WGU D186 Curriculum Study Guide
(2026/2027)
Module 1: The Learning Process & Cognitive Architecture
1. What is the Information Processing Model?
ANSWER ✓ A framework for understanding how the brain takes in, processes, stores,
and retrieves information. It typically involves sensory memory, working memory, and
long-term memory.
2. What is the function of Sensory Memory?
ANSWER ✓ It holds incoming information from the environment for a very brief period
(milliseconds to seconds). If attention is not paid to the information, it is lost.
3. What is the capacity and duration of Working Memory?
ANSWER ✓ Working memory has a very limited capacity (typically 5-9 chunks of
information) and a short duration (about 20-30 seconds without active rehearsal).
4. What is Cognitive Load Theory?
ANSWER ✓ A theory that describes the amount of mental effort being used in working
memory. It consists of intrinsic load (complexity of material), extraneous load (poor
instruction), and germane load (deep learning).
5. How does a teacher reduce extraneous cognitive load?
ANSWER ✓ By eliminating irrelevant graphics, using clear and concise instructions, and
avoiding splitting attention between multiple sources of information (e.g., talking while
showing text-heavy slides).
6. What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
ANSWER ✓ Explicit (declarative) memory involves facts and events that we can
consciously recall. Implicit (non-declarative) memory involves skills and procedures we
perform automatically (like riding a bike) without conscious thought.
7. What is Metacognition?
ANSWER ✓ "Thinking about thinking." It is the awareness and regulation of one's own
cognitive processes, including planning, monitoring, and evaluating one’s learning
strategies.
, 8. How can teachers foster metacognition in students?
ANSWER ✓ By using think-alouds, providing self-assessment checklists, teaching
students how to set goals, and asking reflective questions like "How did you solve that?"
or "What would you do differently next time?"
9. What is a schema?
ANSWER ✓ A cognitive framework or mental structure that helps organize and interpret
information. Schemas allow us to connect new information to prior knowledge.
10. What is the difference between shallow and deep processing?
ANSWER ✓ Shallow processing involves surface-level features (memorizing by rote).
Deep processing involves semantic encoding, connecting new ideas to prior knowledge,
and understanding the meaning and implications of the content.
Module 2: Neuroplasticity & Brain Development
11. Define Neuroplasticity.
ANSWER ✓ The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections
throughout life. This is the biological basis for learning.
12. How does the concept of a "Growth Mindset" relate to neuroplasticity?
ANSWER ✓ A growth mindset—the belief that intelligence can be developed—aligns
with neuroplasticity. When students understand that their brains grow through effort
and challenge, they are more likely to persist.
13. At what age does the prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function)
fully develop?
ANSWER ✓ It continues to develop into the mid-to-late 20s. This has significant
implications for adolescent decision-making and impulse control.
14. How does stress impact learning and brain function?
ANSWER ✓ Chronic stress floods the brain with cortisol, which can impair memory
retrieval, shrink the hippocampus (memory center), and inhibit the prefrontal cortex
(executive function), making it difficult to focus and learn.
15. What is the role of the amygdala in learning?
ANSWER ✓ The amygdala is the brain's emotional center. It acts as a gatekeeper; if a
student feels threatened or anxious, the amygdala triggers a fight-or-flight response,
blocking access to the prefrontal cortex necessary for higher-order thinking.
(2026/2027)
Module 1: The Learning Process & Cognitive Architecture
1. What is the Information Processing Model?
ANSWER ✓ A framework for understanding how the brain takes in, processes, stores,
and retrieves information. It typically involves sensory memory, working memory, and
long-term memory.
2. What is the function of Sensory Memory?
ANSWER ✓ It holds incoming information from the environment for a very brief period
(milliseconds to seconds). If attention is not paid to the information, it is lost.
3. What is the capacity and duration of Working Memory?
ANSWER ✓ Working memory has a very limited capacity (typically 5-9 chunks of
information) and a short duration (about 20-30 seconds without active rehearsal).
4. What is Cognitive Load Theory?
ANSWER ✓ A theory that describes the amount of mental effort being used in working
memory. It consists of intrinsic load (complexity of material), extraneous load (poor
instruction), and germane load (deep learning).
5. How does a teacher reduce extraneous cognitive load?
ANSWER ✓ By eliminating irrelevant graphics, using clear and concise instructions, and
avoiding splitting attention between multiple sources of information (e.g., talking while
showing text-heavy slides).
6. What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
ANSWER ✓ Explicit (declarative) memory involves facts and events that we can
consciously recall. Implicit (non-declarative) memory involves skills and procedures we
perform automatically (like riding a bike) without conscious thought.
7. What is Metacognition?
ANSWER ✓ "Thinking about thinking." It is the awareness and regulation of one's own
cognitive processes, including planning, monitoring, and evaluating one’s learning
strategies.
, 8. How can teachers foster metacognition in students?
ANSWER ✓ By using think-alouds, providing self-assessment checklists, teaching
students how to set goals, and asking reflective questions like "How did you solve that?"
or "What would you do differently next time?"
9. What is a schema?
ANSWER ✓ A cognitive framework or mental structure that helps organize and interpret
information. Schemas allow us to connect new information to prior knowledge.
10. What is the difference between shallow and deep processing?
ANSWER ✓ Shallow processing involves surface-level features (memorizing by rote).
Deep processing involves semantic encoding, connecting new ideas to prior knowledge,
and understanding the meaning and implications of the content.
Module 2: Neuroplasticity & Brain Development
11. Define Neuroplasticity.
ANSWER ✓ The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections
throughout life. This is the biological basis for learning.
12. How does the concept of a "Growth Mindset" relate to neuroplasticity?
ANSWER ✓ A growth mindset—the belief that intelligence can be developed—aligns
with neuroplasticity. When students understand that their brains grow through effort
and challenge, they are more likely to persist.
13. At what age does the prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function)
fully develop?
ANSWER ✓ It continues to develop into the mid-to-late 20s. This has significant
implications for adolescent decision-making and impulse control.
14. How does stress impact learning and brain function?
ANSWER ✓ Chronic stress floods the brain with cortisol, which can impair memory
retrieval, shrink the hippocampus (memory center), and inhibit the prefrontal cortex
(executive function), making it difficult to focus and learn.
15. What is the role of the amygdala in learning?
ANSWER ✓ The amygdala is the brain's emotional center. It acts as a gatekeeper; if a
student feels threatened or anxious, the amygdala triggers a fight-or-flight response,
blocking access to the prefrontal cortex necessary for higher-order thinking.
