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Science of Learning
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| neuroscience | the study of the brain and nervous system |
| cognition | thinking activities such as remembering, understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making, including how people get, use, and store information in their minds |
| neurons | tiny cells in the brain that work together like an extensive communication network |
| neurodevelopment | plays a crucial role in acquiring new knowledge, honing cognitive skills, and adapting to the challenges of formal education |
| brain stem | 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 |
| limbic system | deep in the brain, it is like an emotional control center helping handle feelings like happiness, fear, and sadness |
| cerebellum | located at the back of the head, the "little brain" helps control voluntary muscle movements, posture, and balance |
| cerebrum | the front part of the brain responsible for controlling movement, body temperature, and thinking skills like speaking, problem-solving, and decision-making; it also handles sensory tasks like seeing, hearing, and feeling touch |
| prefrontal cortex | plays a crucial role in decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation |
| encoding | the initial processing of information, converting sensory input into a form that the brain can store and use |
| storage | involves retaining encoded information over time |
| retrival | the process of accessing stored information when needed |
| feedback | provides information about performance, guiding future actions to refine learning strategies |
| metacognition | the awareness and understanding of one's thinking processes to monitor and regulate learning |
| retrieval practice | enhances long-term retention by actively recalling information from memory |
| spacing | strategically spacing out study sessions over time leads to more robust learning outcomes |
| interleaving | mixing different topics or skills within a single study session promotes deeper understanding and transfer of knowledge |
| feedback-driven metacognition | monitor and regulate learning processes to foster greater self-awareness and learning autonomy |
| desirable difficulty | introducing challenges or obstacles during learning to cultivate resilience and enhance overall |
| learning science | investigates how people learn, encompassing psychology, neuroscience, education, and computer science to understand the cognitive processes, behaviors, and environments that facilitate learning and knowledge acquisition |
| research-based practices | arise from solid empirical research or methods shown to positively affect classroom learning |
| evidence-based practices | practices informed by evidence from studies conducted in educational research and learning science |
| executive function | the set of mental skills that help individuals plan, focus their attention, and remember instructions successfully |
| cramming | the practice of studying intensively in a short period before an exam |
| multitasking | the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously |
| hippocampus | a part of the limbic system involved in memory, learning, and emotion |
| distributed practice | explores how the brain retains information when learning is spread out over time rather than condensed |
| neurodiversity | recognizes and celebrates diversity in neural functioning and cognitive styles |
| neuroplasticity | the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt in response to experiences |
| cognitive style | an individual's typical or habitual way of problem-solving, thinking, perceiving, and remembering |
| cognitive rigidity | cognitive abilities become rigid and fixed as people age |
| Tabula Rasa | the human mind is essentially empty at birth |
| growth mindset | when a person believes in the power of effort and resilience |
| fixed mindset | when a person sees abilities as unchangeable |
| differentiated instruction | recognizes that every student is unique and tailors teaching to individual needs, interests, and readiness levels |
| multisensory learning | engages different senses to deepen students' learning experiences |
| social and emotional learning (SEL) | equips students with the skills and competencies to navigate the complexities of life |
| information processing theory | fundamental concepts for understanding brain function, such as sensory input, working memory, and long-term memory |
| embodied mind perspective | connection between the body, mind, and environment |
| humanism | nurturing students' overall well-being, self-esteem, and sense of belonging |