vcc.ca
LERN 1800: The Teen Brain
Effective date
February 2021
Department
LERN UGotClass
School
Continuing Studies
Description
One of the most turbulent periods in brain development occurs during adolescence. The teen brain actually functions very differently from the adult brain. Certain kinds of thinking, such as decision-making, actually happen in different parts of the brain for adolescents and adults.
Understanding these complex changes can help calm the rough seas of the teen years, but also provide your teen with critical support and understanding that will promote better decision-making, better mental health, and better outcomes at school.
Come find out the important ways in which the teen brain is developing. Identify behaviors and attitudes that are influenced by these changes. Then learn to offer constructive strategies for
establishing a better understanding of and communication with your amazing teen.
This course is offered in partnership with Learning Education Resource Network - UGotClass. For more information see http://yougotclass.org/index.cfm/VCC
Credits
0.0
Year of study
General Interest
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Know about the important brain development activities that occur during adolescence
- Become aware of how brain development in teens impacts behavior
- Employ developmentally appropriate and compassionate responses to adolescent behavior
- Learn how to support and engage adolescents in ways that are appropriate for their developmental level
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 16
Total Hours: 16
Total Hours: 16
Instructional Strategies
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Passing grade
S - based on:1. Make at least one comment every week in the discussion.
Evaluation Plan
None
Course topics
- Brain Development The Brain Under Construction Hormones The Evolutionary Advantage
- How the Teen Brain is Different from The Adult Brain The pre-frontal cortex The Amygdala Risk-taking
- How Teens Make Decisions The Need for stimulation Emotions Problem-solving Behavior
- Your Teen at School Learning Strategies Technology Exercise Gender Differences
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.