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Individual Differences and Education

Overview

  • Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
  • Convenor: Ana Da Cunha Lewin
  • Assessment: 100% examination

Module description

Building on the knowledge and understanding of psychology theories, concepts and research gained in the study of previous modules, this module gives you the opportunity to explore individual differences and their impact on educational engagement, experience and outcome. 

Key topics will include: 

  • learning disability in education, giftedness and approaches to intelligence testing and theory building in the field of educational psychology
  • the impact of personality in education (including character strengths and resilience)
  • social and emotional ability and a consideration of the impact of these
  • 'difference' as an experience that impacts on the school experience.

Learning objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a critical understanding of the spectrum of cognitive ability within education, and a critical awareness of approaches to intelligence testing and theory building in the field of educational psychology 
  • demonstrate a critical understanding of motivation theory and personality theory and the impact of motivation and personality in education
  • demonstrate a critical understanding of the spectrum of social and emotional ability with a focus on 'difference' in the school context and a consideration of the impact of these abilities in education
  • demonstrate a critical awareness of how being 'different' can impact on the school experience 
  • understand, interpret and evaluate relevant research and other reports 
  • indicate some of the limitations of the theories and methods covered on this course with regard to ‘real world’ application.