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This module provides a general introduction to the processes of human learning, both as individuals as well as in groups and society. You will consider the historical context in which different ideas about learning emerged and how psychological approaches to human learning and cognition have shaped our ideas of learning and education today. The module is organised chronologically, introducing the main schools of thought in the psychology of learning, and also with respect to two key metaphors of learning (acquisition and participation) and the key figures in the theories of learning, including the developmental psychologists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. In addition to the critical exploration of key learning theory concepts through both group and individual work, the students will be invited to reflect on their own folk theories of learning, and make connections between these concepts and their experience as learners.Ìý

Teaching delivery:ÌýThis module is taught in 10 weekly lectures and 10 weekly seminars.Ìý

Indicative Topics:Ìýbased on module content in 2023/24, subject to possible changesÌýÌý

• Week 1: The Learner, Learning, Context & Culture.Ìý
• Week 2: Learning as a process for knowledge, understanding and skills acquisition and participation.Ìý
• Week 3: The learner, the teacher, the teaching machine (technology).Ìý
• Week 4: Learning as social and personal control of thought, belief and action.Ìý
• Week 5: Learning context and culture influences upon learning and teaching.Ìý
• Week 6: Appraising theoretical perspectives explaining how people learn.Ìý
• Week 7: Critically evaluating theorists’ empirical evidence.Ìý
• Week 8: Debating the relevance of learning theories in education today.ÌýÌý
• Week 9: A unified brain theory explaining learning.Ìý
• Week 10: Student Presentations.Ìý

Module Aims:Ìý

The How People Learn module will introduce you to key concepts, themes and debates in learning theories and approaches on how people learn and, discuss how these apply to teaching and learning. In line with the objectives of the BA programme, this module takes a wide definition of education as taking place in compulsory, higher, professional and vocational education as well in the community and everyday life. Furthermore, this module will support you in developing your argumentative skills by enabling you to examine, with a critical eye, the relevance of learning theories in education today.Ìý

Recommended readings:

1. Aubrey, K. & Riley, A. (2022). Understanding and using educational theories. Understanding and Using Educational Theories (3rd Ed). London, UK: SAGE.Ìý
2. Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning theories an educational perspective. Pearson Education, Inc.Ìý
3. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). How people learn II: Learners, contexts, and cultures. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.