Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
ED30220
Module Title
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND THINKING
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Rosemary O Cann
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
Students are recommended to take Module ED11220 in the first year
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminars / Tutorials 10 Hours. Tutorial.
Lecture 10 Hours.
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Course Work: one assignment of 2,500 words  50%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   50%
Supplementary Assessment All failed or missing elements of assessment to be re-taken or made good. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:


  • Understand the complex nature of thinking processes, particularly as underpinned and implied by the concept of IQ;
  • Analyze and understand the basic principles of Piaget's theory of intellectual development;
  • Understand and appraise Vygotsky's theory of conceptual development and learning;
  • Appraise Bruner's principles of learning and teaching;
  • Evaluate the possible effect of bilingualism on cognitive processes;
  • Understand the importance of Skinner's theory of learning;
  • Evaluate the effect of self-concept on learning and scholastic achievement.
Affective:

  • Appreciate the aesthetics of their own reasoning and thinking;
  • Value the importance of motivation on their own thinking and reasoning;
  • Develop strategies to deal with their own exam and test-taking anxiety.

Brief description


This module introduces and examines the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner and Skinner. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to carry out experimental work in small groups in order to further their understanding of both the concepts underpinning the major theories and their application.

Aims


This module will allow students to:

  • extend their knowledge and critical understanding of the major theories of thinking and learning.
  • reflect upon their learning styles and to relate these to the key concepts in the field.

Content


The module is based on the following topics:



  • Self-concept: definition, importance and measurement; some discussion on its genesis;
  • Self-concept and Achievement: how to improve the self-image of school children;
  • Adolescence: identity crisis and other issues;
  • Intellectual development: intelligence and its measurement;
  • Piaget' theory of intellectual development;
  • Vygotsky's model of thinking and learning;
  • Bruner's model of development and learning and teaching;
  • Skinner's theory of operant conditioning and its application to learning and teaching;
  • Stages of development: social and psychological factors known to accelerate intellectual development;
  • Bilingualism and cognitive development.

Reading List

General Text
(c2003.) Atkinson & Hilgard's introduction to psychology /Edward E. Smith ... [et al.]. Wadworth/Thomson Learning Primo search Bee, Helen L. (2004.) The developing child /Helen Bee, Denise Boyd. Allyn and Bacon Primo search Recommended Text
COOK, J L & COOK, G (2005) Child Development Pearson Education Inc. Primo search Hayes, Nicky. (2000) Foundations of psychology /Nicky Hayes. Thomson Learning Primo search SMITH, P K et al (2003) Understanding Children's Development (4th edition) Blackwell Primo search
Child, Dennis. (2003.) Psychology and the teacher /Dennis Child. Continuum Primo search Cohen, David (2001.) How the child's mind develops /David Cohen. Routledge Primo search Davenport, G. C. (1994.) An introduction to child development /G.C. Davenport. Collins Educational Primo search Donaldson, Margaret. (1987, c1978.) Children's minds /Margaret Donaldson. Fontana Primo search Fontana, David. (1995.) Psychology for teachers /David Fontana. Macmillan Press Primo search Meadows, Sara. (2005.) The child as thinker :the development and acquisition of cognition in childhood /Sara Meadows. Routledge Primo search (1983.) Early childhood development and education :readings in psychology /edited by Margaret Donaldson, Robert Grieve and Chris Pratt. Blackwell Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6