Africa Virtual University - AVU

Mode of Delivery:

1. Rationale

This module is based on the rationale that, you, as a prospective teacher need to understand how learning takes place, what influences it and how it can be maximised. It is thus of utmost importance that you are able to apply the psychological principles of learning to optimise and enhance the learning process in your given area. This knowledge will help equip you as a prospective teacher and an educator with skills and competencies in the art of teaching and handling educational activities effectively. Theories and concepts will give you a frame of
reference on which to base your practice. This will help you to accurately translate the theoretical framework into effective skills to enhance learning .These theories and concepts will aid you to positively impact the classroom environment as well as be cognizant of the differential abilities, experiences and social backgrounds of your learners. Your sensitivity, awareness and interventions to cater for individual differences as well your ability to motivate them will determine the effectiveness of the learning process in the classroom. Consequently, these concepts and theories will be useful instruments in enhancing and imparting skills to you, on effective classroom management styles and practices to benefit learners. All the above is of utmost importance to you, you are encouraged to read widely to gain more insights into the module.

2. Prerequisite or knowledge

It is expected that you have successfully completed module 1 on General Psychology and module 11 in Developmental Psychology. This is because it is important and necessary that you have some elementary knowledge on psychology and recent movements in Educational psychology i.e. structuralism, functionalism, Gestalt psychology and behaviourism. In Developmental Psychology, again, it is expected that you have requisite knowledge and skills on how people come to perceive, understand and act within the world and how this process change as they age. This is especially in relation to Jean Piaget (1896-1980) model of child development and learning and how it impacts learning.

3. General objectives

4. Time

This module will cover 120 hours .Please; adhere to the time allotment for each unit to reap maximum benefit from this module. Make every effort to complete all activities and readings to successfully complete this module.

Unit 1: 40 hours
Unit 2: 60 hours
Unit 3: 20 hours

5. Materials

The following materials are important for you to successfully complete this module. Make every effort to ensure that they will be available to you as you commence on this module.