Unit name | Introduction to Psychology in Education |
---|---|
Unit code | EDUC10005 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Flothmann |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Education |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
At the most basic level, psychology can be defined as the science of mind and behaviour and as such, psychologists are interested in understanding why people behave the way they do. They wish to answer some of the fundamental questions associated with human existence, for example; How do we remember and forget? How malleable is the brain? How can learning be reinforced? What is intelligence? Is personality changeable? Is nature or nurture more important? Why do people behaviour differently in groups?
Psychological theory and research can be applied to better understand the complexities of the relationship between mind/behaviour processes and education, as the cornerstone of modern society and human development.
This unit develops students’ skills in the four main content areas of biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology in the context of their relevance to a wide range of educational contexts and questions. These are the core areas of psychology providing the foundation for students’ degree programmes in psychology as required for accreditation by the professional body, the British Psychological Society. Each of these four areas is covered in turn throughout the unit.
Thus, the aims of the unit are to:
Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate that they:
This unit will be taught using a blended approach consisting of a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, class discussions, debates and group presentations. Each week, a new core area of psychology will be introduced and activities will focus on the presentation and discussion of papers related to the topic. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis.
ILO 1,3,4,5: Pamphlet (40%) Students will be asked to produce a pamphlet that introduces psychology to a lay audience.
ILO 1,2,5: Online MCQ exam (60%)
Essential (Core text)
Gross, R. (2015). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (7th Ed). London: Hodder Education.
Suggestions for recommended and further reading will be made separately through Blackboard