Psychology Topic 3: Foundations of Curriculum

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of the three memory stores?

Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory.

What is meant by meaningful learning?

Making connections between prior learning and new information.

What is metacognition? How does it influence learning?

Metacognition is thinking about thinking, which influences learning by helping learners regulate their thought processes.

What does it mean by 'students constructing their knowledge'?

It means that students actively create their own understanding based on experiences and prior knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean by learning is a social activity?

It refers to the idea that learning occurs through interaction and collaboration with others. Signup and view all the answers

Why are authentic and real-world situations important in learning?

They provide relevant context and engagement, making learning more applicable and meaningful. Signup and view all the answers

According to the humanistic view, what is the role of the teacher?

The teacher acts as a facilitator who supports and guides students in their learning. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six characteristics of good teachers according to Arthur Combs?

Empathy, respect, patience, flexibility, fairness, and encouragement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages involves a child being able to think logically about objects and events? (Select one)

Concrete operational stage Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Metacognition involves the ability to monitor and control one's own cognitive processes.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective emphasizes the importance of social experiences in learning? (Select one)

Constructivism Signup and view all the answers

Why do curriculum developers need to understand how humans learn?

To incorporate psychological principles when designing, developing, and implementing the curriculum. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are major theoretical perspectives explaining human learning? (Select all that apply)

Cognitivism Signup and view all the answers

What are the unusual abilities of Yeak Ping Lian?

He has extraordinary artistic talent, an excellent memory, and he reads well. Signup and view all the answers

How is Yeak Ping Lian presently educated?

He is home-tutored and attends supplementary lessons for special needs children. Signup and view all the answers

Are there special schools in your country to educate autistic children?

Yes, there are special schools designed to accommodate autistic children's needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main premise of the behaviourist perspective in learning?

Learning is influenced by hunger, reward, and punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tabula rasa' refer to in the context of human learning?

It refers to the idea that children's minds are like blank slates, being shaped by their experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory introduced by Ivan Pavlov includes the concept of classical conditioning?

Classical Conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What does B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning focus on?

It focuses on how behavior is modified through rewards and punishments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning involves involuntary responses to stimuli, whereas operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors influenced by consequences. Signup and view all the answers

According to cognitive theories, what is essential for effective learning?

The ability to understand and connect new information with prior knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What do the three stages of memory consist of?

Sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

Learning occurs independently of prior knowledge.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meaningful learning according to David Ausubel?

Learning occurs when current knowledge organization is changed based on new information. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three laws proposed by Edward Thorndike?

The law of effect, the law of exercise, and the law of readiness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Foundations of Curriculum

Understanding human learning is essential for curriculum developers to create effective educational programs.
Four major theoretical perspectives on human learning: behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, and humanism.
Curriculum effectiveness is influenced by psychological principles; individual differences must be taken into account.

Historical Perspectives on Learning

Scientific study of learning began in the late 19th century; philosophers like Aristotle and Confucius laid early foundations.
John Locke's "tabula rasa" suggests children's minds are blank slates shaped by experiences, challenging the view of children as empty vessels.

Psychology’s Role in Education

Psychology is derived from the Greek word "psyche," meaning soul; it studies behavior, mind, and thought processes.
Ralph Tyler emphasized that curriculum content should align with psychological principles to enhance learning.
Importance of diverse learning explanations; definitive understanding of learning remains elusive.

Behaviourism

Pioneered by Wilhelm Wundt, behaviourism shifts focus to observable actions rather than introspection.
Learning through conditioning: behaviours are shaped by environmental stimuli and responses.
Key figures include:
- Ivan Pavlov: Classical conditioning demonstrated with dogs; organisms learn through associations between stimuli.
- Edward Thorndike: Learning as habit formation through trial and error; introduced the law of effect, exercise, and readiness.
- B.F. Skinner: Operant conditioning emphasizes behavior modification through rewards and punishments; key to classroom management.
- Walter Bandura: Social learning theory highlights learning through observation and imitation of others.

Behaviourist Principles in the Classroom

Implement reward systems to encourage desired behaviors.
Provide immediate feedback for learning factual material; practice enhances mastery.
Decompose complex tasks into smaller skills for easier understanding.
Clearly state desired learning outcomes and establish contracts with students regarding tasks and rewards.

Cognitivism

Emerged in the 1950s as a response to the limitations of behaviourism, emphasizing the role of mental processes in learning.
Cognitivism investigates how learners interpret and process information through observable responses.
Encourages understanding how cognitive processes contribute to differences in student responses (e.g., variability in answering factual questions).

Summary

Diverse theoretical perspectives shape our understanding of learning and curriculum development.
Both observable behaviour and cognitive processes are crucial for designing effective educational experiences.### Cognitive Theories of Learning
Focus on mental processes, examining how information is received, assimilated, stored, and recalled.
Multiple theories exist; no single theory comprehensively explains cognitive processes.
Learning is a complex, dynamic process influenced by the intricate workings of the human mind.

