Topics in Educational Psych

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

In this course, students will engage with several foundational topics in educational psychology. The class will tackle such questions as: What are the most common theories of teaching and learning? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular theories of motivation and engagement? How do early, primary, secondary, and post-secondary educational contexts operate as key socio-developmental contexts in the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults? Students will also have the opportunity to discuss and debate hot topics in the field such as the implications of AI-usage for learning, the utility of online learning platforms, and the importance of high-stakes standardized testing. This course is ideal for students interested in broadening their theoretical understanding of teaching, learning development, and schools as sites for social development. It is also ideal for students who want to broaden their practical understanding of how we can apply research in the educational psychology field in real educational settings. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on and contextualize their own past learning experiences through the course material.