PSED5111: Psychology for Educators 1A Summary

Course Overview

PSED5111 (Psychology for Educators 1A) is a foundational module designed for pre-service teachers at The Independent Institute of Education, incorporating institutions such as Varsity College and Rosebank College. It explores psychological theories and their applications in South African classrooms.

Core Module Themes

  • Foundational Paradigms: Examines roots of psychology, including Animism, Rationalism (Descartes).
  • Classical Psychological Perspectives: Covers Structuralism, Functionalism, and major theories including Psychodynamic (Freud) and Behaviorist (Watson, Pavlov, Skinner) perspectives.
  • Positive & Transpersonal Psychology: Focuses on modern approaches, especially Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Flow concept.
  • Effective Teaching: Investigates characteristics of effective vs. ineffective teaching, referencing Steven Covey’s Seven Habits adapted for educators.
  • Reflective Practice: Teaches the use of Kolb's Cycle of Experiential Learning and Brookfield's Four Critical Lenses for improving teaching philosophy.

Key Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Summarize key psychological perspectives related to education.
  2. Apply concepts such as perspective-taking to classroom dynamics.
  3. Identify learner behaviors and support needs from a psychological viewpoint.
  4. Develop a personal professional philosophy rooted in psychological and philosophical principles.

Assessment Structure

Assessments include:

  • Assignments: Compare psychological paradigms or apply Positive Psychology to case studies.
  • ICE Tasks: Integrated Curriculum Engagement tasks on specific theories.
  • Examination: Tests theoretical knowledge and practical application in classroom scenarios.