Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
PS30115 Learning sciences |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES 80%, OR 20% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20106 and take PS20107 and take PS20108 and take PS20109 |
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Aims: The aims of the course are as follows:
* To examine the different theoretical perspectives in the learning sciences, behaviourism, information processing, constructivism, sociocultural and neuroscience. * To examine what is meant by learning. * To examine some current issues in the learning sciences. For example research concerned with collaborative learning, museum learning, intelligent tutoring systems and video games. Learning Outcomes: The learning outcomes: * Compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives in the learning sciences; * Critically evaluate the different theoretical perspectives; * Critically evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of Intelligent tutoring systems; * Assess the circumstances where collaboration facilitates learning; * Assess the efficacy of learning in museums; * 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 science 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 learning in museums and what can be done to make that learning more effective in these contexts * 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. |