Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-knowledge-human-development

Introduction

# Course Review: Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development on Coursera ## Overview If you are interested in understanding the intricacies of learning and human development and how these concepts intertwine with educational technology, the **Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development** course offered on Coursera is a compelling choice. This course, presented by the College of Education at the University of Illinois, aims to deliver a comprehensive understanding of educational psychology through a twofold approach: theoretical exploration and practical application. ## Course Structure The course is structured around core modules, which not only provide foundational knowledge but also present a variety of perspectives from leading figures in the field. Here’s a look at the syllabus: ### 1. Course Orientation + Foundations of Educational Psychology The course kicks off with an orientation that lays the groundwork for educational psychology. Led by experts Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope, this module offers a historical and conceptual overview of the field, categorizing it under significant frameworks—behaviorism, brain developmentalism, and social cognitivism. This section serves as an equal parts introductory lecture and a thought-provoking discussion that explores various educational theories while incorporating practical examples that highlight their real-world applications. ### 2. Brain Developmentalism and Social Cognitivism Delving deeper into the core theories, this module examines the most prominent theorists associated with brain developmentalism and social cognitivism. It encourages learners to explore how these psychological perspectives can inform educational practices and technologies. ### 3. Social and Emotional Conditions of Learning and Student Development In a focused examination of social and emotional factors in education, this module features insights from Dorothy Espelage, who addresses bullying and its impact on learning. Additionally, Denice Hood shares her expertise on student development, underscoring the importance of emotional well-being in educational success. ### 4. Productive Struggle in Learning and Quantitative Psychology The final modules shift to practical applications, showcasing the relevance of educational psychology in varied contexts. George Reese discusses the concept of "productive struggle" in learning, emphasizing how overcoming challenges can foster deeper understanding. Joe Robinson-Cimpian provides a quantitative perspective, analyzing how statistical methods can inform educational policies and practices, particularly in relation to student assessments and curricular placement. ## Recommendations ### Pros: - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The course does an exemplary job of covering both theoretical and practical aspects of educational psychology, making it suitable for educators, psychologists, and anyone interested in the field. - **Diversified Perspectives**: The inclusion of various experts provides a well-rounded view of the subject matter and encourages critical thinking about different approaches to learning and development. - **Real-World Applications**: Practical examples drawn from current research make the theoretical concepts more relatable and applicable to real-life educational settings. ### Cons: - **Time Commitment**: The depth of content may require a significant time investment, which could be a challenge for busy professionals or students. - **Complexity of Topics**: Some learners may find certain psychological theories complex or challenging, particularly if they lack prior knowledge in psychology. ## Conclusion In conclusion, the **Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development** course is a rich educational resource that offers valuable insights into the theory and practice of educational psychology. Whether you are an educator seeking to enhance your teaching methods, a psychology student eager to delve into the nuances of human development, or a professional in the field of educational technology, this course is well worth considering. Enrollment in this course will not only enrich your understanding of how learning occurs but also empower you to apply those principles effectively in educational contexts. I highly recommend taking the time to engage with this course—it’s an investment in both your professional growth and your ability to positively impact learners' lives.

Syllabus

COURSE ORIENTATION + Foundations of Educational Psychology

This course sets out to provide an introduction to educational psychology. It includes a variety of voices and perspectives from the College of Education at the University of Illinois. Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope offer a historical and conceptual overview of the field, classified broadly under the terms "behaviorism," "brain developmentalism," and "social cognitivism." This is followed by four quite different practical examples of educational psychology at work. Dorothy Espelage discusses her work on the social and emotional conditions of learning in her research into bullying at school. Denice Hood gives an example of the application of psychology to educational counseling. George Reese speaks about "productive struggle" in learning. And finally, Joe Robinson-Cimpian discusses the application of quantitative psychology to analyze test results for the purposes of school and curricular placement.

In this module, we explore the main theories and theorists in approaches to educational psychology that we call "brain developmentalism" and "social cognitivism."

This module and the following one present four leading educational psychologists from the University of Illinois demonstrating the range of applications of educational psychology. In this module, Dorothy Espelage explores the socio-emotional conditions of learning, with a particular focus on her research into bullying. Then, Denice Hood discusses student development.

Two more, quite varied applications of educational psychology: George Reese discusses productive struggle, and Joe Robinson-Cimpian the application of quantitative educational psychology at a systems level.