Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate current learning theories; an ability to apply the above information to their teaching practices; a thorough understanding of motivation, the individual learner and the learning environment; a thorough knowledge of the principles of modern classroom management and communication; a thorough knowledge of the principles and strategies of effective teaching. Students should have developed skills which will enable them to outline methods for encouraging positive behaviour and controlling negative behaviours in school situations; outline methods for optimising children's memory; help children become strategic learners; help children problem solve; develop strategies to increase children's motivation; develop skills and strategies for classroom management; develop appropriate skills for planning and teaching. Students should have developed attitudes which demonstrate a positive attitude towards understanding how children learn and how best to teach them; demonstrate an attitude of enquiry into how best to optimise child learning; demonstrate confidence in their ability to observe and explain how children learn and how best to teach.
Synopsis The subject aims to make students aware of how children learn and of the educational implications of recent research on child development, cognitive science, learning and teaching. Recent research findings and relevant theories are discussed. There is an emphasis on putting theory into practice. Issues to be covered include behavioural views of learning; cognitive views of learning; motivation and classroom management; planning and setting objectives; effective teaching; teaching exceptional students.
Assessment Examinations: 50% + Test: 50%