Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

The module will be available to C800/C801 Psychology students and CC18, CG81 and BC48 Joint Honours with Psychology students only, with any other student wishing to register for the module needing the approval of the module leader. This is because the module will build upon the knowledge acquired in several areas of the undergraduate curriculum, for example cognitive psychology as covered in PSY1004 and personality as covered in PSY2004.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to provide an advanced knowledge of psychological constructs that may be important in educational settings; focusing on both cognitive constructs (e.g. working memory and executive functions) and non-cognitive constructs (e.g. motivation and personality). Each of these constructs will be considered in terms of its implications for educational practice. The module will therefore aim to answer questions such as “how can teachers reduce the cognitive demands of classroom activities?” and “how can teachers nurture motivation in a way that improves students’ learning?”

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will cover a broad range of topics throughout the module. Theories and research studies concerned with cognitive skills will be presented, for example, referring to working memory, attention, executive functions and intelligence. A range of other individual difference variables will also be described, such as personality, motivation, and resilience. A key focus will be the implications of research findings for practice within teaching and learning. Students will also have the opportunity to research a topic of their own choice in relation to educational interventions, and then prepare a presentation on this topic.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module a student should be able to:
•       Describe a range of cognitive abilities that are relevant to teaching and learning, and the main theoretical conceptualisations of these abilities
•       Discuss individual differences in other constructs applicable to education (such as motivation and personality) and their central theories
•       Demonstrate, in writing, an understanding of how the constructs studied can inform practice within teaching and learning
•       Critically evaluate the contribution of the constructs studied to practice within teaching and learning

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module a student should have the ability to:
•       Plan and prepare materials for a presentation on a given psychological topic
•       Deliver a presentation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

One topic will be covered each week, using a range of teaching methods. Scheduled activities will include lectures and seminars. Structured guided learning will involve reading journal articles on each of the main topics and completing some associated tasks (on which feedback will be provided). Independent study will then be required for revising and supplementing lecture materials, and for assessment preparation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The coursework essay is an appropriate way to assess student’s knowledge of the relevant cognitive abilities and individual difference variables covered in the module, and also their ability to demonstrate an understanding of how these constructs can inform practice within teaching and learning. Critical evaluation of theories and relevant research studies will also be required in the essays.

The oral presentation is an appropriate method for assessing the intended skill outcomes; the ability to plan and prepare materials for an oral presentation and, deliver a presentation.


FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

If the module is failed, Stage 3 students may only be offered a resit if an honours degree is not awarded on the first occasion. Failed assessments will be the same format during the August resit period.

General Notes

N/A