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 cover basic terms, concepts, principles, and theories related to the scientific study of human learning. Students survey much of what is currently known from cognitive science such as memory, attention, judgment, decision making, and problem solving. The course also surveys what is currently known from education; theories, principles, and issues investigated in this course include cognitive, linguistic, personal, social, emotional & moral development, as well as students with special needs. The course also covers the applications of human learning; it would be 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 further in-depth study in the areas of cognitive learning process, construction of knowledge, behavior view of learning, social cognitive learning and motivation. This class will serve, not only as a foundational course for students in education and psychology, but also students who are interested in enhancing their own learning and teaching skills.