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Dr. Bev Knox

(Certificate of Completion)

Educational Psychology involves the study of cognitive, emotional, and social leaning processes that contribute to education and human development across the lifespan.

Course Objectives: The primary goal of this course is to establish a foundation of knowledge for the understanding and acceptance of educational psychology in its many forms.

Read more

(Certificate of Completion)

Educational Psychology involves the study of cognitive, emotional, and social leaning processes that contribute to education and human development across the lifespan.

Course Objectives: The primary goal of this course is to establish a foundation of knowledge for the understanding and acceptance of educational psychology in its many forms.

This is a full college level type course with lectures and exams. It is a great way to explore the world of Educational Psychology, Special Education, Learning Types, IQ Scores, Teaching Techniques, and more. Both parents and professional educators are encouraged to take this course as part of their continuing education journey.

The key processes of development are biological, cognitive, and socioemotional. Biological processes (such as genes inherited from parents) involve changes in an individual’s body. Cognitive processes (such as thinking) consist of changes in an individual’s thought, intelligence, and language. Socioemotional process (such as the advent of smiling) include changes in an individual’s relationships with others, in emotions, and in personality.

Parenting is an important influence on children’s development. Education can also contribute to children’s health and well-being. There is wide-spread concern that the education of children needs to be more effective, and there are many views in contemporary education about ways to improve schools.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • This course focuses on teaching educational psychology principles to primarily enhance learning
  • Compare and contrast the major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral/learning, physiological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, and psychodynamic.
  • Recognize what expert teachers do and know, and how to become an expect teacher
  • Identify the individual differences regarding intelligence, learning styles, and creativity

Syllabus

Introduction

Educational Psychology & Special Education (Certification of Completion)

Educational Psychology involves the study of cognitive, emotional, and social leaning processes that contribute to education and human development across the lifespan. This course is focused on teaching educational psychology principles to primarily enhance learning in the classroom. The following educational psychology focus areas are discussed: what expert teachers do and know, cognitive development concepts, personal, social, and moral development ideas, individual differences regarding intelligence, learning styles, and creativity, exceptional children, special education, group differences regarding socioeconomic status, and classroom management.

Course Objectives: The primary goal of this course is to establish a foundation of knowledge for the understanding and acceptance of educational psychology in its many forms.

Read more
Gain a better understanding of influences on human behavior that may contribute to educational outcomes.
Psychology's Perspectives
Influences on Human Behavior (Nature, Nurture & Epigenetics)
Research Methods in Psychology
Freud's Iceberg Theory
Gain a better understanding of educational psychology, and what it takes to be a good teacher.
Educational Psychology - What Makes a Good Teacher
Social Influence / Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment
Mental Health Disorders in Childhood - Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Childhood & Adolescent Disorders Teachers May Encounter in the Classroom
ADHD - Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - DSM-5-TR
Quiz #1
Gain a better understanding of children with special educational needs.
Who are Exceptional Children?
Special Education & Response to Intervention
Parenting Styles & Child Outcomes
Quiz #2
Gain a better understanding of the range of diversity in students regarding achievement.
Cognitive Development in Infants and Toddlers
Student Diversity & Social Class on Achievement
Intelligence Types & IQ Scores
Intellectual Development Disorders
Quiz #3
Gain a better understanding of human learning theories.
Cogintive Development in Adolescence
How Do We Learn
Ivan Pavlov & Classical Conditioning
B.F. Skinner & Operant Conditioning / Behavior Modification
Memory - Encoding, Storing & Retrieval
Quiz #4
Gain a better understanding of cognitive and social development in childhood.
Intro to Child Psychology
Physical Development in Infants and Toddlers
Thinking & Language Development
Belief Bias
Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Social, Moral & Emotional Development
Psychosocial Development in Infants and Toddlers
Pro-Social and Altruistic Behaviors
Quiz #5
Gain a better understanding of planning and teaching effectively.
Building Self-Esteem in Children - For Parents & Teachers
Effective Lessons Explained
Student Grouping & Technology in the Classroom
Gain a better understanding of influences on human behavior.
Clinical Psychology & the Mental Health Profession
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Divorce & Child Custody Assessments
Bullying
Personality Disorders Involving Human Behavior
Eating Disorders that Teachers May Encounter in the Classroom
Goal Setting, Motivation & Achievement
Students will test their knowledge of lessons learned from this course.
Final Course Exam
End of Course Thank You!
Short Answer Response & Certificate

