20809249Educational Psychology
Course Information
Description
This course studies the process of human learning. Theories related to memory, learning, and intelligence are examined as well as the influence of social context and technology. Explores individual differences, motivations, and technology processes that facilitate learning.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore theories related to learning as an individual
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Describe the components of behaviorism
    Explain information processing theory
    Describe how metacognition impacts learning
    Explain cognitive overload
    Identify concepts in constructivism
    State the impact of neuroscience on learning
    Identify strategies to improve teaching and learning for individuals with disabilities
    Identify strategies to improve teaching and learning for individuals identified as gifted

  2. Analyze theories of motivation and their implications on the learning environment
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Define the concepts of motivation, need, and affect
    Recognize that learners are motivated in different ways
    Describe motivational concepts such as attribution and needs theory
    Identify effective teacher strategies that promote motivation and positive affect in learners
    Examine the changes in motivation in learners over time
    Identify cognitive factors inherent in motivation

  3. Analyze social learning theory
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Relate social constructivism to learning
    Identify components of social cognitive theory
    Describe a collaborative learning setting
    Identify environments conducive to thinking and learning in a social context

  4. Identify the stages of human development and their impact on learning
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Identify general principles of cognitive development throughout one's life span
    Recognize how biological and neurological development influence learners at different ages
    Recognize how psychological development influences learners at different ages
    Recognize how social and cultural development influence learners at different ages
    Identify learning accommodations for developmental differences

  5. Examine the impact of technology on the facilitation and process of learning
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Identify technologies that promote and enhance learning
    Adapt classroom/learning environment to meet the needs of a variety of learners
    Examine technology as a student engagement tool for use inside and outside of the classroom/learning environment
    Describe effective uses of technology for flexible learning formats
    Analyze informal learning and uses of technology to assist anytime/anywhere learning

  6. Differentiate between informal and formal learning
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Specify characteristics of informal learning
    Identify examples of unspoken, academic, social, and cultural messages that are communicated to learners
    Describe how physical tools and psychological signs from the social world shape human learning
    Sort given examples into formal or informal learning categories

  7. Incorporate instructional strategies to promote higher-level thinking skills
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Identify the target learning group
    Describe an environment conducive to learning for the target group
    Encourage learners to use problem solving, goal setting, and/or self-assessment
    Identify learner-directed activities
    Identify teacher-directed activities
    Differentiate between pedagogical and androgogical instructional strategies

  8. Examine the role of assessment in teaching and learning
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Identify qualities of good assessment
    Evaluate assessment practices according to their validity, reliability, and fairness
    Differentiate between classroom assessment techniques, formative assessments and summative assessments
    Compare norm-referenced testing and criterion-referenced testing
    Recognize the purpose of standardized, high-stakes testing
    Examine the value of rubrics and/or checklists as tools for assessment
    Describe how a variety of assessment strategies (e.g., skill demonstration, written product, oral presentation, portfolios) affect learning

  9. Develop strategies for effective classroom management
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Classroom Management Plan), Quiz, Discussion
    Criteria
    Describe expected student and instructor behavior
    Detail rewards and consequences of learner behavior
    Indicate ways to capture student input during creation of a plan
    Explain how behavior modeling is used as a management technique

  10. Apply educational psychology principles to a teaching and learning scenario
    Assessment Strategies
    Portfolio
    Criteria
    Portfolio ties an educational psychology principle to a given situation/scenario or a situation from personal practice
    Portfolio accurately illustrates use of the principle
    Portfolio shows how learning environment was adapted to accommodate learners with at least two different types of developmental needs
    Portfolio includes an example of effective use of instructional technology