The Psychology of Learning

Catalog description

This course serves as an introduction to the broad field of human learning, including its cognitive and educational bases as well as its applied value. The text and lectures will cover basic terms, concepts, principles, and theories related to the scientific study of human learning. The course surveys much of what is currently known from cognitive science, including topics on memory, attention, judgment, decision making, and problem solving. The class also surveys what is currently known from education, including theories, principles, and issues. Students investigate cognitive, linguistic, personal, social, emotional & moral development, and students with special needs. This course focuses on the applications of human learning and is beneficial to all professions that engage in teaching groups or individuals of all ages. Authentic case studies are used to analyze the practical applications of these principles in teaching and learning situations. There is an in-depth study of how students learn in the areas of cognitive learning process, construction of knowledge, behavior view of learning, social cognitive learning and motivation. This class serves, not only as a foundational course for students in education and psychology, but also for students who are interested in enhancing their own learning and teaching skills.