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Home Postgraduate Programmes Course Units MD645

MD528 Psychology of Learning and Classroom Processes
(Compulsory for students registered on the MEd in Educational Psychology)
Credits: 20
Tutor: Peter Farrell and Kevin Woods.

Aims

To develop knowledge of learning and teaching through clarification of the psychological considerations involved.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to critically discuss recent theory, research and practice on the following:

• the impact of behavioural psychology on successful teaching and learning;
• the relationship between self esteem and learning;
• Personal Construct Psychology and its relation to classroom practice;
• enhancing motivation in the classroom;
• the relationship between intelligence and learning;
• approaches to psychological assessment;
• managing change in schools and LEAs

Content

Topics include: behavioural cognitive and humanistic perspective on learning and teaching; direct instruction; motivation; self-esteem; co-operative group learning; disruptive behaviour; bullying; the bilingual learner; equal opportunities; teacher expectations; non-verbal interaction. Throughout, the course evaluates current research evidence in the context of particular topics and considers what practical inferences can be drawn from that evidence.

Method

Teaching will be conducted in seminar format with active student participation being encouraged at all times.

Time Allocation and Credits

A single module is worth 20 credits under the UCET Credit Rating Scheme. 180 credits represents a full MEd.

Assessment

One essay of 4,000 words to be submitted within four weeks of the end of the semester in which the module is taken.

Core Publications

Bigge, M.L. and Shermis,S.S. (1992) Learning Theories for Teachers, 5th Edition. New York: Harper Collins.

Collis, M. and Lacy, P. (1996) Interactive Approaches to Teaching. London: Fulton.

Farrell, P.T. (ed) (1995) Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties: Strategies for Assessment and Intervention. London: Falmer Press.

Farrell, P.T. (1997) Teaching Pupils with Learning Difficulties: Strategies and Solutions. London: Cassell.

Gage, N.L. and Berliner, D.C. (1992) Educational Psychology, 5 Edition, Sections 3 and 4. Boston MS: Houghton Mifflin.

Good, T.L. and Brophy, J.E. (1994) Looking in Classrooms, 6th Edition, New York: Harper Collins.

Rogers, C. and Kutnick, P. (eds) (1990) The Social Psychology of the Primary School London: Routledge.

Restrictions and Availability

This module is open to all registered students.