Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module FOUD0727: Psychology of Thinking and Learning

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0727: Psychology of Thinking and Learning

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Not available in 2021/22 Module Cap None. Location Durham

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 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
  • Reflection

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the programme students will have:
  • 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
  • 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods
  • 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the programme students will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts
  • 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant research methods
  • 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant vocabulary
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the programme students will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
  • 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
  • 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of number
  • 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence

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, and discussions during teaching and students' own time
  • Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by an invigilated test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Teaching 10 weekly 2 hours 20
Workshop 10 weekly 2 hours 20
Preparation and Reading 60
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Invigilated test Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Test 3 hours 100% yes
Component: Reflective Writing Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reflective Writing 1000 words 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

There will be a variety of formative tasks including written exercises and one-to-one discussions.


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