Course number & title:          PSY 203:  Theories of Learning

 

Course description:                A study of the psychology of the learning process as well as comprehensive and objective presentation of the various theories of learning as applied to human and animal behavior.  The course focuses on the learning factors that either facilitate or impede the learning process, principles of effective learning based on contemporary research findings.  (Course: 1 semester, 3 lecture hours a week.  Credit: 3 units.  Prerequisite: Psy 1)

 

Course objectives:                 At the end of the semester, the students will be able to:

1.      demonstrate a clear understanding of the fundamental concept of learning as well as its related phenomena such as transfer of learning, individual differences, memory and forgetting and their theoretical framework;

2.      describe the various theories of learning through a comprehensive objective presentation of the major and minor approaches such as connectionism, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, psychodynamic theory, gestalt theory, etc.;

3.      evaluate the applicability of the different theories in the analysis of their own learning process; and

4.      explain the significance of knowing various approaches in the understanding of the learning process, this being the core of behavior.

 

Value aims:

 

Functional body of knowledge	Information literacy	Life-long learning ability	Problem solving skills	Effective communication proficiency	Capability for independent and team work	Christian values, ethical and social responsibility	National concern, global perspective
1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0

 

Course outline (time allotment):

 

1.      Introduction to Learning                                                (9 HOURS)

1.1.    What is Learning?

1.1.1.      Types of Learning

1.1.2.      Learning Curve

1.1.3.      Fundamental Conditions of Learning

1.1.4.      Basic Principles of Learning

1.1.5.      Fundamental Equipment of the Learner

1.2.    What is Transfer of Learning

1.2.1.      Kinds of Transfer of Learning

1.2.2.      Theories on the Transfer of Learning

1.2.3.      Experimental Bases and General Conclusions

1.3.    Individual Differences

1.3.1.      Principle of Individual Differences

1.3.2.      Causation of Individual Differences

1.3.3.      Theories of Individual Differences

1.4.    Memory and Forgetting

1.4.1.      Information-Processing Model

1.4.2.      Theory of Fading

1.4.3.      Interference Theory

1.4.4.      Ziegarnik Effect

1.5.    Conventional and Contemporary Notions About Learning

2.      Functionalistic Theories                                                 (9 HOURS)

2.1.    Edward Lee Thorndike

2.2.    Burrhus Frederick Skinner

2.3.    Clark Leonard Hull

3.      Associationistic Theories                                               (6 HOURS)

3.1.      Ivan Petrovich Pavlov

3.2.      Edwin Ray Guthrie

3.3.      William Kaye Estes

4.      Cognitive Theories                                                        (9 HOURS)

4.1.      Gestalt Theory

4.2.      Jean Piaget

4.3.      Edward Chace Tolman

4.4.      Albert Bandura

5.      Psychodynamic Theory                                                 (3 HOURS)

5.1.      Sigmund Freud

6.      Field Theories                                                               (6 HOURS)

6.1.      Jerome Bruner

6.2.      Kurt Lewin

7.      Neurophysiological Theory                                           (3 HOURS)

7.1.      Donald Olding Hebb

8.      Evolutionary Theory                                                      (3 HOURS)

8.1.      Robert C. Bolles

 

Course requirements:            Departmental Examinations (Preliminary and Final)

Short Quizzes and Home Assignments

Group Presentation and Discussion

 

Grading system:                     Quizzes and Assignments  (40%)

                                                Group Presentation and Discussion  (20%)

                                                Departmental Examinations  (40%)

 

Reading list / References:    

 

*  Hergenhahn, B.R. & Olson, M.H. (2005). An introduction to theories of learning.

(7^th ed). NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Brookfield, S.D.  (1991).  Understanding and facilitating adult learning:  A comprehensive analysis of principles and effective practices.  IN:  Jossey-Bass Publishing.

Driscoll, M.P.  (1999).  Psychology of learning for instruction.  (2^nd ed.).  MA:  Allyn & Bacon.

Schunk, D.H.  (2003).  Learning Theories:  An Educational Perspective.  (4^th ed.).  NJ:  Prentice Hall, Inc.

Reyes, G.T.  (2004).  U.S.T. Psychology.  Retrieved November 4, 2004, from http://www.oocities.org/ustpsych.

 

Legend:   *  Text book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared by:   Glody T. Reyes, M.A.

                        Department of Psychology

                        UST College of Science

Date:   November 2004  (Revised)