Entry Requirements
This course is only available for Master’s students in Psychology with specialisation School Psychology
Description
Developmental neuroscience is the study of how changes in the developing brain are related to changes in behavior. In the context of school psychology, this relates to functions like attention, memory and cognitive flexibility as well as developmental problems and responsivity to stress or social exclusion. Knowing how the brain changes can provide a critical backbone to understanding the developmental changes one can observe in cognition and behavior especially in- and outside the classroom. With an increasing awareness of neuroscience in society, it is important to provide school psychologists with the tools to help teachers, parents and students use this evidence to their best advantage. This entails debunking myths and common misperceptions as well as utilizing cutting edge neuroscience to tailor diagnoses and intervention programmes to individual needs.
The module consists of two parts. The theoretical part is divided into lectures on: 1) basic principles of neuroscience; 2) the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying cognitive functions and developmental problems; 3) factors that support healthy development in a school context, such as sleep, social relationships, and emotions.
The practical part will: 1) impart students the skills of how to translate their knowledge to a school setting; 2) focus on developing students’ ability to analyse and interpet the working elements of training programmes or interventions from a neuroscientific perspective; 3) teach the tools of neuropsychological testing and diagnosis.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, a student:
acquired the ability of evidence-based thinking and acquired knowledge about processes related to the learning performance and well-being of children and adolescents in school settings. Additionally, the student has become aware of popular misconceptions and so-called “neuromyths”.
understands the neurocognitive development of key cognitive skills that are crucial in school settings, and understands how these skills might differ between neurotypical children compared to those with developmental disorders.
can critically evaluate the scientific foundations of both past and current interventions aimed at improving behavior in classroom settings, with specific attention to the underlying psychological mechanism targeted.
obtained some essential skills needed as a school psychologist, such as effectively communicating theoretical knowledge to diverse stakeholders in educational settings (both in written and oral form) and psychological assessment practices.
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
Registration
Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.
Exams
You must register for each exam in My Studymap at least 10 days before the exam date. You cannot take an exam without a valid registration in My Studymap. Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Exchange students and external guest students will be informed by the education administration about the current registration procedure.
Mode of instruction
7 2-hour seminars introducing basic principles and theories of cognitive neuroscience, brain development and cognitive and social functions subserved by the brain
7 2-hour work group sessions focusing on acquisition of skills of how to use neuroscientific evidence in an applied fashion
Attendance at the workgroup sessions and seminar meetings is mandatory. See Brightspace for more information.
Assessment method
1 group presentation (e.g. in the form of a knowledge clip; 30%)
1 individual written paper (70%)
In case of an insufficient grade, students have the opportunity to resit the assignment by improving it based on the provided feedback; the maximum grade attainable for resits is a 6.0.
The Institute of Psychology follows the policy of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences to systematically check student papers for plagiarism with the help of software. All students are required to take and pass the Scientific Integrity Test with a score of 100% in order to learn about the practice of integrity in scientific writing. Students are given access to the quiz via a module on Brightspace. Disciplinary measures will be taken when fraud is detected. Students are expected to be familiar with and understand the implications of this fraud policy.
Reading list
General articles
- Thomas, M. S., Ansari, D., & Knowland, V. C. (2018). Annual Research Review: Educational neuroscience: progress and prospects. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Additional online-readings will be provided via Brightspace
Contact information
Dr. Lisa Schreuders e.schreuders@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Dr. Boya Li b.li@fsw.leidenuniv.nl