Educational Psychology

Compulsory course. The course examines the major learning approaches and contemporary research findings on school learning, instruction and the promotion of student learning outcomes and academic achievement.

Objectives

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes: (a) deep understanding of the ways children and adolescents can learn in order to achieve high-level learning outcomes and to be well-adjusted at school and the broader school community, (b) awareness of those educational practices which would promote the learning process and potentially contribute in student best learning outcomes, (c) competence to provide counseling services to teachers and parents in issues related to learning and instruction. General Competences • Apply knowledge in practice • Retrieve, analyse and synthesise data and information, with the use of necessary technologies • Adapt to new situations • Make decisions • Work in teams • Work in an international context • Work in an interdisciplinary team • Generate new research ideas • Appreciate diversity and multiculturality • Demonstrate social, professional and ethical commitment and sensitivity to gender issues • Be critical and self-critical Advance free, creative and causative thinking

Prerequisites

Good command of English.

Syllabus

Behavioral, social cognitive, cognitive approaches of learning. -Self-regulated learning. -Motivating students to learn (implicit theories of intelligence, achievement goal orientations, self-efficacy beliefs, self-concept and self-esteem, possible selves, causal attributions, interest, academic emotions). -Psychological classroom environment. -Avoidance behaviors. -Self-concept, self-esteem. -Parenting, school learning and children’s academic outcomes. The course is organized in two parts: (a) theory and (b) applications in educational practice. Students are actively involved in the second part by preparing and presenting selected topics of the course.