UC Irvine Extension Offers Educators New Courses Focusing On Student-Centered Learning

IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's educators know how vital it is to understand cognitive learning approaches in the classroom, especially as new Common Core and additional state standards are implemented in education. As formal education continues to evolve with the release of these new standards, educators are faced with the challenge to update and maintain their expertise in modern learning theories and practical skills for cognitive coaching. Additionally, teachers are tasked with implementing standardized curriculum while maintaining a focus on engaging their students with a creative, organic facilitation of subject matter. The University of California, Irvine Extension announces two new online education courses designed for educators interested in developing their skills in cognitive and student-centered learning. Offered for the summer quarter, "Building Cognitive Curriculum" and "Motivation and Responsibility in the Student-Centered Classroom," are scheduled to run from Monday, July 6 through Sunday, Sept. 13. Registration is now open.

"Educators today are required to provide students with creative, highly motivational classroom settings coupled with building cognitive curriculum that empowers students," said Angela Jeantet, director of education and business programs at UC Irvine Extension. "These courses are designed to arm educators with the tools they need to prepare today's students with the skills and knowledge necessary for self-learning and beyond."

Building Cognitive Curriculum
Educators require the right tools in order to empower students to take on the responsibility for educational growth. In this course, participants will learn how to analyze student achievement data, provide student feedback for individual growth and identify academic options that provide for better student success. Further, participants will be able to build cognitive curriculum through content and create a safe environment for students to take positive academic risks. The course is led by Beth Andrews, Coordinator of Gifted Programs for the Irvine Unified School District, who has more than thirty years of experience working with gifted learners, educators and administrators. Andrews' expertise includes differentiated curriculum and instruction, technology in education, and engaging students.

Motivation and Responsibility in the Student-Centered Classroom
Developing an active, reflexive approach to teaching and learning is essential within the student-centered classroom. In this course, participants will learn how to determine student interests and needs, as well as how to increase student motivation, responsibility, self-reliance and curiosity. The course will cover topics such as critical thinking, creative thinking, project-based learning and community engagement. Course instructor Kate Edwards, an independent educational consultant and former program director at UCLA, has experience developing credential programs and taught teacher preparation courses for UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.

Both, "Building Cognitive Curriculum" and "Motivation and Responsibility in the Student-Centered Classroom" are required courses for the upcoming "Student-Centered Learning Specialized Studies" program. Launching this fall, the specialized studies program will explore student-centered learner instruction and offer immediately applicable classroom practices based on the most recent learner theories.            

To learn more about these courses or to register, visit:

• Building Cognitive Curriculum: http://unex.uci.edu/courses/sectiondetail.aspx?year=2015&term=SUMMER&sid=00337.
• Motivation and Responsibility in the Student-Centered Classroom: http://unex.uci.edu/courses/sectiondetail.aspx?year=2015&term=SUMMER&sid=00365.

About UC Irvine Extension: University of California, Irvine Extension is the continuing education arm of UC Irvine, serving adult students online, at the UC Irvine campus, and at employer sites nationally and worldwide. Since 1962, UC Irvine Extension has offered open enrollment learning opportunities to the Orange County community, providing open access to the resources of the university, through Certificate and Specialized Studies programs (http://unex.uci.edu/) and free, open educational resources (http://ocw.uci.edu/). Connect with UC Irvine Extension on the institution's social media channels. 

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities, it's Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

CONTACT: Vivian Chan-Slater
714-573-0899 x 235
[email protected]

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SOURCE UC Irvine Extension

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