PSYC 272(S) Psychology of Education
This course introduces students to a broad range of theories and research on education. What models of teaching work best, and for what purposes? How do we measure the success of various education practices? What is the best way to describe the psychology processes by which children gain information and expertise? What accounts for individual differences in learning, and how do teachers (and schools) address these individual needs? How do social and economic factors shape teaching practices and the educational experiences of individual students? The course will draw from a wide range of literature (research, theory, and first hand accounts) to consider key questions in the psychology of education. Upon completion of the course, students should be familiar with central issues in pre-college education and know how educational research and the practice of teaching affect one another.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: a midterm paper and a final paper.
Prerequisites: Psychology 101. Enrollment limit: 55 (expected: 45). Preference given to Psychology majors and those who plan to become teachers.
Hour: ENGEL