Educational Psychology

The aim of this course is to consider learning and education from many perspectives. Though grounded in theory and research, practical applications for learning and teaching that are based upon current psychological knowledge are explored while hands-on experience is provided. The Learning Sciences or Educational Psychology in its current form is a relatively new multidisciplinary academic field, which investigates learning in a variety of settings (including schools, museums and homes) to better understand how to facilitate learning in meaningful ways. This course is centered on the key readings and practical applications, whereby students will be actively engaged in class.

Some of the questions we will explore include:
What is knowledge and who decides what knowledge is valuable? How might research on the brain inform our understanding of learning? What is the role and potential benefit of collaboration in learning? Can educational research have an impact on policy? How might educational interventions empower people and solve problems, whether within a school or community?