Home Study Educational Psychology Course
"Learn the underlying principles of educational psychology."
Before we submerge ourselves in the theories of development and learning, it is perhaps a good idea to try and explain what educational psychology is. From a literal standpoint, we could argue that the study of learners, learning and teaching, is all subsumed under the heading ‘educational psychology’. For those who wish to adopt the principles of educational psychology in an educational setting, this definition can be expanded to include the knowledge, wisdom and everyday theory that every teacher requires in order to resolve the dilemmas that occur teaching on a daily basis.
Although there are no hard and fast rules to becoming a good teacher, good teaching practice can be learnt. Teachers need to engage in critical thinking if they are to keep abreast of teaching. That is they need to be systematically identifying problems, exploring the evidence, and finding the answer. In addition, those teachers who are constantly checking their teaching practices and attending seminars on the latest principles will make more effective teachers.
Discovery learning is just one area that is covered by the course.
Discovery Learning (Bruner, 1966) involves teaching methods that encourage students to discover principles themselves
Discovery learning arouses student curiosity and motivates them to search for answers, developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills on the way.
Discovery Learning might be considered a type of generative learning. Both concepts are constructivist in approach.
Discovery can be applied to the educational setting by using demonstrations and images.
Time should be given to allow the students to attempt to interpret information.
If different concepts are presented in different ways then this gives the student the opportunity to reconsider concepts already encountered in a different form, and often to see solutions that had previously not come to light.
They also improve their intellectual skills, aiding independent learning." (taken from Educational Psychology course)
COURSE STRUCTURE
There are seven lessons:.
Introduction –Development & Learning Theory
Behavioural Learning
Information Processing
Memory Retention & Loss
Individual Needs
Constructivist Learning
Motivation What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.
Aims
Discuss theories of development and learning.
Explain behavioural theories of learning
Describe how Information Processing Model Works
Describe processes involved in memory loss and retention
Describe different methods of effective instruction to cater for individual needs.
Explain the relevance of constructivist learning in education
Differentiate definitions of motivation and the application of motivation to learning
Duration 100 hours
EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU MAY DO IN THIS COURSE
Describe Piaget’s theory of stages of development
Observe the behaviour of children in the following age groups (0-2yrs, 2-7yrs, 7-11yrs, 11-18yrs) and note down differences in the way they interact with one another.
Interview two adults who have one or more children over the age of 5 years
Ask them what they think about using punishment in raising children.
Ask them if, when and where punishment might be used: how it should be used, and what results can be expected by using it in those situations.
Make notes of what they say.
Consider how much (if any) of their comment might be influenced by their own behavioural conditioning; and how much by reason.
Why would one person in a classroom forget something that others remember; and remember different things that others forget?
Other options -
If you think you would like to look in more detail at child psychology, why not have a look at our child psychology course? http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/CHILD-PSYCHOLOGY-BPS104-362.aspx
If you think you would like to study teenagers why not consider our course that focuses on Adolescents. Please click here - http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/ADOLESCENT-PSYCHOLOGY-BPS211-583.aspx
Developmental Psychology is another course that also considers how we develop during our life time. http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Psychology/DEVELOPMENTAL-PSYCHOLOGY-BPS210-510.aspx
Perhaps you think all of these courses look great, then why not consider a Certificate in Child Development? A useful qualification for anyone who wishes to work with children. http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/Health-Fitness-and-Recreation/CHILD-DEVELOPMENT-CERTIFICATE-VRE002-436.aspx
If you would like to see our range of psychology books, please visit - http://www.acsbookshop.com/books_productcategory.aspx?id=14
For more information on the range of careers available in psychology, have a look at - http://www.thecareersguide.com/articles.aspx?category=14
We have some interesting articles on psychology and counseling at - http://www.acs.edu.au/psychol/
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
Distance Learning Course Educational Psychology
"Learn the underlying principles of educational psychology."
Learn about the underlying psychological theories in education.
Understand how to support students with difficulties.
Understand different theories and methods to help students learn.
A must for anyone working with, or interested in working within the educational environment.
Study this fascinating course in your own home.
This course will give you a good insight into the theories and practice of Educational Psychology.Why do we remember some things and not others? How can a person's behaviour be influenced? (or can't it). This course will benefit:
· teachers, training officers, anyone working in education
· welfare workers, counsellors, recreation officers
· supervisors and managers
· parents and anyone else dealing with children
Student Comment: My tutor is very positive and encouraging. The entire staff of ACS has been incredibly helpful and kind. Yvonne (Canada)
