Research on the psychology of instruction is evaluated critically. Theoretical issues and implications for education are addressed. Students examine the application of social psychology to educational problems and practice, including evaluating research on cultural factors in socialization and personality. Students examine interaction process and patterns of verbal and nonverbal communication in the classroom that are designed to increase awareness of teacher-student emotional environments as an influence on the learning process. The course focuses on the interaction of physical, cognitive, and social development from 5 to 18 years of age.
Students examine critically recently published research and evaluate current theory.
The relevance of the literature to educational practice is emphasized. Students examine fundamental dynamics of psychological development throughout the human life cycle. Various theoretical perspectives are presented as well as related research. Students engage in a midcareer assessment, examining themselves in relation to the current administration and supervision milieu. Opportunities to develop and refine administrative and supervisory skills in relationship to their interpretation of the changing environment are provided.