Psychology of Learning and Thinking

Module Identifier: ED20120
Module Title: Psychology of Learning and Thinking
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Co-ordinator: Dr Rosemary Cann
Reading List: View on Aspire
Exclusive (Any Acad Year): AD20120 or AD20120
Other Staff: Ms Dawn Walton; Dr Sian Lloyd-Williams; Hannah Mobbs; Dr Megan Hicks; Mr Prysor Davies; Dr Rosemary Cann; Mr Gwilym Ap Gruffudd

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Assessment length	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Written essay 2400 Words		60%
Semester Exam	Oral Presentation Presentations will be 8 minutes in length but students will listen to the presentations of others and will therefore be expected to attend for the whole day (6 hours).	6 Hours	40%
Supplementary Assessment	Oral Presentation 8 Minutes		40%
Supplementary Assessment	Written essay 2400 Words		60%

Learning Outcomes

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

Demonstrate an effective knowledge and understanding of the complex nature of thinking processes and the principles of major learning theories.
Critically discuss arguments in discussing theories and approaches relating to methods of learning and thinking.
Critically evaluate theories, approaches and methods of assessing learning and thinking.
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 and Vygotsky, as well as wider learning theories. Reflection on current practice will be key to this module. In addition, students will be given opportunities to carry out group discussions in order to further their understanding of both the concepts underpinning the major theories and of their application.

Content

Module content will be based upon the following topics:
Pre-natal development
Brain development
Development of Intelligence (IQ)
Language development
Child behaviour problems
Learning theories
Theory of Mind
Information processing
Developmental disorders
Reflecting on current practice.

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.
Team work	Seminar activities provide many opportunities for team work, including group presentations and debates.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5