Course

Unit 1

Foundations of Educational and Pedagogical Psychology

Historical development and scope. Key theories: behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social learning theory. The learning process: motivation, cognition, memory, and metacognition. Role of the teacher and learner in educational settings. Beginner digital classroom observation tools (ClassDojo, Google Classroom) to monitor teaching-learning interactions.

Unit 2

Learning and Development Across the Lifespan

Child-raising practices and their influence on education. Learning and developmental changes from early childhood to adolescence. Role of informal settings: family, peers, and community. Educational transitions and their psychological implications. Use Google Forms or Microsoft Forms for surveys and parent/teacher feedback on developmental and educational milestones.

Unit 3

Social and Cultural Influences in Education

Socialisation and its effects on academic achievement and social behaviour. Influence of culture, SES, gender, and diversity in educational outcomes. Peer group interactions, classroom climate, and inclusion. Case studies from multicultural educational contexts. Learning analytics dashboards in Moodle or Canvas for tracking academic and behavioural outcomes.

Unit 4

Interventions in Educational Settings

Instructional strategies for diverse learners. Identification and support for learning disabilities. Empirically supported pedagogical and psychological interventions. Role of the psychologist in school-based intervention. Assistive technology for learners with disabilities (screen readers, speech-to-text tools, text-to-speech apps). Digital collaborative platforms (Padlet, Miro) for intervention planning and case study work.

Unit 5

Legal and Policy Frameworks in Education

Educational rights of children with disabilities. National and international policies on inclusive education. Legal responsibilities of educators and psychologists. Ethical considerations in educational interventions. Access online policy databases and UNESCO resources to explore legal and policy frameworks.

Text Books / References

 Textbooks

1. Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson.
2. Santrock, J. W. (2021). Educational psychology (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
3. Woolfolk, A. (2019). Educational psychology (14th ed.). Pearson.
4. Slavin, R. E. (2020). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (13th ed.). Pearson.
5. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Suggested Readings

1. UNESCO. (2020). Inclusion and education: All means all – Global education monitoring report 2020. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000373718
2. Ormrod, J. E. (2020). Human learning (8th ed.). Pearson.
3. Lefrancois, G. R. (2019). Psychology for teaching (14th ed.). Cengage Learning.

This course introduces students to the theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and applied aspects of educational and pedagogical psychology. It focuses on the psychological foundations of teaching and learning, the acquisition of social competence, and the processes of child-rearing and education across the lifespan. The course also explores how individual, social, and cultural differences influence educational outcomes, and examines both formal (e.g., schools, universities) and informal (e.g., family, peer groups) learning environments. Students will study pedagogical and psychological interventions, with particular emphasis on learners with disabilities, while considering relevant legal policies and ethical frameworks. This course bridges theory and practice, preparing students to apply their knowledge in diverse educational settings.

Course Objectives

• To introduce students to key concepts, theories, and empirical findings in educational and pedagogical psychology.
• To help students understand the role of individual differences, social, and cultural factors in learning and development.
• To familiarise students with instructional strategies and learning environments in both formal and informal educational settings.
• To provide insights into psychological and pedagogical interventions aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
• To develop awareness about legal frameworks, rights, and policies relevant to educational practice and special needs support.
• To incorporate beginner-level digital tools for classroom observation, assessment, learning analytics, and assistive technologies.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Demonstrate an understanding of major theories and empirical research related to learning, teaching, and education.
• CO2: Analyse the influence of family, peer, social, and cultural contexts on child development and educational outcomes.
• CO3: Apply pedagogical and psychological principles in evaluating learning environments and instructional strategies.
• CO4: Assess the needs of learners with developmental or learning disabilities and evaluate suitable interventions.
• CO5: Explain the legal, policy, and ethical aspects governing psychological and educational interventions in diverse settings.

CO-PO Mapping