WGU Learning as a Science - D186
Brain-Based Learning an approach to teaching that is grounded in the latest research on how the brain
learns best. Strategies that align with the natural learning processes of the brain,
making education more effective and engaging. Factors like emotion, environment,
repetition, and individual neurological differences significantly impact how well
students learn.
Multisensory Instruction Brain retains information better when multiple senses are engaged.
Brain Breaks The brain needs time to process and consolidate information. Implementing short
breaks during lessons can improve focus and retention.
This is also tied to ideas of "cognitive load," the theory that the brain has limited
processing capacity at any given time, and too much sensory or informational input
can overwhelm learners.
4 Exemplary Areas for Learning as a Science 1) Modeling learning progressions and adapting learning experiences, resources,
and feedback to support learners' progress.
2) Collaborative learning and scaffolding, scripting, and orchestrating social
interaction.
3) Simulations, visualization, modeling, and representation.
4) Opportunities to engage in hands-on constructive activities.
10 Key Learning as a Science Principles 1) Environment
2) Student's physical well-being
3) Learning is a process that involves effort, mistakes, reflection, and refinement.
4) Motivated to learn through autonomy, interests, and understanding the purpose.
5) Think deeply about the "to-be-learned" material to pay attention, build memories,
and make meaning.
6) Retrieval practice.
7) Spacing out learning and interweaving different content.
8) Communicating high expectations.
9) Students feel safe in their learning.
10) Collaboration and social interaction.
Retrieval Practice A learning strategy where you actively recall information from memory, rather than
passively reviewing it.
Strengthens memory; helps students flexibly apply what they learn, which
strengthens the neural pathways associated with that information.
Collaboration and social interaction Encourages deeper processing
Deliberately creating learning spaces, including desk Increases learning
placement, lighting, etc.
Strategies to elaborate on learning: 1) Summarizing
2) Drawing
Summarizing to create a verbal description that distills the most important information from a set
of materials
Drawings they use graphic strategies to portray important concepts and relationships
Representational Drawing A simple diagram or depiction of a theory helps students recall factual information,
but falls short when it comes to deeper comprehension.
, WGU Learning as a Science - D186
Organizational Drawings Concept maps, anchor charts, and sketch notes - students can tease out
relationships between concepts and see the big picture more clearly.
Summarizing Strategy - Clarify What's Important a summarizing strategy should help students discern the inherent structures in a
text
Summarizing Strategy - Familiarize students with multiple Text Structures:
text structures 1) Description
2) Generalization
3) Argument
4) Definition
5) Comparison
6) Problem/Solution
Description structures describe characteristics of a particular person, place, or thing.
Generalization structures begin with a general statement like, "There are a wide variety of consequences for
breaking federal rules regarding carry-on baggage on commercial airplanes."
Argument structures begin with a statement that must be proven or supported. Proof or evidence follows
the statement. Sometimes qualifiers identify exceptions to the proof or evidence
provided
Definition Structures begin by identifying a specific term and then describing the general category to
which the term belongs, along with specific characteristics of the term that
distinguish it from other terms within the category
Comparison structures identify two elements, such as commensalism and mutualism, and list how those
elements are similar and dissimilar.
Problem/solution structures begin by describing a problem. then a possible solution.
Summarizing Strategy - Help Students Recognize Layers Knowing that texts have many layers of structures is crucial to unlocking the
meaning of extended expository discourse
Summarizing Strategy - Encourage Graphic helpful for students to represent those structures graphically.
Representation
Summarizing Strategy - Review Essential Terminology Teachers should carefully preview texts and ensure that students have at least a
basic understanding of important terms.
Dual Coding the process of combining verbal materials with visual materials for the purpose of
improving comprehension.
Deep Learning An approach where students focus on understanding the core concept and
principles of a subject, rather than just memorizing facts and procedures.
Brain-Based Learning an approach to teaching that is grounded in the latest research on how the brain
learns best. Strategies that align with the natural learning processes of the brain,
making education more effective and engaging. Factors like emotion, environment,
repetition, and individual neurological differences significantly impact how well
students learn.
Multisensory Instruction Brain retains information better when multiple senses are engaged.
Brain Breaks The brain needs time to process and consolidate information. Implementing short
breaks during lessons can improve focus and retention.
This is also tied to ideas of "cognitive load," the theory that the brain has limited
processing capacity at any given time, and too much sensory or informational input
can overwhelm learners.
4 Exemplary Areas for Learning as a Science 1) Modeling learning progressions and adapting learning experiences, resources,
and feedback to support learners' progress.
2) Collaborative learning and scaffolding, scripting, and orchestrating social
interaction.
3) Simulations, visualization, modeling, and representation.
4) Opportunities to engage in hands-on constructive activities.
10 Key Learning as a Science Principles 1) Environment
2) Student's physical well-being
3) Learning is a process that involves effort, mistakes, reflection, and refinement.
4) Motivated to learn through autonomy, interests, and understanding the purpose.
5) Think deeply about the "to-be-learned" material to pay attention, build memories,
and make meaning.
6) Retrieval practice.
7) Spacing out learning and interweaving different content.
8) Communicating high expectations.
9) Students feel safe in their learning.
10) Collaboration and social interaction.
Retrieval Practice A learning strategy where you actively recall information from memory, rather than
passively reviewing it.
Strengthens memory; helps students flexibly apply what they learn, which
strengthens the neural pathways associated with that information.
Collaboration and social interaction Encourages deeper processing
Deliberately creating learning spaces, including desk Increases learning
placement, lighting, etc.
Strategies to elaborate on learning: 1) Summarizing
2) Drawing
Summarizing to create a verbal description that distills the most important information from a set
of materials
Drawings they use graphic strategies to portray important concepts and relationships
Representational Drawing A simple diagram or depiction of a theory helps students recall factual information,
but falls short when it comes to deeper comprehension.
, WGU Learning as a Science - D186
Organizational Drawings Concept maps, anchor charts, and sketch notes - students can tease out
relationships between concepts and see the big picture more clearly.
Summarizing Strategy - Clarify What's Important a summarizing strategy should help students discern the inherent structures in a
text
Summarizing Strategy - Familiarize students with multiple Text Structures:
text structures 1) Description
2) Generalization
3) Argument
4) Definition
5) Comparison
6) Problem/Solution
Description structures describe characteristics of a particular person, place, or thing.
Generalization structures begin with a general statement like, "There are a wide variety of consequences for
breaking federal rules regarding carry-on baggage on commercial airplanes."
Argument structures begin with a statement that must be proven or supported. Proof or evidence follows
the statement. Sometimes qualifiers identify exceptions to the proof or evidence
provided
Definition Structures begin by identifying a specific term and then describing the general category to
which the term belongs, along with specific characteristics of the term that
distinguish it from other terms within the category
Comparison structures identify two elements, such as commensalism and mutualism, and list how those
elements are similar and dissimilar.
Problem/solution structures begin by describing a problem. then a possible solution.
Summarizing Strategy - Help Students Recognize Layers Knowing that texts have many layers of structures is crucial to unlocking the
meaning of extended expository discourse
Summarizing Strategy - Encourage Graphic helpful for students to represent those structures graphically.
Representation
Summarizing Strategy - Review Essential Terminology Teachers should carefully preview texts and ensure that students have at least a
basic understanding of important terms.
Dual Coding the process of combining verbal materials with visual materials for the purpose of
improving comprehension.
Deep Learning An approach where students focus on understanding the core concept and
principles of a subject, rather than just memorizing facts and procedures.
