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Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PS30115: Contemporary educational psychology

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: ES 80%, OR 20%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take PS20106 and take PS20107 and take PS20108 and take PS20109
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
The aims of the course are as follows:
* To examine the different theoretical perspectives in the psychology of learning: behaviourism, information processing, constructivism, sociocultural and neuroscience;
* To examine what is meant by learning;
* To examine some contemporary issues ineducational psychology. For example research concerned with collaborative learning, intelligent tutoring systems and video games.

Learning Outcomes:
The learning outcomes:
* Be able to compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives in the psychology of learning;
* Be able to critically evaluate the different theoretical perspectives;
* Be able to critically evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of Intelligent tutoring systems;
* Be able to assess the circumstances where collaboration facilitates learning;
* Be able to evaluate the usefulness of videogame design for designing learning environments.

Skills:
The student can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topics focused on in this unit, in particular of the attitude construct, attitude change, decision making, attitude-behaviour relationships and the influence of social processes and context. (T/F A)
The student has detailed knowledge of some specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A)
The student is able to select relevant paradigms and research methods for answering particular research questions. (T/F A)
The student is able to read and understand empirical journal articles and relate these to existing bodies of knowledge. (T/F A)
The student is able to apply theoretical notions to practical problems and phenomena. (T/F A)
The student can reason scientifically and take a critical view on arguments and research outcomes. (T/F A)
The student is computer literate and is able to retrieve scientific articles from the available databases. (T/F A)
The student can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A)
The student is able to plan and organise the study activities that are required in this unit, take charge of his or her own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of future learning. (T/F A)

Content:
The content of the unit will be as follows:
* Examine the theoretical underpinnings of the psychology of learning;
* It will look at the 5 different theoretical perspectives: behaviourism, information processing, constructivism, sociocultural models and neuroscience;
* What is meant by learning;
* Look at the conditions for successful collaborative learning;
* Look at whether computers can replace teachers and whether we want to;
* Look at video games and whether the design of these games can help us design more effective teaching environments;
* The unit will be a very applied unit and we will look at specific examples and try designing learning environments based on these principles.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PS30115 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • UHED-AFB04 : BA (hons) Childhood, Youth and Education Studies (Full-time) - Year 3

PS30115 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
Department of Psychology
  • UHPS-AKB03 : BSc (hons) Psychology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • THXX-AFM13 : MRes Psychology (Full-time) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.