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  2. EDU T543

Applying Cognitive and Learning Sciences to Instructional Design
EDU T543

Course Information

Description

This course explores specific principles from cognitive and learning sciences with important implications for instructional and curriculum design. It considers how research findings on topics such as transfer, analogy, metacognition, conceptual change, explanation, mental models, novice-expert shifts, feedback, tutoring, causal reasoning, and the nature of beliefs about intelligence interact with instructional design choices. The course will consider the integration of Gen AI into instructional design. The course draws upon the rich research findings in cognitive and learning sciences, including cutting edge research and earlier, well-vetted research that is seminal to instructional design. Discourse ranges from learning theory to grounded examples from the classroom, educational technology, and other learning designs. Most examples focus on K-12, but the course principles are also relevant to instructional design for adults. There is a strong focus on application rather than dissecting debates in the research. The class format involves active processing of the research principles. It includes brief lectures, activities, simulations, and discussion. There are brief weekly readings and research summaries. Students develop and workshop an instructional design throughout the semester with guided support. They may work individually or with a partner and the focus of the project is based on interest.
One-hour weekly section meetings follow class so that students can workshop their projects. Permission of instructor required. Enrollment limited to 30.

For LDIT students: This course satisfies the Program Core Experience (PCE) requirement. T522 (Instructor: Dockterman) and T550 (Instructor: Brennan) also satisfy this requirement. Students may take any one of these three courses to satisfy the PCE requirement and are welcome to take additional courses from these three as electives.

Class Notes

For LDIT students: This course satisfies the Program Core Experience (PCE) requirement. T522 (Instructor: Dockterman) and T550 (Instructor: Brennan) also satisfy this requirement. Students may take any one of these three courses to satisfy the PCE requirement and are welcome to take additional courses from these three as electives.

School Graduate School of Education
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Not Available for Cross Registration

Department Education
Course Component Regular Course
Instruction Mode In Person
Subject Education
Grading Basis HGSE Student Option (Letter Graded, Sat/Unsat)
Learning Goals <p>The course supports learning about teaching for deeper understanding, instructional design and planning, and how to articulate one’s instructional goals.&nbsp; Specifically, students will learn:…how to formulate and articulate a set of understanding goals and the rationale behind them;…how to assess the developmental and cognitive challenges inherent in particular understanding goals;…to use principles from research in cognitive and learning science to design instruction to address these challenges;…to design instructional materials for particular audiences;…to articulate how the features of an instructional design capitalize upon what in known from principles of learning and cognition.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
Career Focus The course is relevant to those with an interest in teaching and learning and instructional design. Instructional Design differs from general notions of "Design Thinking." The concepts in this course are essential to designing powerful instruction.