| CODE | EDS1305 | ||||||
| TITLE | An Introduction to the Psychology of Learning for Learning Support Assistants | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 3 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Education Studies | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Knowledge of the phenomena and principles of learning is critical to our understanding of human behaviour. As we learn about learning processes we can devise better education systems, deal more effectively with many forms of behaviour and learning and help people learn how to better control their own behavior and learning. The applications and importance of learning principles for learning is the vehicle by which almost all behaviors are acquired. Students reading this study-unit will be introduced to definitions of learning, types of learning, factors which affect learning, the relationship between motivation and behaviour, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, Classical and Operant Conditioning, Social Cognition Theory, an introduction to Piagetian and Vygotskian theories and the Hierarchy of Experience in learning. Study-unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to introduce students to selected major themes related to the nature of learning, motivation and performance relevant to the profession of a class facilitator. The student will have the opportunity to be introduced to selected major theories of learning meant to facilitate their work experience in the inclusive classroom. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Demonstrate an understanding of definitions of learning. • Describe factors which affect learning. • Discuss the relationship between motivation and behaviour. • Differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. • Explain Classical and Operant Conditioning. • Describe Social Cognition Theory. • Demonstrate a basic understanding of of Piagetian and Vygotskian theories. • Explain the Hierarchy of Experience in learning. • Demonstrate an introductory understanding of selected major theories of learning meant to facilitate their work experience in the inclusive classroom. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Demonstrate the ability to interpret behaviour according to theories of learning covered. • Demonstrate the ability to use theories of learning in an eclectic manner to understand human learning and human behaviour. • Interpret classroom situations through theories of learning exposed to in class. • Utilise theories of learning in their classroom practices when planning and implementing lessons. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Text: • Ormrod, J. (1999). Human learning (5th. edition). N.J.: Prentice Hall. Supplementary Readings: • Barker, L.M. (1997). Learning and behaviour: biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives (2nd edition). N.J.: Englewood Cliffs. • Gage, N.L. & Berliner, D.C. (1998). Educational psychology (6th. edition). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. • Gredler, M.E. (2005). Learning and instruction: theory into practice (5th edition). N.J.: Prentice Hall. • Hergenhahn, B.R. & Olson, M.H. (2005). An introduction to theories of learning (7th edition) N.J.: Prentice Hall. • http://www.aabt.org • http://www.americanacademyofbehavioralpsychology.org • Miltenberger, R.G. (2004). Behaviour modification (3rd edition). Wadsworth: Belmont CA. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | This study-unit is only offered to Diploma in Facilitating Inclusive Education students. | ||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Christabel Attard Sunaina Balani Ruth Falzon |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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