Overview
This lecture introduces educational psychology, covering its key theories, factors affecting learning, and strategies to enhance educational outcomes.
Introduction to Educational Psychology
- Educational psychology studies how people learn and the psychological factors affecting teaching and learning.
- It focuses on cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of learning to improve instructional strategies.
Key Theories in Educational Psychology
- Behaviorism: Learning is influenced by environmental factors and reinforcement; positive reinforcement enhances learning, while punishment may deter it.
- Cognitive Development (Jean Piaget): Children progress through stages of intellectual development and construct knowledge through assimilation and accommodation.
- Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura): Learning occurs by observing and imitating others, which shapes learning outcomes.
- Constructivism: Learners actively build knowledge based on prior experiences, emphasizing hands-on and collaborative learning.
Factors Influencing Learning
- Motivation: Intrinsic motivation (internal drive) supports learning, while extrinsic motivation relies on external rewards or punishments.
- Cognitive and Emotional Factors: Memory, attention, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem all affect learning processes.
- Social Context: Peer interactions and teacher-student relationships impact learning; positive environments support better outcomes.
- Culture and Diversity: Cultural backgrounds and learning styles influence how students understand and retain information.
Strategies to Enhance Learning
- Differentiated Instruction: Adapting teaching methods to fit individual student needs and learning styles improves support for diverse learners.
- Formative Assessment: Ongoing assessments provide feedback for students and help teachers adjust instruction.
- Collaborative Learning: Group activities foster engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving by allowing students to learn from each other.
- Inclusive Education: Creating classrooms that support students of all abilities ensures equal opportunities and a positive environment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Educational Psychology — the study of psychological factors affecting learning and teaching.
- Behaviorism — theory that learning is shaped by reinforcement from the environment.
- Cognitive Development — stages of intellectual growth where learners actively construct knowledge.
- Social Learning Theory — learning through observation and imitation of others.
- Constructivism — theory that learners build knowledge from experiences.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key theories and their classroom applications.
- Reflect on how motivation and diversity influence learning in your own context.