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Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


ED10002 Learning: Theory & context

Credits: 6
Level: Certificate
Semester: 2
Assessment: CW 100%
Requisites:
Aims: This unit will consider more theoretical aspects of learning. It aims to consider a selection of theoretical perspectives on learning, and to relate these to teaching and learning in different contexts, including schools, colleges, universities and lifelong learning. The unit will also explore the implications of new technologies for learning.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit students should be able to:
* begin to understand the nature of learning and teaching;
* evaluate critically the merits of behavioural, cognitive and other theories of learning;
* draw together the various elements impinging on learning to better understand their own learning and ways of imparting it to others;
* establish a critical awareness of new technologies for teaching and have an appreciation of a variety of contexts in which learnnig occurs and can be facilitated.
Skills:

* Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (e.g. essays).
* Effective oral communication (e.g. seminar presentations).
* Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources.
* Ability to apply theory into practise.
* Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines.
* Ability to work independently, without close supervision or guidance.
Content:
Theories of learning: a review of a range of approaches to learning theory and the cognitive and other processes associated with learning: including memory, problem-solving and motivation. Contexts for learning: including schools, further and higher education, and a variety of lifelong learning opportunities. Session would include, for example:
* Learners and individual differences.
* Theories of learning including behavioural, cognitive, social cognitive and constructivist approaches to learning.
* Memory, thinking, problem-solving and learning.
* Motivation and learning; comparing theories.
* ICT and learning.
* Lifelong learning and Higher Education.