Course Resources Archive

This module examines the psychological complexities underpinning teaching and learning.  It seeks to involve students in a comprehensive exploration of this area by giving consideration to teaching and learning on multiple levels: the role of teacher and learner, the intricate mechanisms of the teaching and learning process itself and the wider conditions that influence the teaching and learning relationship.  A key theme of this module is the link between psychological theory and educational practice and students will be encouraged to reflect on this relationship in relation to their own and others’ learning experiences.

Whilst it is acknowledged that education is not confined to schools, this module will mainly be concerned with formal aspects of education.  It seeks to illuminate the complexities of learning, pedagogy and schooling and how these factors dynamically combine to shape students learning journeys and educational attainment. A range of educational theories will be covered within the module, including those which place emphasis on the individual (e.g. inner game theory, self-efficacy, metacognition); the teacher - student relationship (e.g. teaching and learning styles, Vygotskian psychology); and the wider context (e.g. the communities of practice framework and Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model).  These theories will be used as a vehicle for students to reflect on their own and others’ educational experiences.

i. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: 

• Critically discuss the relationship between psychological theories and educational practices.
• Provide insight into the personal, proximal, distal and environmental factors shaping learning journeys and educational performance.
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the socio-cultural approach to learning and the implications of adopting this approach when studying educational phenomena.
• Reflect on their role as a learner.

ii. Skills
On completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically discuss the web of personal, proximal, distal and environment factors influencing learning experiences and school attainment.
• Use the theoretical frameworks and concepts introduced in the module to reflect on their own learning journeys and educational performance.
• Develop and maintain an academic argument through exploration of psychological theory and its application to current educational practices.

Staff/student contact 16%
Student private study 84%
Methods include lectures, group discussion and individual tutorials

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.