Module FOUD0727: Psychology of Thinking and Learning

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0727: Psychology of Thinking and Learning

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with an introduction to the psychological processes of thinking and learning.
• To develop students' knowledge of theories of thinking and learning
• To familiarise students with methods used to assess thinking and learning
• To raise awareness of psychological conditions that can affect the thinking and learning process
• To introduce students to questions in the application of psychology in real life settings
• To provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their own learning experiences and self-development.

Content

• Theories of thinking and learning
• Theories of cognitive development and the methods used
• Theories of intelligence and issues related to intelligence testing
• Factors affecting thinking and learning

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• Describe and evaluate theories of cognitive development
• Explain and assess methods used to investigate cognitive development
• Describe and discuss theories of intelligence and issues surrounding intelligence testing
• Identify, explain and discuss factors that can affect thinking and learning
• Describe and discuss theories of thinking and learning

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• Use psychological concepts and vocabulary
• Discuss a range of psychological topics and the methods used
• Apply theoretical knowledge to real world situations

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• retrieve, organise, and utilise knowledge
• communicate effectively in writing
• demonstrate the ability to think critcally
• reflect on their own learning experiences
• Assignment 1 will assess: SK1, SK2, SS1, SS2, KS1, KS2, KS3
• Assignment 2 will assess: SK4, SS1, SS2, SS3, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4
• Test will assess: SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4, SK5, SS1, SS2, SS3, KS1, KS2, KS3

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theory, initial concepts and research techniques will be introduced during teaching sessions
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises, group work, discussions and formative tests during teaching and students' own time
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by a variety of assignments including an invigilated test, an essay and a reflective piece of work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Throughout the course exercises and library research will be undertaken. Comments will be fed back to individuals and the group.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University