BSc Education / Course details

The unit will:

·         Explore the relevance of psychological theory for individual learning and assessment (cognitive and social development, competing understandings of intelligence and self efficacy and motivation)

·         Illustrate how specific educational approaches are underpinned by psychological theories of learning (eg Piaget, Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner, Bandura)

Adopt a critical approach in examining how research evidence is used to promote specific pedagogical practices

This unit aims to address classic questions in how people think and learn and how individual, social and cultural factors interact in human development.  In reviewing how psychological theory and research has influenced educational thinking, the unit will illustrate both the unique contribution of psychology in educational studies and its connections to other disciplines within the field.

Interactive lectures supported by discussion of selected readings and the University’s Virtual Learning Environment

• Understand selected, significant psychological theories and research and their impact on educational practices
• Appreciate the quality of evidence in psychological research and the validity of its use in supporting educational policies and practices

• Adopt a questioning attitude in the discussion of educational theory
• Reflect on the implicit values underpinning particular educational approaches

• Use a wide range of resources to identify, select and organise psychological concepts and evidence to respond to problems posed within the course
• Present and interpret numerical and verbal data

• Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and conduct independent study on a specific topic within the psychology of education

Online via Blackboard

READING LIST

Goodman, S (ed.) (2010) Educational Psychology Reader: the art and science of how people learn New York: Peter Lang

Hick, P, Farrell, P, Kershner, R (2009) Psychology for inclusive education: new directions in theory and practice London: Routledge

Ireson, J (2008) Learners, learning and educational activity  London: Routledge 

Wheldall, K (2010) Developments in educational psychology (2nd ed.) London : Routledge

Woolfolk Hoy, A (2007) Educational Psychology (10^th edition) Boston, Mass: Pearson Allyn and Bacon