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Unit of study_

EDPE6017: Educational Neuroscience in Context

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Through interactive seminars and hands-on research workshops that include using brain imaging technology, this unit introduces students to current research in neuroscience and education. In particular it focuses on the implications of neuroscience for educational research, policy and classroom practice. Students will be encouraged to reflect on neuroscientific findings with critical minds, allowing them to distinguish neuroscientific fact from fiction.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDPE6017
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Minkang Kim, minkang.kim@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test In-class Quiz 1
Written in-class quiz (1hr) in Week 5
15% Week 05
Due date: 21 Mar 2023 at 19:00
1hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small test In-class Quiz 2
Written in-class quiz (1hr) in Week 9
15% Week 09
Due date: 02 May 2023 at 19:00
1hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Workshop report
Workshop report on research methods in educational neuroscience
30% Week 11
Due date: 12 May 2023 at 23:59
1600 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4
Assignment Research proposal
Proposal outlining a small-scale educational neuroscience research project
40% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2023 at 23:59
2400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

  • In-class assessment: During the last sessions of Week 5 and Week 9, students will compose short answers to 5 questions. These two assessments will examine whether students gained necessary neuroscience literacy by reading the required readings and attending the seminars. Questions will typically ask students to describe (e.g. drawing, labelling, listing etc.) the brain dynamics involved in various learning and ask them to interpret data and findings from published articles.

 

  • Workshop report: During Weeks 11, students will participate in workshops on various research methods and data analysis in the field of educational neuroscience. Assessment 2 invites students' critical observation skills and reflective thinking by requiring them to summarise the data collection and analysis procedures demonstrated during the workshops.  The reports will clearly communicate the aims, procedures, materials, data collection environments and findings from the data analysis. A template for this assignment will be provided on Canvas.

 

  • Research proposal: For this assignment each student is required to develop a research proposal, which outlines a small-scale educational neuroscience research project that could realistically be undertaken if the student were so inclined. Each student will select a topic from the topics addressed in this Unit. In writing the proposal, each student is required to demonstrate a sufficient knowledge and understanding of the topic and the skills required in developing a small research project. During the seminars, students will be given opportunities to receive preliminary feedback on the choice of topic and tentative design of the project.

Assessment criteria

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Impressive and original depth of understanding of the content and discipline is displayed. Scholarly critique of a diverse array of literature. Generates, develops, uses and justifies own ideas or original concepts based on a wide range of relevant sources.

Distinction

75 - 84

Thorough and comprehensive understanding of the content. Considered use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Justifies relevant conclusions and their implications. 

Credit

65 - 74

Considers topics and issues in the broader disciplinary context. Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions.

Pass

50 - 64

Clear understanding of topic. Demonstrates understanding of materials presented in core texts and readings. Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Welcome and Introduction to this Unit of Study. Reshaping the educational landscape – from speculative theory to science-based research as the foundation for the discipline of Education. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 The learning, developing brain. Memory and learning. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 The dynamics of complex biological systems and the human, self-organising, learning brain. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 The active learner 1: Attention, memory and working memory. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Quiz 1 (1 hour) & Preliminary introduction to educational neuroscience research. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 The active learner 2: Metacognition, what is it and what are the brain dynamics involved? Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Four big ideas: predictive processing, embodied cognition, the affordance of learning environments, and value-embedded learning. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 The dynamics of literacy learning and development & Critical, scientific analysis of educational research, policy and classroom practices – a focus on literacy learning. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 09 Quiz 2 (1 hour) & The dynamics of numeracy learning and development. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 10 The science of assessment and feedback. Student wellbeing, learning and assessment. Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 11 Electroencephalogram (EEG) laboratory hands-on workshop. Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 The challenges and possibilities of conducting school-based educational neuroscience research & Final reflections on Educational Neuroscience in Context. Where does research go from here? Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

  1. Required textbook

Kim, M., & Sankey, D. (2022). The Science of Learning and Development in Education: A Research-based Approach to Educational Practice. Cambridge University Press.

  1. Other required readings

Other required readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the dynamic interweaving of learning, memory, thinking and wellbeing, and provide sound neurobiological reasons for individual differences in development and learning.
  • LO2. Apply a critical analysis in their interpretation and synthesis of neurobiological evidence as it applies in context of educational research and practice.
  • LO3. Demonstrate a foundational understanding of neuroscience research technology and research methodology as it applies in the context of educational research, and use this knowledge to construct a carefully conceived and methodologically sound small research project.
  • LO4. Apply a reflective, critical appreciation of insights gained from this unit of study to develop an academically sound educational neuroscience project.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1. Professional Knowledge: Standard 1 - Know students and how they learn
1.1. Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
2.5. Literacy and numeracy strategies
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
2-CM.02. Knowledge of child and adolescent development, student well-being and mental health, and an understanding of the implications for learning and the management of behaviour
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.1. Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
4.4. Maintain student safety
5.1. Assess student learning
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
6.5. Research
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.2. Understand how students learn.
5.1. Assess student learning
6.1. Identify and plan professional learning needs
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
6.5. Research
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.2.4. (Lead) Lead processes to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programs using research and workplace knowledge about how students learn.
1.3.4. (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.6.4. (Lead) Initiate and lead the review of school policies to support the engagement and full participation of students with disability and ensure compliance with legislative and/or system policies.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We welcome feedback on this Unit of Study. Please take the time to offer constructive written feedback at the end of the semester. The teaching team is committed to the participation of learners in the process of planning and evaluation of courses.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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