GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course will introduce students to important ideas, basic theories, classic and current research studies in key areas in the field of educational psychology, such as learning, memory, motivation and human development. It also will help students to connect these theories and research findings to their daily lives now as students and in their futures as life-long learners.

This course aims at developing students’ 1) basic knowledge of educational psychological concepts, theories and important research findings, 2) understanding of their own learning histories, including how they know what they know, and 3) psychological literacy skills to apply the knowledge learnt in their own current and future lives. Students will become better able to develop their own learning skills, and to help others learn in a wide variety of situational roles, such as teachers, trainers, group leaders, or parents.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course will focus on human learning, and will include important areas related to learning, such as intelligence, memory, motivation, and self-concept. Methods of instruction include lectures, audio-visual materials, such as videos, TED Talks, student presentations, small group activities, reflection and discussions.
I respond to students' questions, comments, concerns, ideas they write on the Reflection Papers weekly / regularly.
I see quizzes and mid-term exams as learning opportunities for students, so ask students for input and for their reactions afterwards.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction to Educational Psychology and to the Course

Introduction to Educational Psychology and to the Course

2[対面/face to face]：Learning

Theories and definitions of learning; classical, operant and instrumental conditioning; social learning theory;
principles of good teaching and learning

3[対面/face to face]：Human Development

The nature vs nurture argument;
Development throughout the lifespan;
Theories of human development – Piaget; Vygotsky; Erikson

4[対面/face to face]：Intelligence

IQ; multiple intelligences; testing;
EQ;
practical / social intelligence;
Dweck’s ‘Mindset’

5[対面/face to face]：Language Development and Language Learning

Learning our first language – stages and processes; foreign or second language learning theories; bilingualism.

6[対面/face to face]：Memory

Memory and learning; short-term memory, long-term memory and working memory; memory strategies;

7[対面/face to face]：Retrieval Practice

Week 1 – week 6
Student presentations

8[対面/face to face]：Review & Mid-semester Exam

Multiple choice questions and short essays on content from weeks 1 – 7

9[対面/face to face]：Motivation

Goal theory; theoretical models of motivation;
intrinsic / extrinsic; self-determination theory (SDT); personal investment;

10[対面/face to face]：Motivation in Foreign Language Learning

Socio-educational model;
current theories and constructs – L2 motivational self system; willingness to communicate; motivational strategies.
EFL motivation in Japan.

11[対面/face to face]：Positive Education

Positive psychology applied to education – education for well-being, happiness; praise;
personal strengths; individual goals;
positive schooling.

12[対面/face to face]：Creativity

What is creativity and why is it important?
4 C model of creativity;
developing and maintaining creativity;

13[対面/face to face]：Self-Concept

The importance of self-concept for effective learning; the self;

14[対面/face to face]：Final Exam & Wrap-up

Multiple choice questions and short essays

To prepare for each class, students should do the required reading / homework, or watch the recommended websites or video talks. After each class, students should review their notes, rewriting and expanding on them, in order to remember and understand more deeply the important concepts. This may be best done in study groups. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

The textbook is a Noba Project book, Introduction to Educational Psychology, compiled by the teacher, and available for free download from:
http://nobaproject.com/textbooks/new-textbook-1b406e3d-5fa2-42be-bba3-d08dbb74741d

Handouts and reading materials on related topics.
Related talks on TED Talks available from: https://www.ted.com/
Annenberg Learner videos available from: https://www.learner.org/resources/series138.html

Student Evaluation:
Student Participation and Contribution: 25%
Student Presentations of content for review: 25%
Mid-semester Exam: 25%
Final Exam: 25%

No changes to the syllabus were made based as weekly comments by the students were very positive about the topics and style of teaching. Some changes based on my own reflections and student comments will be made to some detailed in-class information, quizzes and content.

This course will be useful for students who are planning to become teachers, those who are interested in learning about learning, and those who are interested in thinking scientifically about formal and non-formal learning.

None.