Theories of Learning and Development

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study.

This module aims to support students’ understanding of key theories relating to learning and development. ‘Learning and development’ in this case, refers to a wide range of experiences and situations through which people acquire skills and knowledge and develop throughout their lifelong learning journey.

This module relates predominately, although not exclusively, to the course strand theories and discourses of education and learning (TDEL).

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. identify and express their understanding of key learning and development theories;
2. demonstrate awareness and understanding of academic debates pertaining to learning;
3. compare and evaluate different learning and development theories.

This will include:

Key learning and development theories and traditions, to include Behaviourism, Constructivism, Social Constructivism, Humanism and Social and Situated Learning.

Key learning and development theorists, to include B. F. Skinner, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Carl Rogers and Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger.

Analysis and evaluation of academic debates and discourses.

Peer / group learning:

Tutor-led and student-led seminars, lectures, critical study group work, presentations and formative peer feedback in preparation for the module assessment.

Independent learning:

To include: directed and non-directed reading, literature searches, reflection, and preparation for seminar activities.

Books:

Arthur, J. and Davies, I. (2010) Education Studies Textbook, Abingdon: Routledge

Beckett, C. and Taylor, H. (2010) Human Growth and Development, London: Sage Publications

Bergen, D.  (2008)  Human Development: Traditional and Contemporary theories, Boston: Pearson Education

Daniels, H. (1996) An Introduction to Vygotsky, London: Routledge (also available online through studentcentral)

Dimitriadis, G. (2006) Theory for Education, Abingdon: Routledge

Lave, J. and Wenger, E. (1991) Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Matheson, D. (ed). (2008) An Introduction to the Study of Education, Abingdon: Routledge

Piaget, J. (1977) The Essential Piaget (edited by Gruber and Voneche), London: Routledge and Kegan Paul

Rogers, C. (1990) The Carl Rogers Reader (edited by Kirchensbaum and Henderson), London: Constable

Salkind, N. (2004) An Introduction to Theories of Human Development, London: Sage Publications

Schaffer, H. (2009) Key Concepts in Developmental Psychology, London: Sage Publications

Skinner, B. F. (1974) About Behaviorism, London: Jonathan Cape

Journals:

British Journal of Educational Studies

British Journal of Educational Psychology

Cambridge Journal of Education

Education

Journal of Educational Psychology

(all journals are available through Online Library)

Electronic Sources: (Accessed July 2010)

Classics in the History of Psychology:  http://psychclassics.asu.edu/index.htm (accessed May 2010)

The Encyclopedia of Informal Education: http://www.infed.org/ (accessed May 2010)

Lev Vygotsky Archive: http://www.marxists.org/archive/vygotsky/

Etienne Wenger home page: http://www.ewenger.com/ (accessed May 2010)

online computer skills workshops available through: https://studentcentral.brighton.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp

Other:

Studentcentral

School home:

School of Education