Information Processing Approach

Memory is crucial for learning; without recall, learning is hindered.
The "Three Stages of Memory" by Atkinson and Shriffin (1968) includes sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
Sensory memory lasts around 3 seconds, taking in information from various sources but only focusing on significant stimuli.
STM has a limited capacity of approximately seven chunks (Miller's Law, 1956), requiring active engagement to sustain information retention through rehearsal.
LTM holds potentially unlimited information, accessible via organized recall methods that enhance retrieval efficiency.

Meaningful Learning

Meaning-making is inherent; learners seek to understand experiences through pattern formation.
Information is processed at varying depths; deeper processing leads to better retention (Craik & Lockhart, 1972).
Learning environments should prioritize meaningful engagement, allowing students to explore and make sense of information.

Levels of Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget's theory outlines developmental stages:
- Sensorimotor Stage: Reflexive responses; object permanence achieved (birth to age 2).
- Preoperational Stage: Language use; egocentric thinking; classification by a single feature (2-7 years).
- Concrete Operational Stage: Logical thinking about concrete events, classification by multiple features (7-11 years).
- Formal Operations Stage: Logical reasoning about abstract concepts, with few limitations on learning potential (11 years and onwards).
Piaget's ideas significantly influence curriculum design to align with cognitive developmental capacities.

Metacognition

Refers to “thinking about thinking,” allowing learners to control their thought processes.
Involves three elements:
- Knowledge: Understanding how to structure thoughts.
- Awareness: Recognizing task purpose, one's knowledge, and effective strategies.
- Action: Employing self-regulatory mechanisms for task completion.
Experts utilize prior learning to organize new information, enhancing their understanding through self-monitoring and feedback.

Cognitivism in the Classroom

Cognitivist principles include techniques that capture student attention and connect learning to existing knowledge.
Teachers should organize information logically, categorize material, use strategies like mental imagery, and promote repeated exposure to facilitate retention.

Constructivism

Emphasizes that learners actively construct knowledge from experiences rather than passively receiving information.
Originates from works of Bruner, Piaget, and Vygotsky, highlighting the importance of pre-existing knowledge in the learning process.
Learning occurs through three mechanisms: assimilation (fitting new experiences into existing frameworks), accommodation (revising frameworks), and equilibrium (seeking cognitive stability).
Knowledge construction is a dynamic, personalized process, relying significantly on prior knowledge to frame new information.### Classroom Learning Dynamics
Students must be active explorers rather than passive recipients of information.
Authentic projects foster collaboration between students and teachers.
Authentic settings enable learners to view problems from multiple perspectives and negotiate solutions.
Promoting responsibility for learning cultivates community-aware learning environments.

Constructivism highlights the social nature of learning.
Young people's learning is influenced by their environments, including subtle cultural cues.
Social experiences often drive variations in student learning, more than the curriculum itself.
Peer interactions introduce adolescents to diverse ideas and viewpoints.

Cooperative Learning Benefits

Social engagement enhances learning, facilitating peer discussions and shared responsibility.
Cooperative and collaborative methods allow for in-depth examination of ideas and misconceptions.
Effective learning environments demand more complex teaching strategies than traditional lecturing.

Cultural Influence on Learning

Culture informs both content and cognitive approaches to learning.
Students develop through problem-solving and shared experiences with teachers and peers.
The zone of proximal development describes the difference between what students can achieve independently and with guidance.

Constructivist Principles in Education

Student autonomy and initiative are crucial; teachers encourage independent thinking.
Higher-level thinking is encouraged, challenging students to justify their ideas.
Teachers' questioning techniques significantly affect student engagement and responses.
Learning experiences should involve real-world tasks and integrate raw data and manipulatives.

Humanistic Approach to Learning

Humanism emphasizes the emotional, attitudinal, and motivational aspects of learners.
Past experiences, like grades and failures, heavily impact a student’s ability to learn.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs identifies the necessity of addressing lower-level needs for optimal functioning at higher levels.

Key Theorists in Humanistic Psychology

Maslow advocates for a supportive environment that satisfies physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs.
Carl Rogers promotes a learner-centered classroom, where teachers facilitate, allowing students to explore ideas and emotions.
Arthur Combs emphasizes the importance of self-perception and positive self-concept in learners, encouraging teachers to be supportive and collaborative.

Humanism in the Classroom

Establish a warm and positive learning atmosphere that values self-concept.
Foster a collaborative environment where teachers share ideas and concerns.
Provide choices and responsibilities to students, matching their maturity levels.
Learning should arise from real-life experiences, emphasizing discovery and exploration.

Psychological Perspectives on Learning

Learning encompasses various psychological dimensions, including behaviorism (stimulus-response), cognitivism (mental processes), and constructivism (knowledge construction).
Humanism emphasizes the emotions and feelings of learners and positions teachers as facilitators rather than authoritative figures.
Effective teaching integrates principles from behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism to enhance learning experiences.

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Description

Learn about the importance of understanding human learning in curriculum development and explore the four major theoretical perspectives on human learning, including behaviourist, cognitivist, constructivist, and humanist principles.