Type of course

Admission requirements

Local admission, application code 9199 - - singular course

Prerequisites: It is recommended, but not required, that students have completed PSY-1001 Innføring i generell psykologi, and PSY-2554 Cognitive psychology and Dissemination of Science prior to taking this course.

Course content

Learning takes place in all kinds of contexts in lots of different ways: at school, at work, at home, during leisure activities, alone and with others. Given the complexity of where and how learning occurs, how do we decide which are the "best" ways to learn or teach others? The question has been posed from numerous points of view, and, as a result, the answers are many and varied. Accordingly, no one theory of learning has ever been sufficient. This course therefore presents multiple approaches to the concept of learning (and learner-based teaching). Instruction will focus on what we know so far and how we know it, presenting the findings in terms of their value and implications for applied use.

In order to nuance student understanding of the concept of learning (and learner-based teaching), students will be involved in both the learning and teaching of the course material. The goal is to use the opportunity to mindfully apply the course content to actual instructional practice.

Additionally, students will choose two different areas of personal interest related to the course material and use them as the basis for writing two research-based essays. Students will receive focused feedback on the first essay and may use that as a guide for how to develop an even stronger essay for the final course exam.

Recommended prerequisites

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

• Understand the basic principles, concepts and mechanisms of multiple theories of learning.
• Define the basic features of a high quality essay in psychology (introduction, argument, conclusion)
• Know the difference between primary and secondary sources and how to use them appropriately

Skills

• Work with course material independently and in groups
• Convey central theoretical perspectives on learning through discussion, writing and class presentations.
• Write an essay in APA style about their area of interest that demonstrates an ability to:
  • Formulate a clear overview of a problem area with a guiding question.
  • Find, read, summarize, evaluate and/or apply research from primary and secondary sources (with an emphasis on primary resources).
  • Structure an essay with a coherent introduction, clearly expressed, thorough and compelling argumentation and a logical conclusion.
  • Think independently on the topic as conveyed through how they frame the guiding question, structure the essay and draw conclusions.
  • Scale an essay`s contents to the number of pages allotted for the task.
• Show mastery of the APA writing style with particular emphasis on:
  • Proper referencing of sources in the text and on the reference list,
  • Correct and mindful use of the title and headings to effectively guide the reader through the essay
  • Proper formatting of pages and paragraphs

Competence

• Understand the value and potential uses of learning theories in research and everyday life
• Communicate sophisticated reflections on what you know about learning in clear and compelling ways

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English. Therefore, the class presentation must also be done in English.

The 5-page essay and final exam can be written in a Scandinavian language or English.

Teaching methods

Final exam

Information to incoming exchange students

Recommended reading/syllabus