Virtual Active Learning of Brain Science to Engage Diverse Learners

Abstract

In this narrative account, a university instructor and her students from an Educational Psychology course in a diverse public university in California reflect on the brain science lesson and its applications in professional lives. The original curriculum was developed by the instructor and her colleague in 2014; however, with COVID-19 where the modality changed to 100% online, the instructor adapted the curriculum and instruction for virtual active learning to engage students over the camera.  The instructor describes active learning methods used throughout the lesson such as visual aids, hand gestures, cutting and smelling an apple, reciprocal teaching in the breakout rooms, among others.  In the second part, two students reflect on applications of the brain science they learned in the course to their professional lives as K-12 educators.