Educational Psychology is an advanced course which surveys current psychological research and theory to address issues of teaching and learning. Instruction will focus on developmental theories, research methods, classroom management, and instructional techniques. The course will utilize readings, films, lectures, guest speakers, and small group projects, and is well suited for anyone interested in learning more about children, schools, learning, and/or teaching.

Overall Course Objectives | Major Course Topics | Course Format | Orientation |Course Requirements | Texts and Materials | Exams | Course Web Site

Credits 3

Prerequisites Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121 or ENGL-117.

Fees This course has fees totaling $55.00.

Instructor Vickie Williams

Phone 410-772-4832 (You may leave a message with the Division of Social Sciences receptionist)

Email vwilli5@umbc.edu

Overall Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the use of psychological principles, research, and learning theory in the field of education.
• Describe major physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional milestones that occur during infancy, preschool years, elementary school years, and adolescence.
• Identify individual differences in students which affect learning.
• Develop classroom instruction strategies based on learning theories.
• Develop classroom instruction strategies based on information processing theories.
• Identify personal, classroom, and societal factors which influence academic motivation.
• Compare and contrast theories of classroom management.
• Describe different categories of students with special needs.
• Discuss the use and limitations of standardized tests.
• Formulate classroom objectives.
• Evaluate plans for grading students' work.
• Formulate research strategies to address current concerns in the field.
• Summarize and present information to the class on an individually selected topic related to the field.

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Major Course Topics

• Research Methods
• Theories of Development
• Piaget
• Kohlberg
• Vygotsky
• Erikson
• Developmental Milestones
• Language
• Physical
• Socio-emotional
• Individual Differences
• Learning and Cognitive Information Processing Theories
• Classical Conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Information and Problem Solving Models
• Classroom Applications
• Motivation
• Theories
• Individual, Community, and Cultural Factors
• Classroom Applications
• Classroom Management Techniques
• Planning for Good Management
• Classroom Ecology
• Token Economy, Assertive Discipline, and Group Consequence Approaches
• Planning and Evaluating
• Planning Classroom Objectives
• Evaluation and Grading Procedures

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Course Format

This course:

• Is not self-paced.
• Does require on-campus meetings. (Note: Two in-person tests to be taken at the HCC Test Center.)
• Does not require real-time chats.

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Orientation

This course has a required face-to-face orientation. Check the list of scheduled orientations on the distance learning website for the date, time, and location.

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Course Requirements

• 15 hours of Field Experience in a Howard County School Classroom
• Completion of the BACOST Form to Request a Field Experience
• Asynchronous Reflective Discussions (to be posted on the Discussion Site)
• In Person Exams at the HCC Testing Center
• Field Experience Reflective Log
• Classroom Design Project
• Analysis of a Current Journal Article in Educational Psychology
• Written Reflection of a Current Video Related to the Classroom

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Texts and Materials

Required:

Woolfolk, A. (2001). Educational Psychology, 9th Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon

• Buy your textbooks from our online Bookstore, or visit our Bookstore. (Maps)

Technical Requirements and Plug-Ins:

Review the Technical Requirements link above. The following plug-ins are required for this course:

• Internet Explorer
• PowerPoint Viewer, if you don’t have the full version of Microsoft PowerPoint
• Word Viewer, if you don’t have the full version of Microsoft Word

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Exams

For purposes of verification and assessing learning outcomes, this course has two proctored final exams at the HCC Test Center for students in the local region or at a regional institution for remote students. The exam will have a flexible window of time during which it needs to be taken rather than a single date and time.

If you have any questions or comments about this course, please send a message to Vickie Williams, vwilli5@umbc.edu

Last updated on 27-Feb-06

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