South Home

Psychological Foundations of Learning and Development

 South Option
2000-2001
 

Thoughts on Motivation

Expert Teachers

Theories of Motivation

Behavior Management

Learning Disabilities

Reports: Learning to Read The Assignments in a Nutshell
Case Study Mark Chart
How People Learn.
.

Instructor: Dr. Hazel McBride
Office: 10-278
Phone: 923-6641 ex.
E-mail: hmcbride@oise.utoronto.ca

Introduction

Educational psychology is the branch of psychology which investigates learning and development in educational settings. It involves both (1) using psychological research methods to study children and adults in educational settings and (2) applying knowledge gained from psychological research and theory to everyday classroom activities. Educational psychology studies the teaching process, the learning process, the learning environment. and the interaction between them.

Aims and objectives.

By understanding how children learn, think and develop you will be a more effective teacher and be better able to design learning experiences that will optimize a child's potential. We will study major theories of intelligence, motivation, learning, development, thinking and instruction and discuss how these theories can be applied in classroom teaching. Understanding the psychological basis of these theories will help you manage your classroom in a way that promotes learning and minimizes disruptions. It will give you the tools you need to be a better teacher.

Course Outline

Overview: The topics will not necessarily be covered in the order listed below as final arrangements are still being made for guest speakers. There will also be some flexibility in the schedule to allow for discussion of issues arising from your practicum.

1. The affective/effective classroom

2. Cognition and intelligence.

3. Gifted and talented

4. Learning disabilities

5. Learning and instruction

6. Behavioral disorders and classroom management

7. The integrated classroom

 8. Motivation

Assignments:

ASSIGNMENT: ACTION RESEARCH 50 %

Choose a topic or issue of interest to you. This may be the same issue you will be exploring in the mathematics course or the "burning issue" you plan to develop in the School and Society course. For the Action Research assignment, choose one of either 1. Research Investigation or 2. Learning Investigation below.

1. RESEARCH INVESTIGATION

(a) Identify an issue you wish to research and outline your research question :1/2 to 1 page outline, double spaced - Due October 2nd.

(b) Perform a literature review of current research on the topic and list 5 relevant journal articles from academic journals. These journal articles will be photocopied and attached to your research tool.

(c) Develop a research tool - survey, questionnaire etc. (1 page)

(d) Gather and analyze your data (1 page).

(e) Write a one page summary of your findings.

(f) Present your research at the Action Research Conference on April 17, 2001 at OISE.

2. LEARNING INVESTIGATION

(a) Identify a topic related to educational psychology that you would like to explore in depth and outline the topic and your reasons for choosing this topic :l/2 to 1 page outline, double spaced - Due October 2nd.

(b) Perform a literature review of current research on the topic and list 5 relevant journal articles from academic journals. These journal articles will be photocopied and attached to your summary of new research.

(c) Summarize the new research in this area.

(d) Describe the implications of this research for educators.

(e) Describe the implications for your classroom practice.

(f) Write a one page summary of your findings.

(g) Present your investigation at the Action Research Conference on April 17, 2001 at OISE.

ASSIGNMENT: GROUP WORK- CASE STUDIES 20 %

Each group will be responsible for one group presentation. The group will choose a case from their practicum experience. They will present the case and lead a discussion with the rest of the class. The class and group will cooperatively develop an educational plan for the case. A summary will be written and made available to the class on-line.

ASSIGNMENT: LESSON PLAN ADAPTATION 20 %

Adapt the lesson plan you developed for either your math or science course to meet the needs of a special needs student. Due Feb. 15, 2001.

ASSIGNMENT: PROFESSIONALISM 10 %

This mark will be based on attendance, punctuality, courtesy and class participation. Further criteria will developed as the course progresses.