EDU 323: EDUCATIONAL PHYSIOLOGY

 EDU 323: EDUCATIONAL PHYSIOLOGY  

Handout for NCE 3 Students 

 [firstSemester] 

Nigeria Certificate in Education (Year 3)  


 Course Information  

- Instructor: [Dr sani lawan liman]  

- Credit Hours: 2  

- Semester: [firstSemester]  

- Contact: [sanilawanliman2000@gmail.com]  


Course Objectives  

By the end of this course, students will:  

1. Analyze the interplay between physiological processes and educational outcomes.  

2. Apply knowledge of brain development to age-appropriate teaching strategies.  

3. Design classroom practices that support nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.  

4. Evaluate the impact of sleep and technology on student learning.  

5. Develop culturally responsive interventions for Nigerian educational settings.  


Module 1: Introduction to Educational Physiology 

Key Concepts 

- Definition and scope of educational physiology.  

- Role of physiology in learning (e.g., memory, attention).  

- Case Study: A student’s sudden drop in performance linked to sleep deprivation.  


Activity:

- Group discussion: "How can teachers advocate for later school start times in Nigeria?"  


Module 2: Brain Development and Neuroplasticity 

Key Topics: 

- Stages of brain development (prenatal to adolescence).  

- Neuroplasticity and enriched learning environments.  

- Case Study:Tailoring math lessons for adolescents during synaptic pruning.  


Activity: 

- Role-play: Debating the use of technology in early childhood education.  


Module 3: Nervous System and Sensory Processing  

Key Topics:  

- Structure of neurons and neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine in motivation).  

- Sensory systems and classroom adaptations for disabilities.  

- Case Study: Supporting a student with auditory processing disorder.  


Activity: 

- Design a multisensory lesson plan for a primary school topic.  


Module 4: Nutrition and Learning

Key Topics:  

- Nutrients critical for cognitive function (iron, omega-3).  

- Addressing malnutrition in Nigerian schools.  

- Case Study: Improving focus in a rural school with limited resources.  


Activity:  

- Create a budget-friendly weekly meal plan for a school cafeteria.  


Module 5: Physical Activity and Cognitive Performance 

Key Topics:

- Exercise’s role in executive function and memory.  

- Integrating movement into lessons (e.g., "brain breaks").  

- Case Study: Reviving recess in a high-pressure academic school.  


Activity: 

- Develop a 10-minute classroom exercise routine.  


Module 6: Stress, Sleep, and Technology

Key Topics:  

- Physiological stress responses and classroom calm-down strategies.  

- Sleep cycles and advocating for policy changes (e.g., later start times).  

- Screen time effects on attention and sleep.  

- Case Study: Managing exam anxiety in a Nigerian secondary school.  


Activity: 

- Mindfulness exercise demonstration and reflection.  


Module 7: Adolescent Development and Cultural Relevance 

Key Topics:  

- Puberty’s impact on behavior and learning.  

- Culturally tailored strategies for Nigerian classrooms.  

- Case Study: Addressing menstrual hygiene challenges in rural schools.  


Activity:  

- Group project: Propose a school wellness program addressing local needs.  


Assessment Methods 

1. Quizzes: MCQs on neuroplasticity, nutrition, etc.  

2. Case Study Analysis: Written reports on provided scenarios.  

3. Projects:  

   - Lesson plan integrating physiological principles.  

   - Policy brief on school start times or nutrition programs.  

4. Reflective Journal: Document classroom observations and applications.  

5. Presentation: Advocate for a school-based wellness initiative.  


Reference  

- Santrock, J. W. (2021). Educational Psychology  (7th ed.).  

- Jensen, E. (2018). Teaching with the Brain in Mind.  

- Nigerian Ministry of Education. (2022). Guidelines on School Health Programs.  

- Recent studies from Journal of Educational Physiology and African Journal of Education.  



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