TCH 520 Full Course GCU

TCH 520 Full Course Discussions GCU

TCH 520 Topic 1 DQ 1

The term multitasking is often used in relation to the need to balance multiple demands on our time and attention in today’s society. What is actually happening in our brains when we attempt to multitask? What are the implications for student learning?

TCH 520 Topic 1 DQ 2

What is meant by “the brain as a novelty seeker”? How does novelty affect classroom environment, lesson design, or instructional methods? What are some classroom strategies that align with the brain’s search for novelty?

TCH 520 Topic 2 DQ 1

How does the functional capacity and time limits of working memory vary with age? What implications do these limits have for teaching and learning?

TCH 520 Topic 2 DQ 2

How does meaning affect long-term memory? Is there a difference between positive and negative memories in terms of their long-term effect? Support your response with examples.

TCH 520 Topic 3 DQ 1

How does sleep affect learning and retention? How can teachers address students who are clearly not getting enough sleep?

TCH 520 Topic 3 DQ 2

Rote memorization is an instructional strategy that has had varying levels of popularity. Are there cases when it is more effective or appropriate than others? Provide an example.

TCH 520 Topic 4 DQ 1

Brain-based learning often requires physical activity in the classroom, encouraging students to be up and out of their desks. Provide three classroom management techniques you could utilize to maintain a classroom environment conducive for this kind of active learning?

TCH 520 Topic 4 DQ 2

Are student ages relevant when determining brain-based activities in the classroom? How does a five-year-old entering kindergarten differ from an almost seven year-old?

TCH 520 Topic 5 DQ 1

Should schools require all primary students to learn to play a musical instrument? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this requirement?

TCH 520 Topic 5 DQ 2

Discuss ways that visual arts impact learning and cognition. How do you plan to incorporate the visual arts into your future classroom?

TCH 520 Topic 6 DQ 1

Based on what you’ve learned in this course, what are two concepts you will apply to your future professional practice?

TCH 520 Topic 6 DQ 2

How is the use of higher order questions beneficial to differentiation? Provide an example.

TCH 520 Full Course Assignments GCU

TCH 520 Topic 1 Brain Facts

A complete study of the brain and how it learns includes an understanding of brain function, anatomy, and stages of cognitive development. Knowing how the brain processes information allows educators to make informed instructional decisions to help learners construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop thinking processes by utilizing the functions of the brain.

Based on your readings of Topic 1 resources, create an annotated list of things every educator should know about the brain. Include 10 statements/brain facts followed by a 50-100 word analysis of how each statement/fact affects brain development or learning. Provide at least one scholarly resource for each statement.

Reflection

Select two of the facts from your top 10 list, and in 150-250 words provide details about how each fact affects instruction in areas such as assessment, lesson design, classroom environment, motivation, or instructional methodologies. How does knowing this information about the functions of the brain help teachers guide students to construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop thinking processes? Support your reflection with 2-3 scholarly resources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

TCH 520 Topic 2 Information Processing

Understanding not only how students process information, but also how and why they retain and recall information is important for any successful educator. The information processing model is one method by which educators come to understand the brain function and its role in learning.

Create a 10-12 slide digital presentation for a staff development training that explains information processing.

Include the following in your presentation:

How the brain processes information, including sensory information
An overview of the types of memory and their effect on learning
Analysis of the capacity and limitations of working memory and long-term memory
Strategies to apply information processing to classroom instruction. Include at least one strategy for Birth to PreK, K-12, and adult learners.

Include title and reference slides, and images, graphics, and examples to enhance visual interest.

Support your presentation with 2-3 scholarly resources.

While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

TCH 520 Topic 3 Memory

A thorough understanding of how the brain retains and transfers information is vital for educators to make instructional decisions. Teachers must be aware of and work to activate and transfer memory within their instruction.

In a 500-750 word essay, explain how memories are formed and information is transferred. Address the following:

Explain the formation and stages of memory.
Describe types of memory and their importance in the learning environment.
Discuss the relationship between learning, retention, and transfer.
Describe 2-3 instructional strategies to improve retention and transfer.

Support your responses with 2-3 scholarly resources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

TCH 520 Topic 4 Functions of the Brain

Different regions of the brain are responsible for specific tasks. A thorough understanding of the brains anatomy and functions will provide teachers another tool to assist students in finding meaning and application for the information presented.

For this assignment, create an infographic demonstrating the lateralization and specialization of the brain and labeling the functions associated with each hemisphere.

In addition, write a 250-500 word analysis of the brain’s role in developing language and math skills. What areas of the brain are accessed to accomplish these tasks? How will you apply your understanding of brain development and specialization to instruction in your chosen field?

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Support your findings with 3-5 scholarly resources.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

TCH 520 Topic 5 Advocating for the Arts

The existence of art in every culture in history demonstrates its importance to the brain. Art, including music, dance, drama and visual art, stimulates creativity and curiosity, and is fundamental to normal brain function and development.

Create a brochure advocating for greater inclusion of the arts in instruction. Include the following:

Relationship between the arts and brain development.
Effects of including the arts on learning outcomes in all subject areas
Special considerations about classroom management when incorporating the arts
Using the arts to encourage collaboration, creativity, and confidence
How including the arts in instruction addresses differentiation and learning differences.

Your brochure should include graphics that are relevant to the content, visually appealing, and use space appropriately.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

TCH 520 Topic 6 Thinking and Learning Skills

Exploring the functioning of the brain has great value to both teachers and students. Students will be more successful if they understand the development and processes of the brain, and how to put that information to use in their own thinking and learning. By applying brain development and functioning research to instructional planning, teachers will find their instruction will be more vibrant and their student outcomes will improve.

Create a 10-12 slide presentation for students on how they can develop effective thinking and learning skills. Select a grade-level for your audience (PreK-12 or adult learners). Your presentation should be based on the thinking levels presented in Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Include the following:

Types of thinking, including cognitive and emotional thinking
The difference between complexity and difficulty
Levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and how students will apply this to their learning
Grade-appropriate resources and strategies to improve thinking and brain function

Your presentation should include graphics that are relevant to the content and audience you chose, visually appealing, and use space appropriately.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

TCH 520 Full Course GCU