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Program Overview

This program is now scheduled to start in Winter 2009. Application details will be posted soon. Next program starts: Winter 2009 (new start date) Program location: online Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

During the past few years, educational literature and professional development experiences for K-12 educators have frequently included mention of brain research and proposed modifications in school curricula. Educators wishing to further their professional development encounter references to information that require accurate understanding of core neuroscience concepts. It is imperative that educators are positioned to acquire, critically analyze and apply this information. Brain Research in Education facilitates understanding of neuroscience concepts and promotes critical thinking to gain a sense of the scope and limitation of the research and its application in the classroom. This program enables educators to ask research questions and become active participants in this promising research endeavor.

The development of Brain Research in Education was funded by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health. The program's content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NCRR or NIH.

The program is a partnership of the UW School of Nursing, School of Medicine, College of Education and UW Extension.

Program Benefits

This certificate program enriches participants' understanding of brain anatomy and physiology. Current brain research and its implications for the classroom are examined, as well as innovative brain curricula and resources that meet National Standards for Science Education Reform and Washington state's Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs).

EALRs addressed during the program include components of systems and connections within and among them:

• Skills and processes of science and technology
• Scientific inquiry
• Communication
• Applying science knowledge and skills to solve problems or meet challenges
• Science as a human endeavor
• Designing and conducting investigations

Program Audience

This certificate program is designed primarily for K-12 educators. Educators who teach other levels or teachers in informal educational settings are also welcome to apply.

Why Brain Research in Education? "There is no scientific study more vital to man than the study of his own brain. Our entire view of the universe depends on it." (Francis Crick, 1979). "Scientists have learned more in the past 10 years about how the human brain works than in all of previous history." (Kotulac, 1997). Antonio Damasio (1994) suggests, "The spirit of the troops is high since the rate at which new findings are accruing is greater than ever... . If there is any cause for worry, it comes not from a lack of progress but rather from the torrent of new facts that neuroscience is delivering, and the threat that they may engulf the ability to think clearly."

Program Structure, Credits, and Earning the Certificate

Brain Research in Education engages a group of educators in a series of two online internet-based courses. The courses are conducted in sequence. Priority for acceptance into the program is given to educators who are applying for the entire certificate program. Teachers may enroll in an individual course on a space-available basis. Upon successful completion of each course, participants earn five Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or 50 clock-hours. The program might be able to offer University of Washington Academic credits for students who need this option. In addition, participants earn a UW Certificate of Achievement upon successful completion of the courses that comprise the program.

How Online Learning Works

Classes in this certificate program are delivered online via the World Wide Web, which means you don't need to come to campus to earn your certificate: You can study from anywhere. To access your course materials, you'll simply log on to the internet. You'll use e-mail and online discussion boards to communicate with your instructors and other students. Just like in a classroom course, in these "group-start" online courses, students begin each course at the same time and work through the coursework together. After you are accepted and enrolled in a course, you will be mailed instructions on how to access your classes.

Computer Requirements

To participate, you'll need a computer with access to the Web. Audio and video technologies are also used. Each student is expected to have access to the following minimal computer technology (or Macintosh equivalent) continuously throughout the program: 486 processor; 66 mgz (Pentium is preferred); 240 MB hard drive; 32 MB Ram; 28.8 Kbps modem; internet service provider (other than AOL); e-mail and web access using Netscape version 6.2 or higher or Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher.

Contact a Program Representative

If you have questions about this program, please call 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle area, or 888-469-6499, or e-mail us.