Learning and Memory – Free Online Course – FutureLearn

Become a truly impactful educator by exploring the science of memory formation and its impact on learning The brain is the physiological dimension where memory and learning functions occur This course introduces our uniquely human brain and provides an overview of the central nervous system the limbic system and the concept of neuroplasticity Social interaction is at the core of how emotions initiate and signal the processing and placement of information in the brain This short course provides an overview and explores memory formation and learning focusing on what happens in the brain when different emotional and arousal states are present For instance students will learn how as part of the limbic system the amygdala imbues memories and events with emotional significance and can initiate fear responses that bypass rational processes taking place in the prefrontal cortex it can therefore be hijacked by certain stimuli such as chronic stress and anger Together we will explore the implications of stress on learning and memory and authentic assessment forms for promoting content retention The unique human brain the nervous system and the limbic system The concept of neuroplasticity Implications of stress on learning and memory Memory processing models Authentic assessment