Teacher Education Program

EDU 272  Educational Psychology
Focus on the study and application of psychological principles, theories, and methodologies related to teaching and learning. Emphasis on developmental, learning, and motivational theories. Current trends and Arizona State Board of Education Professional Teaching Standards covered.

  • Evaluate current trends in theory and research in teaching and learning.

  • Identify current Arizona State Board of Education Professional Teaching Standards.

  • Critique theories of development.

  • Define learning.

  • Critique theories of learning.

  • Analyze the relationship between behavioral theories and cognitive theories.

  • Apply theories of learning and motivation to the learning process.

  • Critique theories of motivation.

  • Analyze the relationship between theories of motivation and teaching and learning.

  • Identify physical, nutritional, culture and environmental factors that influence learning.

  • Participate as a volunteer teacher aide.

  • Develop and implement a tutoring plan. 

  •  Summarize the practicum experience.

Topics covered
I. Current Trends
II. Arizona State Board of Education Standards
III. Developmental Theories
A. Piaget
1. Stages
2. Criticisms
3. Revisions
4. Educational Implications
B. Constructivist View
1. Principles
2. Criticisms
3. Educational Implications
C. Vygotsky’s View
1. Principles
2. Criticisms
3. Educational Implications
D. Erikson’s View
1. Stages
2. Criticism
3. Educational Implications
E. Moral Development
1. Piaget
2. Kohlberg
3. Hoffman
IV. Behavioral Theories of Learning
A. Defined
B. Pavlov/Classical Conditioning
C. Thorndike/Law of Effect
D. Skinner/Operant Conditioning
E. Bandura/Social Learning
F. Educational Implications
V. Cognitive Theories of Learning
A. Information Processing Model
B. Memory System
C. Memory Strategies
D. Educational Implications
VI. Motivation
A. Defined
B. Theories of Motivation
1. Behavioral Learning Theory
2. Human Need Theory
3. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
4. Personality Theory
5. Attribution Theory
6. Expectancy Theory
C. Educational Implications
VII. Influences on Learning
A. Physical
B. Nutritional
C. Cultural
D. Environmental
VIII. Practicum Experience
A. Classroom Observation
B. Tutoring
C. Reflection