PSY 398 - Psychology and Education

Psychological research offers critical insight into how people think, learn, perform, and develop in educational settings. In this course, we will study theories that help explain how learning occurs, e.g., core-knowledge theory, information-processing theory, sociocognitive theory, attribution theory, self-determination theory, as well as theories of intelligence. We will examine cognitive processes (e.g., executive function) and other mechanisms (e.g., motivation) that influence learning and performance. The role of the individual (student, teacher) and the learning context (family, peers, classroom structure) will be considered. Topics of focus include how to enhance memory of learned material, alleviate academic anxiety, combat stereotype threat, and develop deep conceptual knowledge. We will examine specific social (e.g., biases) and cognitive (e.g., naïve theories) barriers to academic achievement and interventions that reduce these barriers. Factors that predict academic success, such as grit, mindset, and self-efficacy, will be highlighted. Implications for instruction and assessment will be addressed.

Prerequisites
PSY 202 or Permission of Instructor

Credits 1