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Valeri Farmer-Dougan, Ph.D.Associate Professor in the Departments ofPsychology and Biological Sciences Illinois State University |
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Psy 418, sec. 01: Theories of Learning Dr. Val Farmer-Dougan T/Th 11-12:15 DeGarmo 463
Test 1 study guide Test 2 Study Guide
INTRODUCTION OFFICE HOURS READINGS COURSE OBJECTIVES TERM PROJECT EXAMINATIONS ATTENDANCE POLICY GRADING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SPECIAL NEEDS CLASS SCHEDULE
Welcome to Theories of Learning. This course presents an historical overview and introduces basic concepts of learning and learning theory. This course is an introduction to what may be considered the most important classical theories regarding the nature of learning. As such, we will discuss some of the most influential psychological paradigms of the 20th Century. In part, the course will deal with the history of psychological thought. It is critical to study the past because this leads to an appreciation of not only historical trends, but a greater appreciation of the present and an anticipation of the future of psychological theory. The course emphasizes both intellectual and theoretical issues, but also emphasizes the importance of verification through empirical research. Although the course emphasizes theory, a secondary emphasis is to draw insight into how theories and empirical verification may drive practical applications. First of all, we assume that a relatively permanent behavioral change is the hallmark of learning. Thus, we assume that by studying independent and dependent variables under which learning occurs will allow us to better understand how humans develop, how therapeutic modification of behavior may alter maladaptive behavior, and how appropriate teaching applications may alter learning. Finally, we will also consider how learning creates other significant and socially important forms of behavioral change. Throughout the course, applications to various human settings are interwoven with the basic research to demonstrate how basic research lays the foundation for therapy and applied situations. In addition, a re-occurring theme of the course is an emphasis on neuroscience and biological boundaries which impinge upon learning across species. Keep this syllabus; it contains reading assignments, test dates, grade information, and other items that will be of use throughout the semester.
My office is in FELMLEY ANNEX 230A…..it is within my lab. I am NOT in DeGarmo, where the majority of psychology is housed! My office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10-10:50, or by appointment. I am usually in the lab when I am not teaching or at a meeting- at least until about 3…..come on in, as the TA’s are housed here, too! We (and the rats) do not bite! My office phone is: 309.438.4554 The lab phone is: 309.438-8333 My email address is: vfdouga@ilstu.edu Our text for this course is: Olson, M. H. & Hergenhahn, B. R. (2009). An introduction to theories of learning. (8th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. The book will be read in its entirety according to the schedule of assignments at the end of this syllabus. It is available at both the bookstores. Additional readings may be assigned over the course of the semester. These readings will be available in .pdf form on the website.
As a result of this class, students should be able to:
To give you an opportunity to expand your own learning and to engage in oral and written discourse, a term project is assigned. The term project will consist of a formal term paper, complete with references. The paper is to present a controversial issue of a particular learning theory, an extension of a learning theory, or an application of a theory. The paper must present the critical components via formal writing, but you may also include AV supplements such as a lecture, lesson plan, handouts, or an exercise involving student participation that could be used when instructing a class. The main text of the paper probably should not exceed ten (10) pages The main focus of the paper is to select some aspect of the course that was not covered at all or very thoroughly or that was covered in a confusing way and to present that aspect in an informative manner. The assignment is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have gone beyond the confines of the course and have engaged in critical thought and independent work. The paper must be turned in at the deadline, DECEMBER 1st, 2009. A HARD COPY of the paper must be handed in to me by the deadline. I will not take an email of the paper (it is probably superfluous to state this, but each day's lateness will result in a loss of one full letter grade).
There will be THREE examinations. Each exam will be equally weighted. Befitting the theoretical and controversial nature of the material, the exams will be composed entirely of essay questions to permit integrative and critical analysis of the course content. Each exam will emphasize the classroom and reading materials covered just prior to the last exam.
Because some of the reading material in this course can become a bit confusing, it would be a good idea to attend class on a regular basis. But some allowance must be made for special circumstances. You will be allotted up to three (3) unexcused absences without penalty. Each absence after the allotted 3 unexcused absences will cost you 10 participation points.
The three exams will be worth 100 points each. The term project will be worth 75 points. The final 25 points will be determined by day-to-day participation. Final grades will be derived from the following scale:
Any cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating or plagiarism will result in an F in the course and referral to the Student Code Enforcement Review Board (SCERB) for disciplinary action. Cheating INCLUDES (but is not limited to): plagiarism of both published and unpublished written work, having another individual take or assist you with an online exam, taking an exam for or assisting another individual with an online quiz, performing or completing a class assignment or quiz for another individual or having another individual perform or complete a class assignment or quiz for you. Cheating is thus defined as representing work that is NOT your own as your work or allowing your work to be represented as another’s' so that individual receives academic credit. Violators of this policy will receive a failing grade on that assignment or quiz, a possible failing grade for the course, and referral to the department chair and the SCERB for disciplinary action.
If you have a disability, if English is your second language, you travel with a sports team, have unusual work circumstances, or you need other special considerations, please see me as soon as possible (that's before the first test!) to work out any special arrangements that might be needed. If you fail a test, please see me as soon as possible. We cannot help you after you have failed two or more tests! Please Note: According to University Guidelines: Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TDD). They are there to ensure that you receive the help you need!!
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