• Storage: Holding processed information for later use.
• Retrieval Practice: Intentionally accessing stored information to strengthen memory.
• Working Memory: Limited capacity for processing immediate information.
• Cognitive Load: The amount of information working memory can hold at once.
• Metacognition: Understanding one’s own thought processes.
Key Lesson Takeaways:
• Brain Structure: The cerebrum is associated with higher-level thinking; the limbic
system is located in the middle of the brain.
• Brain Myths: Multitasking is ineffective due to limited brain capacity.
• Memory Processes: Learning requiresEncoding (input), Storage (holding), and
Retrieval (output).
Section 2: Learning Theories & Development
Key Terms & Concepts:
, • Behaviorism: Learning through rewards/punishments (e.g., star charts, praise).
• Cognitivism: Focuses on mental processes like memory and categorization (e.g.,
mnemonics).
• Constructivism: Learner builds knowledge through experience/social interaction (e.g.,
inquiry-based learning).
• Social Constructivism: Vygotsky’s theory emphasizing learning through social
interaction and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
• Spiraling Curriculum: Revisiting key concepts over time with increasing complexity.
Key Lesson Takeaways:
• Piaget’s Stages: Using imaginative play aligns with the pre-operational stage; formal
operational encourages reflection.
• Erikson’s Stages: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt focuses on independence;
Industry vs. Inferiority focuses on achievements.
• Instructional Alignment: Using real-world problems supports constructivism.
Quiz_________________?
neuroscience -
Answer
the study of the brain and nervous system
Quiz_________________?
cognition -
Answer
thinking activities such as remembering, understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making,
including how people get, use, and store information in their minds.
Cognition is about how we take in, process, remember, and use information—like learning,
thinking, or solving problems.
, Quiz_________________?
neurons -
Answer
tiny cells in the brain that work together like an extensive communication network
neurons work together like a complex communication network
Quiz_________________?
neurodevelopment -
Answer
plays a crucial role in acquiring new knowledge, honing cognitive skills, and adapting to the
challenges of formal education.
Neurodevelopment is how the brain grows and changes. Neurodevelopment is essential to
learning new things, improving thinking, and handling school challenges.
Quiz_________________?
myelination -
Answer
When kids become older, their brains go through a process called myelination, which makes
pathways stronger, and one known as pruning, which gets rid of pathways that are not needed
Quiz_________________?
brain development timeline -
Answer
, prenatal- formation of brain cells begins in the womb
birth- n/a
newborn- the brain begins a rapid period of growth
early childhood- pruning begins and myelination continues
adolescence- brain development continues, especially in the frontal lobe
adulthood- brain development begins to slow down
Quiz_________________?
brain stem -
Answer
part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord; oversees important jobs like keeping the
heart beating regularly, controlling breathing, managing blood flow, and controlling automatic
actions like sneezing and swallowing
which controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate
Quiz_________________?
limbic system -
Answer
deep in the brain, it is like an emotional control center, helping handle feelings like happiness,
fear, and sadness
Quiz_________________?
cerebellum -
Answer
Section 1 And 2 Key Terms, Lesson Take
Aways, And Summaries | 100+ Questions
and Verified Answers | 100% Correct |
Grade A (2026/2027)
This WGU D664 (Learners and Learning Science) covers foundational neuroscience, cognitive
theories, and developmental stages. Sections 1 & 2 focus on neuroplasticity, memory,
behaviorism, constructivism, and Piaget/Erikson stages to improve instructional strategies. Key
exam scenarios involve applying these theories to classroom scenarios to support student
learning and development.
Section 1: Neuroscience & Learning Foundations
Key Terms & Concepts:
• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt in response to experience.
• Encoding: Transforming sensory input into a usable form for the brain.
• Storage: Holding processed information for later use.
• Retrieval Practice: Intentionally accessing stored information to strengthen memory.
• Working Memory: Limited capacity for processing immediate information.
• Cognitive Load: The amount of information working memory can hold at once.
• Metacognition: Understanding one’s own thought processes.
Key Lesson Takeaways:
• Brain Structure: The cerebrum is associated with higher-level thinking; the limbic
system is located in the middle of the brain.
• Brain Myths: Multitasking is ineffective due to limited brain capacity.
• Memory Processes: Learning requiresEncoding (input), Storage (holding), and
Retrieval (output).
Section 2: Learning Theories & Development
Key Terms & Concepts:
, • Behaviorism: Learning through rewards/punishments (e.g., star charts, praise).
• Cognitivism: Focuses on mental processes like memory and categorization (e.g.,
mnemonics).
• Constructivism: Learner builds knowledge through experience/social interaction (e.g.,
inquiry-based learning).
• Social Constructivism: Vygotsky’s theory emphasizing learning through social
interaction and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
• Spiraling Curriculum: Revisiting key concepts over time with increasing complexity.
Key Lesson Takeaways:
• Piaget’s Stages: Using imaginative play aligns with the pre-operational stage; formal
operational encourages reflection.
• Erikson’s Stages: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt focuses on independence;
Industry vs. Inferiority focuses on achievements.
• Instructional Alignment: Using real-world problems supports constructivism.
Quiz_________________?
neuroscience -
Answer
the study of the brain and nervous system
Quiz_________________?
cognition -
Answer
thinking activities such as remembering, understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making,
including how people get, use, and store information in their minds.
Cognition is about how we take in, process, remember, and use information—like learning,
thinking, or solving problems.
, Quiz_________________?
neurons -
Answer
tiny cells in the brain that work together like an extensive communication network
neurons work together like a complex communication network
Quiz_________________?
neurodevelopment -
Answer
plays a crucial role in acquiring new knowledge, honing cognitive skills, and adapting to the
challenges of formal education.
Neurodevelopment is how the brain grows and changes. Neurodevelopment is essential to
learning new things, improving thinking, and handling school challenges.
Quiz_________________?
myelination -
Answer
When kids become older, their brains go through a process called myelination, which makes
pathways stronger, and one known as pruning, which gets rid of pathways that are not needed
Quiz_________________?
brain development timeline -
Answer
, prenatal- formation of brain cells begins in the womb
birth- n/a
newborn- the brain begins a rapid period of growth
early childhood- pruning begins and myelination continues
adolescence- brain development continues, especially in the frontal lobe
adulthood- brain development begins to slow down
Quiz_________________?
brain stem -
Answer
part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord; oversees important jobs like keeping the
heart beating regularly, controlling breathing, managing blood flow, and controlling automatic
actions like sneezing and swallowing
which controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate
Quiz_________________?
limbic system -
Answer
deep in the brain, it is like an emotional control center, helping handle feelings like happiness,
fear, and sadness
Quiz_________________?
cerebellum -
Answer
