It’s the perfect marriage as education is about enhancing learning, and neuroscience is about understanding the mental processes involved in learning. It was Wilcox et al. (2021) who pointed out that, because neuroscience discovers which parts of the brain are involved in various learning activities, and determines the best ways to teach different subjects, it adds a solid scientifically-based component to the art of teaching.
Acknowledging the growing importance of neuroscience in education, the University of New England is debuting a new course combining the two disciplines at postgraduate level. Available in 2023, the course will enhance understanding of how students learn, think, and make mistakes, as well as the neurological processes at play.
An Australian first, the Master of Neuroscience and Education, will look at how the brain manages learning and thinking, allowing students to apply this knowledge in a range of teaching environments.
“It’s a genuine combination of neuroscience and education taught by specialists in each discipline,” explains Professor Sue Gregory, Head of UNE’s School of Education and long-term educator.
“The only other two courses of this kind currently available are predominantly education courses with some reference to neuroscience.
“UNE’s new degree will provide a rigorous neuroscience basis, plus a student-selected focus on a field of education such as Special Education, Educational Psychology or Education Leadership. Students then undertake a minor research project putting into action their learning across neuroscience and education.”
Fellow course designer and neuroscientist, Professor Chris Sharpley, said neuroscience is a rapidly evolving discipline that has become increasingly important in understanding and supporting learning processes in the field of education.
“Because neuroscience discovers which parts of the brain are involved in various learning activities, and how that learning actually occurs at a neurological level, it can help educators determine the best ways to teach different subjects to different students,” Professor Sharpley said.
Neuroscience is also very valuable in helping teachers understand how children fail, or why some children need special assistance.
“We have specific subjects in the neurobiology of common childhood disorders and learning problems, as well as anxiety and depression, which are all too common in classrooms and hinder effective learning,” he said.
“Children are naturally curious and eager to learn and neuroscience can help educators determine new methods of strengthening motivation or improving concentration and memory.”
Course details
The Masters of Neuroscience and Education is an online, postgraduate course. In line with UNE’s commitment to learning journeys that are both unique and flexible, students will have an opportunity to apply their learning in a Capstone research unit of their choosing in either Education or Neuroscience. Graduates can also choose to continue into higher degree research or other doctoral programs. The course duration is one and a half years of full-time study, or equivalent part time.
For more information or how to enrol, contact: askune@une.edu.au.