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Educational Psychology & Special Education (Certificate) with these activities:
Review Key Psychology Concepts
Reinforce foundational knowledge of key psychological concepts to better understand the course material.
Browse courses on Cognitive Development
Show steps
  • Identify core concepts from introductory psychology courses.
  • Review definitions and examples of each concept.
  • Create flashcards or summaries for quick reference.
Read 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'
Explore the concept of mindset and its impact on learning and achievement.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Mindset' by Carol Dweck.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how mindset applies to teaching and learning.
Develop a Lesson Plan Incorporating Different Learning Styles
Apply knowledge of learning styles to create a practical lesson plan that caters to diverse learners.
Show steps
  • Research different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
  • Choose a specific topic and grade level.
  • Design activities that address each learning style.
  • Write a detailed lesson plan with clear objectives and assessments.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Case Studies of Exceptional Children
Deepen understanding of special education by analyzing real-world case studies with peers.
Show steps
  • Find case studies of children with different exceptionalities.
  • Meet with peers to discuss the challenges and interventions.
  • Share insights and learn from each other's perspectives.
Read 'The Whole-Brain Child'
Gain insights into child development and strategies for nurturing a child's developing mind.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Whole-Brain Child'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the 12 strategies.
  • Reflect on how these strategies can be applied in educational settings.
Design an Inclusive Classroom Environment
Apply knowledge of special education and individual differences to create a classroom design that supports all learners.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for inclusive classroom design.
  • Consider physical space, materials, and technology.
  • Develop a detailed plan with specific adaptations for diverse needs.
  • Present the plan to peers or instructors for feedback.
Tutor a Student in a Challenging Subject
Reinforce your understanding of educational psychology by helping another student overcome learning challenges.
Show steps
  • Identify a student who needs help in a specific subject.
  • Offer tutoring sessions, focusing on effective teaching strategies.
  • Provide encouragement and support to build their confidence.

