SIMOPFRASER UNIVERSITY - Faculty of Eiation ?
EDUC 320 ?
Dl
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Instructional Psychology
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Course Outline -
FALL
2007
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Tracey Leacock
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Whole Class Meetings (D1.00)
tleacocksfu.ca
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Wednesdays 09:30-11:20
Office: EDB 7506
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WM 3210
PREREQUISITE
EDUC 220
DESCRIPTION
Research in instructional psychology examines aspects of both teaching and
learning. This course will address questions such as: How do students learn when an instructor
tries to guide the learning process? How do ways of thinking about teaching influence students'
learning and motivation? Students will gain knowledge and skills that contribute to planning,
delivering and evaluating teaching. This course extends classical experimental research about
cognition and motivation and brings it into the context of one of our most influential and
pervasive institutions, the classroom.
This course will draw heavily on the
content
covered in EDUC 220 (some students find it useful
to keep their 220 textbook as an additional resource for 320) and will focus on deeper
understanding of research-based theories and applications. Key objectives of this course
include developing skills in a) reading and comprehending educational research articles b)
interpreting the research for teacher-audiences and c) explaining how the design of instruction
can be effectively guided and justified by research.
EVALUATION
Grades will be based on several criteria. Details to be provided in class.
• Discussions (online & in-class)
• Paper(s) & peer feedback activities
• Quizzes
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Alexander, P.A. (2006).
Psychology in Learning and Instruction.
New
Jersey: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-974874-1.
RECOMMENDED REFERENCE BOOK
McMahan, E., Funk, R., Way, B. T. W. (2005).
Print
Preview: A Guide to Academic Writing Success,
Toronto: Pearson. ISBN 0-321-26963-2
(We will be using several chapters in this book as the basis for tutorial discussions about
your papers. Having this book is best, but if cost is an issue & you have another writing
guide or time to refer to the library copy, that should suffice.)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Students will be expected to find and read additional peer-reviewed research articles to
complete assignments.
• This course will require students to use WebCT and to participate regularly in graded online
course discussions. Students may also have the opportunity to use other technologies that
may be helpful in mastering course materials.
SFU POLICIES ON ACADEMIC HONESTY
Please note that all SFU policies on academic honesty apply in this course (especially
T10.02
Code of Academic Honesty and T1O.03 Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Procedures).
Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with these policies.
Students are also strongly
encouraged to review the information on plagiarism on the SFU Library website -
it's not as
straightforward as y ou mi g
ht think!
Note:
Tutorials will be 0 INE in the first week of classes.
Please log into WebCT prior to
the first Wednesday to ensure you have access to this course and that you know how to
navigate to the discussions.
