Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology
Core units
EDPE5001 Learning, Knowing and Thinking
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Paul Ginns Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd seminar paper (50%) and 1x3000wd integrative review essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A core unit of study which examines ways in which current understanding of cognitive processes related to learning, knowing and thinking may contribute to the design of learning experiences in varied settings. Consideration will be given to constructivist and generative approaches to learning and to schema theory approaches to facilitating knowledge development and problem-solving skills. Emphasis will be placed on the teaching of learning strategies, the development of metacognitive skills and the integration of domain knowledge and strategic knowledge. Issues of transfer of learning, patterns of student interaction in learning, creativity and the facilitation of self-regulation in the learner will be examined.
EDPE5002 Human Development in Context
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Minkang Kim Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x seminar presentation (30%) and 2000wd review paper (30%) and 1x2500wd research project proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A core unit of study that critically examines theories from developmental sciences in the light of contemporary theory and research, drawing especially on insights provided by Dynamic Systems Theory and neurobiology of the brain development. The aim is to understand the complexity of cognitive, emotional, social, moral and languate development as children engage with the multiplicities of their experience of being in the world. Seminars also focus on how to design and conduct developmental research, and how to read research findings with critical minds.
EDPE5011 Motivation for Learning
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Paul Ginns Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd seminar paper (50%) and 1x3000wd integrative review (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The major focus of this core unit centres on recent psychological study of motivational processes in the learner and on ways in which learning environments may be seen to foster student motivation for learning and thereby facilitate the attainment of desired learning objectives. The unit will consider the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic sources of motivation, teacher expectations and learner motivation, self-concept and self-system processes in learning and issues of success and failure and anxiety in learning settings. Emphasis will be placed on goal setting and feedback in establishing a facilitative learning environment, student interaction in cooperative learning and the development of motivational components of self-regulation in the learner.
EDPE6013 Learning and Teaching Thinking Skills
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Annishka Oksa Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd seminar paper (30%) and 1xseminar presentation (20%) and 1x3000wd final paper (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This core unit of study centres on examination and evaluation of a number of approaches to the development of higher order cognitive skills. Consideration will be given to the structuring of knowledge to facilitate explanation, problem-solving and creativity and to the use of internalised self-regulatory control strategies in fostering cognitive outcomes. Ways in which thinking and cognition can be supported and extended in educational contexts will be examined in some detail. Particular attention will be given to factors that influence thinking, the role of tools and technologies in facilitating thinking, and perspectives on thinking and cognition generated by contemporary research in cognitive science.
Elective units
EDPE6011 Learning and Individual Differences
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Paul Ginns Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd seminar essay (40%) and 1x3000wd seminar essay (40%) and 1x45 minute seminar presentation (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examiners major areas of individual differences among learners and ways in which educational provision may be adapted to accommodate these differences in helping each student to achieve major learning outcomes. Consideration will be given to areas of cognitive and personality differences, learning styles, and gender differences. Particular attention will be given to implications of research which (a) explores aptitude-treatment interactions, (b) elucidates the mediating processes involved in adaptive provisions and (c) evaluates outcomes of major forms of provision for individual differences.
EDPE6016 Adult Learning and Development
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Paul Ginns Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd learning-contract based essay and reflection exercise (40%) and 1x3000wd seminar essay (40%) and 1x45 minute seminar presentation (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines selected issues relating to adult development and adult learning. Concepts of growth and decline are explored, particularly in relation to cognitive development, transitions in the workplace, within families, and in other social contexts. Considerations of adult learning focus on adult conceptions of learning, higher education, and the development of expertise. It considers contexts for adult learning, and concepts of self-directed and self-regulated learning.
EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Murray Print Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week x 13 weeks Assessment: observation and report (25%), interview and report (2 x 25%) and case study/focus group (25%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the major issues underlying qualitative research. It examines the relationship between research questions and appropriate study designs, as well as ethical considerations. Students will develop extensive skills in the use of interviewing, observation case study and focus group research techniques.
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 4x4 hr Saturday workshops, plus online lectures and activities Assessment: online exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on developing skills for critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. Research strategies, sampling and design issues and various methods of data collection and analysis are examined. Students explore both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.
EDPZ5010 Individual Profession Learning Portfolio
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: independent work; several meetings across the semester Assessment: 1x6000wd professional learning portfolio (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit provides you with the opportunity to develop a portfolio, where you can document and critically examine how you supported the learning of other participants in your formal or informal setting. Students are expected to implement an initiative to improve participants' learning in a formal or informal setting. Students are expected to have successfully completed other units of study before enrolling in this unit. University staff may undertake this unit by completing the development program for Research Higher Degree Supervision. No concurrent enrolment with EDPZ6010 unless special permission has been granted by the Faculty.
EDPZ6010 Prof Learning Leadership Portfolio
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: independent work; several meetings across the semester Assessment: 1x6000wd professional leadership portfolio (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is designed to enable educators, with the support of a mentor, to document and engage in critical reflection on professional workplace learning, differing from its companion unit EDPZ5010, due to the focus on leadership and your professional role in working with colleagues' professional development. This unit provides you with the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio where you can document and critically examine how you have led others to improve the work in your formal or informal setting. Students are expected to have successfully completed other units of study before enrolling in this unit. No concurrent enrolment with EDPZ5010 unless special permission has been granted by the Faculty.
EDPZ6011 Assessment Literacy for School Teachers
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Jim Tognolini Session: Semester 1 Classes: online delivery for 13 weeks Assessment: formative assessment and engagement (20%) and major project with 2 stages (total of 5500wds; 80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Online
In Australia, one of the standards within the domain of Professional Knowledge describes what teachers must know and be able to do to 'assess, provide feedback, and report on student learning' at the 4 career levels. This unit provides a basic introduction to what teachers need to know and do to meet the assessment requirements of the assessment standards for the Proficiency Career Level.
EDPZ6012 Data Literacy for School Teachers
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Jim Tognolini Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hrs x13wks. Assessment: formative assessment and engagement 1000wds (20%) and major project with 3 assignments 5500 wds (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Online
Note: All sessions will be delivered by Webinar
The pressures and incentives that are driving the need for data literacy for school teachers come from many directions: (a) the move to a standards referenced system, (b) the integration of international, national and statewide high stakes testing programs, and (c) the requirement in the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers that directly address data literacy. In this unit data literacy is broadly defined as the ability to understand and use data effectively to inform teaching and learning decisions.
Capstone units
EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings/discussions with supervisor Assessment: satisfactory progress during semester; students then must enrol in EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 the following semester Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methods unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development. This unit is part one of the Dissertation which runs over two semesters; therefore, students must also enroll in EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 in the following semester.
EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings/discussions with supervisor Prerequisites: EDPZ6724 Assessment: 1x12000wd dissertation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methods unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development. This unit is part two of the Dissertation which runs over two semester; therefore, students must have also enrolled in EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1 in the previous semester.
EDPZ6730 Special Project 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: several sessions with supervisor Prerequisites: 24 credit points of units Assessment: 1x6000wd project (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Students are only permitted to enrol in this unit in their final semester.
Special Project is a capstone unit, semester length independent investigation of a personally chosen topic in an educational context, the result of which is a 'product' of approximately 6,000 words such as a written report, review, account of the development of a resource, analysis of action research or critique of research. All 'products' should be demonstrably informed by relevant theory and research. The satisfactory completion of this unit provides an alternative to the regular face-to-face classroom unit of study for candidates enrolled in a graduate coursework award.
EDPZ6720 Dissertation
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings/discussions with supervisor Assessment: 1x12000wd dissertation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methodology unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development.