Career center

Learners who complete Educational Psychology & Special Education (Certificate) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher works with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. This certificate program in Educational Psychology and Special Education may assist aspiring special education instructors in understanding diverse learning needs. The course explores exceptional children and special education strategies, providing a foundation for tailoring instruction to individual student requirements. Knowing about student diversity and socioeconomic influences, as covered in the course, also helps teachers address achievement gaps effectively. This informs strategies for inclusive and supportive classrooms, critical for special education settings.
School Psychologist
School Psychologists apply principles of psychology and education to support students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate directly aligns with the core competencies of a school psychologist. The course's coverage of cognitive development, learning theories, and individual differences provides a solid understanding of how children learn and develop. Furthermore, the course addresses mental health disorders in childhood, such as ADHD, which are frequently encountered by school psychologists. This course may help in creating effective interventions and support systems for students.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants analyze educational programs, policies, and practices to improve student outcomes and organizational effectiveness. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate provides a strong foundation in understanding learning processes and individual differences. The course's exploration of teaching techniques and classroom management strategies may enable consultants to recommend evidence-based practices for enhancing teaching effectiveness. The program's insights into cognitive development and learning theories, and the material on special education can help educational consultants advise schools on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and create educational materials and programs that meet specific learning objectives. The insights gained from the course in Educational Psychology & Special Education can inform the development of effective and engaging curricula. The course's focus on learning theories, cognitive development, and individual differences provides a framework for designing instruction that caters to diverse learners. In particular, understanding of special education and exceptional children covered in the course may provide specialized knowledge around inclusive curriculum design, ensuring that materials are accessible and effective for all students.
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators play a vital role in nurturing the development of young children in preschool and kindergarten settings. This Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may help those who wish to become educators by providing them with a solid understanding of child development, learning theories, and individual differences. The course delves into cognitive, social, and emotional development in infants and toddlers, offering insights into how young children learn and grow. With a better understanding of exceptional children, and special education methods, educators can create a supportive and stimulating environment that fosters the holistic development of each child.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create engaging and effective learning experiences using various technologies and pedagogical principles. The course in educational psychology and special education may provide invaluable insights into learning theories, cognitive development, and individual differences. A good designer uses expertise to develop instruction tailored to diverse learners. The course covers memory, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning. This may lead to the design of more effective and engaging learning activities. These are essential considerations in instructional design.
Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral Therapists help individuals modify their behavior to improve their overall well-being. They often work with children and adults who have behavioral or emotional disorders. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may give a foundation in understanding the psychological principles underlying behavior and learning. The course addresses topics such as social influence and behavior modification, theories of learning, and mental health disorders in childhood. This course may enrich the understanding of behavior and the design of effective intervention strategies.
Education Administrator
Education Administrators oversee the operations of schools and educational programs, ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency. The course on Educational Psychology & Special Education may prove to be a valuable resource in understanding the factors that influence student learning and development. The course covers crucial aspects such as cognitive development, individual differences, and special education. The program covers effective teaching. This course may allow administrators to make informed decisions that positively impact the learning environment and student outcomes.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainers design and deliver training programs to enhance employees' skills and knowledge within an organization. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may be useful in understanding adult learning principles and instructional strategies. The course covers learning theories such as classical and operant conditioning, memory, and motivation. Such content may contribute to the development of engaging and effective training programs. Understanding individual differences and learning styles may allow trainers to tailor their approach to meet the diverse needs of adult learners.
Guidance Counselor
Guidance Counselors assist students with academic, career, and personal development, helping them navigate their educational journey. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may help counselors understand the factors that influence student learning, behavior, and well-being. The course covers topics such as cognitive development, individual differences, mental health disorders in childhood, and social-emotional development. This knowledge can inform strategies for supporting students' academic success, career exploration, and personal growth.
Social Worker
Social Workers help individuals and families cope with challenges, improve their well-being, and access needed resources. Some Social Workers specialize in educational settings. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may give a foundation in understanding the factors that influence child development, learning, and behavior. The course addresses topics such as parenting styles, child abuse and maltreatment, and social-emotional development. This certificate may help social workers to support children and families facing difficulties in the educational system.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational Therapists use recreational activities and interventions to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may be useful in understanding the cognitive, social, and emotional processes that influence human development. The course covers topics such as individual differences, learning styles, and social influence. This course may help recreational therapists design inclusive and engaging therapeutic activities for individuals with diverse needs and abilities.
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also handle employee relations, training, and benefits. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may provide insights into human behavior and learning. The course covers topics such as social influence, personality disorders, and goal setting. This course may improve understanding in managing employee relations, developing effective training programs, and fostering a positive work environment.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create clear and concise documentation for complex technical products and processes. While seemingly unrelated, the principles of learning and cognitive processes covered in the Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may contribute to effective communication. The course's focus on cognitive development, thinking, and language may give insights into how people process information. This course may help technical writers create user-friendly and accessible documentation.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. The Educational Psychology & Special Education certificate may provide insights into human behavior and decision making. The course covers topics such as social influence and belief bias. Though seemingly distant, this course may help the analyst understand consumer behavior.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Educational Psychology & Special Education (Certificate).
Explores the power of mindset in achieving success, particularly the difference between a fixed and growth mindset. Understanding these concepts is crucial for educators to foster a growth mindset in their students. It provides valuable insights into motivation, learning, and resilience. This book is highly relevant to the course's focus on enhancing learning and understanding individual differences.
Provides insights into child development and practical strategies for nurturing a child's developing mind. It is particularly useful for understanding the cognitive and emotional development aspects covered in the course. The book offers actionable advice for parents and educators alike. It adds depth to the course by providing a neurobiological perspective on child behavior and development.

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