PY-263 Psychology of Learning
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PY-263, Psychology of Learning

Grand Rapids Community College

Winter, 2007

 

INSTRUCTOR: Frank L. Conner, Ph.D.

OFFICE: 418 Cook

PHONE: (616) 234-3612

EMAIL: fconner@grcc.edu

HOME PAGE: web.grcc.edu/fconner

OFFICE HOURS: M & W 8:30 – 9:30, 11:00 – 11:30, 2:45 – 3:15; T 12:15 – 1:15

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course provides a historical, theoretical, and applied perspective on the psychology of learning. Topics include Behaviorism (classical and operant conditioning), Social Learning Theory, and Cognitivism (information-processing, constructivism, and socio-constructivism)

 

STUDENT OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of the class, a student will be able to:

 

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Define learning

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Explain the role of research in the psychology of learning

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Outline the historical perspective on learning

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Define and apply basic terms from behaviorism, social learning, and cognitivism

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Describe how learning affects the way humans behave (and think)

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Compare and contrast the various perspectives on learning

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Design an environment that changes people through learning

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Provide examples of how different learning theories are best applied

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Explain and demonstrate affective behavior as part of a team/community

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Examine how learning has effected their understanding and behaviors in the world

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Identify the relationship between motivation and learning

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Outline how memory affects learning

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Explain the role of the social environment on individual learning

 

TEXT BOOK: Lefrancois, G.R. (2006). Theories of learning: What the old woman said. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth

 

BLACKBOARD: Blackboard is an internet based classroom available for all GRCC classes. In this class, it will be used primarily as a communication tool. All assignments and class announcements will be posted on Blackboard as well as copies of the syllabus and class schedule. Please check Blackboard if you have questions about an assignment, class dates, if you miss a class, or for any general informational issues. If the information you need is not there, as always, feel free to contact me.
ATTENDANCE: To meet the expectations of the class you must attend class. There is a very high relationship between attendance and success in all college classes. You will not be fulfilling your personal and social obligations to this class if you are not in attendance. There is no difference between an excused and unexcused absence.

 

* Students will not be dropped from the class. College policy allows a student to initiate a "W" at the registrars office up until 70% of the class has been completed. After that point, the student will receive his or her appropriate, earned grade.

* Students who miss a test may reschedule to take the test within one week. However, you must contact the instructor within 24 hours of the time the original test was given to schedule a makeup test. In addition, you will receive a grade no better than a B on the rescheduled test.

* No other graded material will be accepted after the end of class on the date the assignment is due.

 

If a class is cancelled for any reason, check Blackboard for information about future classes.

 

Use of telephones, pagers, audio players or other electronic devices that disrupt the learning process or teaching environment is prohibited in the classroom.

 

REQUIREMENTS: The following outlines the assessment procedures in this class.

 

Unit Exams (60%)

There will be four unit exams. They will use multiple assessments techniques.

 

Application Projects (30%)

There will be three application projects assigned at appropriate intervals throughout the semester. The purpose of this project is to allow you to reflect at a personal or applied level on some of the important issues in social psychology. Each of these will be equivalent to a 3 – 4 page paper.

 

Field Experience (10%)

You will commit to learning something new, unrelated to your academic program. You will develop a learning contract, keep a journal on your experience, and evaluate your learning in a summary paper at the end of the semester.

 

GRADING: Your grade will be determined by the total number of points received on each of the class requirements converted to a percentage. The percentage grading scale is as follows:

 

100-94...... A         89-87........ B+       79-77........ C+       69-67........ D+      59 and below E

  93-90...... A-        86-83........ B          76-73........ C          66-63........ D        

                              83-80........ B-        73-70........ C-        63-60........ D-

 

OTHER EXPECTATIONS: As an academic experience being offered by Grand Rapids Community College, this class is subject to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Student Handbook and College Catalogue. Students should be aware of these requirements pertaining to, but not limited to, import student issues such as academic honesty, plagiarism, student rights and responsibilities, and grading grievance procedures