Educational Psychology

Definitions and main concepts in educational psychology. Intelligence and cognitive development; nature versus nurture; individual differences; mechanisms of development; Theories of cognitive development: Piaget’s theory; objections to Piaget’s theory; metacognitive development; Psychometric theories; Motivation and emotions in education: motives as personality traits: achievement motives; applications of the theories of causal attribution into school; the self as source of motivation; self-perception and self-esteem; the role of school on students’ self-concept.

Objectives

• The course aims: 1. firstly, at presenting the basic theories about intelligence, cognitive development, and motivation in education, and 2. secondly, at analyzing the basic concepts and research methods of Educational Psychology. • Students are expected to: 1. be aware of the basic theories of intelligence and cognitive development, and 2. understand the significant role of pupils’ and teacher’s motivation in the learning process.

Prerequisites

Syllabus