Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Describe the main theoretical perspectives on learning and cognitive development;
Outline psychological issues in relation to individual differences;
Show an awareness of psychological issues relating to educational assessment, motivation and behaviour;
Explain aspects of the process of education from psychological and social psychological perspectives.

Content:

An introduction to learning theory will include consideration of the role of cognitive neuroscience, behaviourism and cognitive developmental perspectives. An introduction to assessment for formative and summative purposes and its effects on students will be provided. �Intelligence� will be examined in relation to the nature and effects of individual differences in education. The concept of �motivation� will be explored. Theories of behaviour and the management of behaviour will be analysed. Schooling will be assessed in terms of its putative, psychological effects on students and society.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures will be interspersed with seminars and workshops. Tutorials will involve revision and review of course material. The contact sessions will be supported by use of the virtual learning environment.

Lectures, seminars and workshops
Hours: 33
Intended Group size: Cohort

On-line support and small group tutorials
Hours: 1 (min)
Intended Group size: 6-10

Guided independent study
Hours: 166

Further details relating to assessment
Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.