EDUC 210A: Psychology of Education – Course Schedule and Topic Overview

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Course Overview: Psychology of Education

This syllabus outlines the weekly topics, assessments, and readings for EDUC 210A: Psychology of Education. The course explores foundational and advanced concepts in educational psychology, including learning theories, cognitive development, motivation, diversity, and best practices in teaching and assessment.

Course Structure and Weekly Topics

Week	Module/Topic	Assessments	Readings
1	Introduction – Learning, Teaching, and Educational Psychology	In-class activity: What would you do?	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 1
2	Introduction – Learning, Teaching, and Educational Psychology (cont.)	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 3
3	Cognitive Development	Check Your Knowledge 1 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 3
4	Cognitive Development (cont.)	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 4
5	Self, Social and Moral Development	Check Your Knowledge 2 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 4
6	Self, Social and Moral Development (cont.)	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 5
7	Learner Differences and Learning Needs	Check Your Knowledge 3 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 5
8	Learner Differences and Learning Needs (cont.)	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapters 2 & 6
9	Language and Multicultural Diversity	Quiz 1 (Modules 1-4), Check Your Knowledge 4	Woolfolk et al.: Chapters 2 & 6
10	Language and Multicultural Diversity (cont.)	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 7
11	Behavioural Theories	Check Your Knowledge 5 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 7
12	Behavioural Theories; Research Fair	Research Presentation	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 8
13	Exam period	—	None
14	Holiday break	—	—
15	Cognitive Views of Learning	Check Your Knowledge 6 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 8
16	Metacognition, Strategic Learning and Social Constructivism	Check Your Knowledge 7 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapters 9 & 10
17	Metacognition, Strategic Learning and Social Constructivism (cont.)	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 11
18	Motivation	Quiz 2 (Modules 5-8), Check Your Knowledge 8	Woolfolk et al.: Chapters 12 & 13
19	Motivation (cont.)	Check Your Knowledge 9 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapters 12 & 13
20	Creating Learning Environments	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 14
21	Creating Learning Environments (cont.)	Check Your Knowledge 10 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 14
22	Best Practices: Teaching Every Student	Check Your Knowledge 11 (suggested due)	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 15
23	Evaluating Teaching and Learning	—	Woolfolk et al.: Chapter 15
24	Evaluating Teaching and Learning (cont.)	Check Your Knowledge 12 (ALL CYK 9-12 due April 20)	Prepare for Final Exam
T.B.D.	Final Exam	—	—

Main Topics and Subtopics

1. Learning, Teaching, and Educational Psychology

Educational Psychology: The study of how people learn in educational settings, the effectiveness of educational interventions, and the psychology of teaching.
Learning: A process that leads to change, which occurs as a result of experience.
Teaching: The act of imparting knowledge or skills to learners.
Application: Understanding how psychological principles can improve teaching strategies and student outcomes.

2. Cognitive Development

Cognitive Development: The progression of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities from childhood through adulthood.
Key Theories: Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory.
Example: Piaget’s four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational.
Application: Designing age-appropriate learning activities.

3. Self, Social, and Moral Development

Self-Concept: An individual’s perception of themselves.
Social Development: How individuals interact and develop relationships.
Moral Development: The formation of a sense of right and wrong; key theorists include Kohlberg and Gilligan.
Application: Promoting positive classroom environments and ethical behavior.

4. Learner Differences and Learning Needs

Diversity: Recognizing and accommodating differences in learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
Special Education: Adapting instruction for students with exceptional needs.
Application: Differentiated instruction and inclusive practices.

5. Language and Multicultural Diversity

Language Development: How children acquire language and literacy skills.
Multicultural Education: Teaching strategies that respect and incorporate diverse cultural perspectives.
Application: Culturally responsive teaching.

6. Behavioural Theories

Behaviourism: Learning as a change in observable behavior, influenced by stimuli and responses.
Key Theorists: B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov.
Example: Classical and operant conditioning.
Equation:
Application: Classroom management and reinforcement strategies.

7. Cognitive Views of Learning

Cognitive Theory: Focuses on mental processes such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving.
Information Processing Model: Describes how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved.
Equation:
Application: Strategies for improving memory and understanding.

8. Metacognition, Strategic Learning, and Social Constructivism

Metacognition: Awareness and regulation of one’s own learning processes.
Strategic Learning: Using specific strategies to enhance learning.
Social Constructivism: Learning as a social process, influenced by interaction and collaboration.
Application: Cooperative learning and self-regulated learning techniques.

9. Motivation

Motivation: The internal processes that activate, guide, and sustain behavior.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Motivation from within versus external rewards.
Key Theories: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-determination theory.
Equation:
Application: Encouraging student engagement and persistence.

10. Creating Learning Environments

Classroom Management: Techniques for maintaining a productive learning environment.
Physical and Psychological Safety: Ensuring students feel secure and supported.
Application: Rules, routines, and positive teacher-student relationships.

11. Best Practices: Teaching Every Student

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Designing curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.
Differentiation: Adapting instruction to individual student needs.
Application: Inclusive teaching strategies.

12. Evaluating Teaching and Learning

Assessment: Methods for measuring student learning and instructional effectiveness.
Formative vs. Summative Assessment: Ongoing feedback versus final evaluation.
Application: Designing fair and valid assessments.

Assessment Types

Check Your Knowledge: Regular formative assessments to reinforce learning.
Quizzes: Summative assessments covering multiple modules.
Research Presentation: Application of psychological principles to educational research.
Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment of course content.

Required Readings

Woolfolk et al., Educational Psychology (various chapters as listed in the schedule)

Additional info: The syllabus provides a logical progression from foundational theories to practical applications in educational settings, supporting both theoretical understanding and classroom practice.