
- UCAS course code
- X300
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Psychology of Learning
Unit code | EDUC21740 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Offered by | Education |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
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
Aims
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.
Learning outcomes
Category of outcome | Upon completion of the unit, students should be able to: |
Knowledge and understanding | · 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 |
Intellectual skills | · Adopt a questioning attitude in the discussion of psychological/educational theory · Reflect on the implicit values underpinning particular educational approaches |
Practical skills | · Use a wide range of resources to identify, select and critically analyse psychological concepts and evidence to respond to problems posed within the course · Present and interpret numerical and verbal data |
Transferable skills and personal qualities | · Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and conduct independent study on a specific topic within the psychology of education |
Teaching and learning methods
Interactive lectures supported by discussion of selected readings and the University’s Virtual Learning Environment
Knowledge and understanding
- 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
Intellectual skills
- Adopt a questioning attitude in the discussion of educational theory
- Reflect on the implicit values underpinning particular educational approaches
Practical skills
- 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
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and conduct independent study on a specific topic within the psychology of education
Assessment methods
Assessment task | Weighting within unit |
1 x 2000 word assignment – Week 12 | 50% |
1 x 2000 word assignment - drawing on formative feedback from assignment 1 | 50% |
Feedback methods
Online via Blackboard
Recommended reading
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 (10th edition) Boston, Mass: Pearson Allyn and Bacon
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 30 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 170 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Laura Black | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Activity | Hours Allocated |
Staff/student contact | 2.5 hours per week = 30 hours |
Private study | 45 |
Directed reading | 50 |
Assessed work | 75 |
Total | 200 |