Psychology of Learning

Code:

P104

Acronym:

PA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Psychology

Instance: 2019/2020 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Psychology
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master Psychology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIPSI	191	Official Curricular Structure	1	-	6	54	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

(1) To obtain basic knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of behaviors and knowledge.

(2). To know the main types of learning and explaining theories.

(3) To know and understand the scientific literature in this area.

(4) To provide opportunities to contact with classic and recent research in the field of human learning.

Learning outcomes and competences

Same as goals.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Proficiency in English is advisable.

Program

Introduction to learning: Definitions and main theories (behaviorism vs. cognitivism).

Habituation:Mechanisms; explaining factors; importance to cognitive functioning.

Classic conditioning: Pavlov’s studies; essential learning processes; conditioning of emotional responses; second-order conditioning; Rescorla-Wagner model.

Operant conditioning: Thorndike and Skinner’s studies; reinforcement and punishing; learned helpless, superstition and shaping; comparison with classical conditioning; biological limitations.

Observational learning: Bandura’s studies; postulates and essential learning processes; modeling and vicarious learning; practical applications.

Insight learning: Kohler’s studies; characteristics and processes; von Restorf effect; Zeigarnik effect.

Constructivist theory of learning: Characteristics and learning principles; benefits; pedagogical goals.

Educational learning: Main psycholpogical principles to teaching and learning.

Mandatory literature

Bransford John D. 340; How people learn. ISBN: 0-309-07036-8
Anderson John R.; Learning and memory. ISBN: 0-471-24925-4

Complementary Bibliography

Winfred F. Hill; Learning: A survey of psycological interpretations, 2001
Mellanby Jane; Education and learning. ISBN: 978-1-118-48361-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Expository classes in large group supported by audiovisual methods.

keywords

Social sciences > Psychological sciences > Behavioural sciences
Social sciences > Psychological sciences > Psychology > Experimental psychology
Social sciences > Educational sciences > Learning studies
Social sciences > Psychological sciences > Cognitive science

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Teste	80,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	20,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	108,00
Frequência das aulas	54,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance is advisable, but not mandatory.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification of the course results from the sum of the three evaluation components, which are mandatory. Namely, two tests throughout the semester (40% + 40%) along with a group work executed and presented in the last class (20%). Students who do not obtain a classification equal to or above 9.5 in one of these components will have automatic access to a an appeal test.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Student-workers and beneficiaries of comparable statutes must carry out the tests on the same day of general students (a different time may be agreed upon by a justified request from the students).

Classification improvement

Classification improvement is only possible through a new registration in the course.