Educational Psychology Minor

Educational psychology makes theoretical and experimental inquiries into how students learn from instruction, how they acquire and express motivation in educational settings, and how they develop skills in school subjects and for learning. This program also studies how this first line of inquiry contributes to designs for instructional experiences that promote a full spectrum of achievements.

DESIGNED FOR

For a teaching career, it provides a research based foundation in the psychology of teaching and learning underlying a professional studies program. For others, it articulates applied psychology serving one of our society’s most important aims, education of people of all ages.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The minor consists of required courses that develop a broad background in educational psychology supplemented by electives.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete:

EDUC 220 - Introduction to Educational Psychology (3)

Introduction to Educational Psychology

EDUC 220

A survey of educational research and theories concerning motivation, learning, development, and individual differences in classroom settings. May be applied towards the certificate in liberal arts. Breadth-Social Sciences.

and one of:

EDUC 222 - Research Methods in Educational Psychology (3)

Research Methods in Educational Psychology

EDUC 222

An introductory survey of research methods used in developing and testing theories in educational psychology. Illustrations are drawn from published research in educational psychology. Corequisite: EDUC 220. Quantitative.

PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

PSYC 201W

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Writing/Quantitative.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete all of:

EDUC 315 - Individual and Developmental Differences in Language Acquisition (3)

Individual and Developmental Differences in Language Acquisition

EDUC 315

A review of theories of language acquisition and their relationship to child communication disorders. Topics include: theories of language acquisition; individual and developmental differences in language acquisition; language structure and use in children with diverse disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, sensory disabilities and emotional and behavioral disabilities, interdisciplinary approaches to early intervention in the home, school and community. Prerequisite: EDUC 220 or PSYC 250 or LING 100. Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 320 - Instructional Psychology (3)

Instructional Psychology

EDUC 320

Examines theories of instruction and research about learning, motivation, individual differences, and social environments as foundations for designing instruction. Topics include: models of cognition; models of motivation and beliefs; metacognition, self-regulated learning, and learning skills; problem solving and transfer; cognitive processing models of instruction in mathematics, science, social studies, reading and composition. Prerequisite: EDUC 220.

EDUC 322 - The Social Lives of School Children (3)

The Social Lives of School Children

EDUC 322

An overview of theory, research and practice concerning social emotional development and social interactions and relationships in the school context. Emphasis on the role of peer relationships in development and the role of the school in supporting positive interactions. Prerequisite: EDUC 220 or PSYC 250.

EDUC 327 - Self, Psychology and Education (3)

Self, Psychology and Education

EDUC 327

A critical examination of theoretical and empirical programs of inquiry in educational psychology that are concerned with the self (e.g., self-esteem, self-concept, self-directed or self-regulated learning). Students will participate in a wide-ranging seminar that considers topics such as the relationship between personal and social being, historical perspectives on the self, the formation of social identity, the roles of memory, imagination, and narrative in selfhood, the development of agency and self, and education and personhood. Prerequisite: 60 units, including EDUC 220.

And one of:

EDUC 422 - Learning Disabilities (4)

Learning Disabilities

EDUC 422

A study of conceptual and historic foundations of learning disabilities and an introduction to the methodologies of diagnosis and of learning disabilities. Prerequisite: PSYC 250 or corequisite of EDUC 315 or 473. Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 428W - Nature and Nurture of Gifted Students (4)

Nature and Nurture of Gifted Students

EDUC 428W

Conceptions and misconceptions related to the nature and education of individuals with extraordinary abilities will be introduced. Implications for teaching and learning will be examined. The nature and feasibility of curriculum differentiation, flexible pacing, and other educational options for these students will be critiqued. Grading will be on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 401/2 or EDUC 403. Students must successfully complete an SFU Criminal Records Check. Writing.

EDUC 464 - Early Childhood Education (4)

Early Childhood Education

EDUC 464

Current trends, issues and research relating to the education of young children. Prerequisite: EDUC 401/402 or PSYC 250 or corequisite EDUC 403.

QUESTIONS?

For questions about the Education minors, contact the advisor below: