PY 251 - Education Psychology

2. Contrast Piaget ‘s and Vygotsky ‘s theories of cognitive development and how they apply to the classroom.

3. Examine the roles of theory and scientific research in the field of education.

4. Describe a number of challenges and risks that students experience and provide techniques for teachers to be supportive to students.

5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Act and the implications for the classroom.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the changing demographics such as cultural differences, bilingualism, gender bias, etc in today ‘s classrooms.

7. Compare and contrast theories on learning and their application to the classroom.

8. Apply the principles of classroom management for a more organized and efficient classroom.

9. Recognize the consequences of reinforcement and punishment strategies.

10. Apply problem solving and critical thinking concepts to the classroom.

11. Distinguish between the differences and similarities among models of teaching.

12. Maker effective presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices when developing communication. 

13. Identify quality sources for data and information pertinent to a problem or issue being examined. 

14. Understand the laws, regulations, institutional policies, and etiquette related to the access and use information resources. 

15. Works well in teams and with others. 
Course Outline:
I. Introduction and Class Requirements

A. Characteristics of a good teacher

B. Video

C. Group work

II. Cognitive, Social, Emotional Development

A. Piaget ‘s and Vygotsky ‘s theory - Video

B. Language development

C. Work of Erikson-implication on social development

D. Self-concept and self-esteem

III. Individuals with Disabilities and Learner Differences

A. Intelligence-Garner ‘s Multiple Theory of Intelligence

B. IDEA-changes in the law, inclusion, mainstreaming

C. Categories of exceptional children

D. Video

IV. Cultural, Ethnic, Racial, Gender Differences

A. Views about multicultural education

B. Multicultural concepts in the classroom

C. School ‘s role in the development of gender differences

V. Behavioral, Cognitive, Social Views of Learning

A. Classical, Operant and Social Learning Theory

B. Information Processing Model of memory

C. Problem solving and critical thinking strategies

VI. Classroom Management, Motivation, Teaching and Learning

A. Behavioral approaches to teaching

B. Methods for encouraging appropriate behaviors

C. Coping with undesirable behavior

D. Student self-management

E. Models of teaching

Presentation: 10-20%

Faciltated instruction: 0-20%

Group Work: 5-10%

Media: 0-10%
Mandatory Course Components:
Service-learning component
Equivalent Courses:
None