Module Information

Module Identifier
ED20120
Module Title
Psychology of Learning and Thinking
Academic Year
2021/2022
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Take away examination  - 2 questions, 1000 words each, 1 week to complete.  40%
Semester Exam Oral Presentation  (10 minutes)  20%
Semester Exam Written essay  (2000 words)  40%
Supplementary Assessment Written essay  (2000 words)  40%
Supplementary Assessment Take away examination  - 2 questions, 1000 words each, 1 week to complete.  40%
Supplementary Assessment Oral Presentation  (10 minutes)  20%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate an effective knowledge and understanding of the complex nature of thinking processes and the principles of major learning theories.

2. Critically discuss arguments in discussing theories and approaches relating to methods of learning and thinking.

3. Critically evaluate theories, approaches and methods of assessing learning and thinking.

4. Demonstrate a critical engagement with relevant source material.

Brief description

This module aims, and is specifically planned, to extend students' knowledge and critical understanding of the major theories of thinking and learning. These theories include: the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky and Skinner. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon their learning styles and to relate these to key concepts in the field. In addition, students will be given opportunities to carry out experimental work in small groups in order to further their understanding of both the concepts underpinning the major theories and of their application.

Content

Lectures (2 hours) and seminars (1 hour) will be based on the following:
Lecture and seminar 1: Pre-natal development
Lecture and seminar 2: Brain development
Lecture and seminar 3: Information processing
Lecture and seminar 4: Cognitive theories
Lecture and seminar 5: Language development
Lecture and seminar 6: Social learning theories
Lecture and seminar 7: Theory of Mind
Lecture and seminar 8: Child behaviour problems
Lecture and seminar 9: Developmental disorders
Lecture and seminar 10: Moral development

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Occasional descriptive statistics in lectures and sources.
Communication Communication techniques are a vital element throughout lectures and seminars. Spoken communication throughout seminar activities. Written communication throughout written assessments. In addition, the oral presentation will assess oral communication.
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback from the written assignment and personal reflection during seminar tasks encourage improved performance.
Information Technology Written assignments should be word-processed the oral presentation will involve the use of IT.
Personal Development and Career planning Empathy skills are developed throughout and applied to future careers. This will be an element of the oral presentation.
Problem solving An essential element in the process of critical assessment.
Research skills Research is required for the main assessments and some of the seminar tasks.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work Seminar activities provide many opportunities for team work, including group presentations and debates.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5