EDUC 260 Educational Psychology

Educational Psychology is an advanced course which surveys current psychological research and theory to address issues of teaching and learning. Instruction will focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development; learning processes; motivation; classroom assessment and management; standardized testing; inclusion of students with diverse learning abilities; and the use of technology to support student learning and achievement. The course will utilize readings, discussions, and small group projects, and is well suited for anyone interested in learning more about learning and teaching. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Human Learning requirement for an initial certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. A 15-hour field experience outside of class time is required. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-12 school where they are employed.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Determine how instructional practices effectively respond to each learner's characteristics, needs, and capabilities (age, mental ability, thinking style, ethnic background, socioeconomic status) through an understanding of the domains of development and the cultural and cognitive characteristics of the learner.
2. Evaluate the major approaches to and methods and materials of (theories of) the learning process and of teaching.
3. Utilize strategies to create learning environments that foster cultural understanding, safety, and emotional well-being.
4. Access, evaluate, process, and apply electronic information efficiently and effectively in order to use technology to communicate that electronic information in a variety of formats.
5. Reflect on topics related to the teaching-learning process.

Course Objectives

1. Determine how instructional practices effectively respond to each learner's characteristics, needs, and capabilities (age, mental ability, thinking style, ethnic background, socioeconomic status) through an understanding of the domains of development and the cultural and cognitive characteristics of the learner.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   3. Comprehend the nature of schooling, the meaning of learning, the stages of development, and the social and psychological elements of development.

2. Evaluate the major approaches to and methods and materials of (theories of) the learning process and of teaching.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   1. Acquire the foundational knowledge that prepares the teacher candidate for the art and practice of teaching.

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   2. Construct an understanding of those terms and concepts of teacher education classroom scenarios, applying them through problem solving and reflection.

3. Utilize strategies to create learning environments that foster cultural understanding, safety, and emotional well-being.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   1. Acquire the foundational knowledge that prepares the teacher candidate for the art and practice of teaching.

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   3. Comprehend the nature of schooling, the meaning of learning, the stages of development, and the social and psychological elements of development.

4. Access, evaluate, process, and apply electronic information efficiently and effectively in order to use technology to communicate that electronic information in a variety of formats.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   4. Demonstrate the ability to use classroom technology practices of technology-proficient educators in 21st century schools with attention to the legal, social, and ethical issues related to this technology use.

5. Reflect on topics related to the teaching-learning process.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   2. Construct an understanding of those terms and concepts of teacher education classroom scenarios, applying them through problem solving and reflection.