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    Overview

    Develops understanding of models and principles of human learning applicable to a wide range of educational situations (from personal study and individual tutoring or counselling to whole-class teaching). Covers models of learning, motivation, individual and social differences, and assessment.

    Using the interactions between the person, the environment and behaviour as an overarching frame, this paper fosters understanding of models and principles of human learning applicable to a wide range of educational situations (e.g. personal study, tutoring,  whole-class teaching). We investigate Indigenous and Western concepts of learning, and consider variability and differences within learners.

    You will develop critical thinking skills and examine major theoretical approaches to how people learn. We ask you to apply theory to your own learning, the learning of others, and to a range of resources, including short films, blogs, and activities .The paper has two internal assessments which include a study diary, and a summative assignment of compulsory and selected case studies.

    Our aim is to support you to discover more about which approaches to learning work best for you to become a more effective learner.

    About this paper

    Paper title How People Learn
    Subject Education
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (On campus)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    (EDUC 101 or EDUC 102) or 108 points
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Notes
    With approval, students who have passed EDUC105 prior to 2017 may be admitted without the normal prerequisite.
    Eligibility
    It is assumed that the student will have some background in development and/or psychology, but this is not absolutely essential.
    Contact

    Dr Kim Brown, kim.brown@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Paper Co-ordinator: Dr Kim Brown (Dunedin)
    Other staff: Alice Hildebrand (Southland)

    Paper Structure

    The content of the paper engages with the following questions:

    • How do people learn? (the language and framework for thinking about learning)
    • Why do people learn? (motivation, retention and the application of knowledge)
    • Why do people differ in their learning patterns? (individual and cultural differences)
    • How should learning be evaluated? (assessment and evaluation of learning)
    Teaching Arrangements

    EDUC252 comprises a 50-minute lecture and a 1hr 50min tutorial each week.

    BTchg students, who are in the Initial Teacher Education programme, will be completing a two-week practicum experience in schools during this paper, lecturing and teaching continues for all other students.

    On the weeks of practicum, BTchg students will continue to have access to the Blackboard range of materials, which all students can reference to support their studies.

    Textbooks

    Readings available through eReserve.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:

    • Critically evaluate current research and literature on learning
    • Explain differences in learning arising from individual and cultural contexts
    • Articulate how knowledge about learning can be applied in a variety of contexts

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 13:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-15:50 9-13, 15-22
    A3 Wednesday 10:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    A4 Wednesday 15:00-16:50 9-13, 15-22
    A5 Thursday 15:00-16:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    A6 Friday 13:00-14:50 9-13, 15-22

    Semester 1

    Location
    Invercargill
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 13:00-13:50 9-13, 15-18, 22

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Friday 11:30-13:20 9-13, 15-16, 18, 22
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