How We Learn: Foundations of Learning and Cognition for K–12 Teachers

1 Unit
Independent Study

Course Description

Master the Science of How K-12 Students Learn to Transform Your Teaching with Evidence-Based Strategies that Build Engagement, Metacognition, and Lasting Academic Success for All Learners

How We Learn: Foundations of Learning and Cognition for K–12 Teachers is a comprehensive, research-informed professional development course designed to deepen educators’ understanding of how students learn. Grounded in cognitive science and educational psychology, this course explores the mental processes that influence learning, including attention, memory, motivation, and metacognition.

Offered through the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education in collaboration with the university’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences , the program prepares you to apply best practices to plan, deliver and assess character education in the classroom.

This professional development course, offered by the University of San Diego, is led by distinguished faculty from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). SOLES Professional Learning (SPL) educators bring a rich blend of academic expertise and practical, real-world experience to support meaningful learning and application.

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for students, educators, community leaders, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of social justice and apply it in personal, academic, and civic contexts.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.

Refund Policy: To receive a refund, students need to drop the course through the MyPCE@USD student account portal before midnight (11:59PT) on the third day of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% of the course tuition. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.

ADA Accommodations:  Professional and Continuing Education is committed to promoting knowledge and academic excellence for all learners. The University of San Diego's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center helps students with verified disabilities obtain meaningful academic accommodations and support to help improve access to Professional and Continuing Education programs and courses.  If you are a student who would like to be considered for academic accommodations, please visit USD's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center's website and follow the instructions under Requesting Services.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDU-X727V – 001 01 Jan 202630 Jun 2027 1 $129

How We Learn: Foundations of Learning and Cognition for K–12 Teachers

01 Jan 202630 Jun 2027
1
$129
Independent Study

Once you have enrolled in this course, you may access Course Instructions upon logging into your account.

What You Will Learn

  • Explain foundational theories of learning and cognition relevant to K-12 education
  • Apply principles of cognitive science to inform classroom instruction and support students
  • Design inclusive learning environments that support the diverse developmental and cultural needs of all learners
  • Implement strategies to foster metacognition and self-regulated learning among students
  • Create evidence-based lesson plans that integrate learning science and promote student engagement

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Independent Study

Independent Study Self-Paced: Independent study courses offer you flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster or slower than you would a traditional live course. In this online format, you may register at any time and you will have a set time period (typically 9 months) from the time of registration to complete your course. This convenient format is often helpful for:

  • Working professionals with tight schedules
  • Students who require a specific course to meet professional development or recertification requirements
  • Students living in remote locations
  • Students who cannot easily attend courses due to injury or illness
  • Students who are self-motivated and conscientious

Key Benefits of Educator Courses

A World of Choices

With hundreds of courses across a range of education-related topics, there’s a strong chance we have the ideal class for you!

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world educators are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.