Students will be introduced to the major themes that characterize research in cognitive psychology. These themes are reviewed within the context of research on classrooom instruction in the fields of mathematics, science, social sciences, and language arts. In each case, we will analyze how findings from cognitive research have been transferred and implemented in actual classroom settings. We will conclude with a discussion of trends in education and psychology that have followed cognitive psychology. I. Class Participation, Essays, Presentation, and Examination All class members are expected to participate and to contribute to discussions.
All students have to read the assigned book chapters and papers before class.
During the course, students will be asked to write short essays which focus on the weekly readings and review major concepts. Students are expected to give in class one presentation on a selected research study and to evaluate a presentation by a class member. In addition, students will participate in on-going research study. In the final take-home exam, students will summarize and discuss the principles of learning and instruction covered in this course, and apply these principles to the understanding and solving of an important educational problem. Two books contain most of the required readings for this course.