DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STUDIES

Coursework 100%
Developmental and Educational Psychology

For this module, students will be assessed on two components:

I- A critical thinking paper on developmental and educational psychology - Group work (2-3) (70%)

II- An individual reflection on the module (30%)

I Critical thinking paper - group work (2-3) (70 %)

You are provided with two different issues related to your course. You are required to:
a. Explain your issue in a manner that demonstrates understanding of the key components
b. Articulate your view on the issue
c. Provide a justification of your view through appropriate evidence (theory and practice)

1. A fundamental goal in the field of developmental and educational psychology is to identify how
theories can inform pedagogy. How does the field of developmental and educational psychology
inform your particular domain and/or developmental level? In order to answer this question,
please reference at least two theories (cognitive theories and/or motivational theories). For
example, you could discuss the implications of Vygotskys sociocultural theory for effective
pedagogy in the teaching of your subject. This approach would call for a discussion on the role
of scaffolding and fading.

2. How can intelligence theories be used in academic settings? In order to examine this broad issue,
consider the following case study and answer the below questions in your paper:
Ken has more trouble in school than many of his peers, particularly with word problems in math and
other areas that are not tangible. In spite of his high motivation, he still struggles, and new
situations and problems throw him more than they do his classmates. In order to succeed, he
needs a lot of practice, and his approach is somewhat more mechanical than that of his peers. He
comments,
I need to be able to see it to understand it. Some of these ideas are just too abstract for me.
Who cares what caused Columbus to want to go to the Far East? I can get it though, if I get
enough practice.
When he gets frustrated, he retreats to his room where he plays guitar; he has even done some of
his own arrangements. Ken is very skilled at working with people, and some of his peers turn to him
as an arbitrator when clashes occur in club and other organizational meetings.

Consider Kens intelligence based on Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Assess Kens
intelligence on this basis.
Consider Kens intelligence according to Sternbergs Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. Assess
Kens intelligence on this basis.
In your opinion, which theory of theory of intelligence (Sternberg or Gardners theory) has more
educational validity? In other words, which theory do you believe is more effective in explaining
intelligence?
The marking criteria is as follows:

Marks 0-1 2-3 4 5

Issue Issue is not related to Issue relates to Issue relates to Issue relates to
(5 marks) Educational Psychology. Educational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Educational Psychology,
but the description lacks but the description lacks and the description
substantial information. minor information. demonstrates a
command of the issue.
0-1 2-4 5-7 8-10
View Overall view of the issue Overall view of the issue Overall view is clear and Overall view is clear and
(10 marks) is unclear. is clear, but presentation developed. There are developed. There are
is simplistic. clear distinctions among clear distinctions among
the points within the the points within view.
view, though these These distinctions are
distinctions warrant well developed with
more sophistication. sophistication.
0-1 2-4 5-7 8-10
Justification Views are not supported Views are supported by Views are supported by Views are supported by
(10 marks) by valid, reliable valid, reliable evidence valid, reliable evidence valid, reliable evidence
evidence from credible from credible sources, from credible sources, from credible sources,
sources. but justification has but justification has and justification is
substantial inaccuracies minor inaccuracies presented accurately
and/or missing and/or missing details and completely so the
information making the making the paper paper is convincing.
paper less than generally convincing
convincing.
0-1 2-4 5-7 8-10
Overall Impression The paper does not The paper constructs The paper constructs The paper constructs
(10 marks) construct and present a and presents a and presents a and presents a
significant position on an significant position on an significant position on an significant position on an
issue related to issue related to issue related to issue related to
Educational Psychology. Educational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Educational Psychology,
but the position falls and the position and the position
short of representing demonstrates a degree demonstrates a
critical thinking. of critical thinking. sophisticated approach
to critical thinking.

Number of words for each issue: Not exceeding 1500 words.

II Individual reflection (30 %)

Based on insights and experiences developed during the course, examine how you as an educator can
support adolescent students learning experiences. You may refer to any pertinent theories in the domain of
development and educational psychology.

The assignment should be approximately 1,500words. It is expected that you mention your sources of
reference using Harvard referencing. The following criteria will be utilized for assessment:

CRITERIA (coursework) (30 Marks)

1. Knowledge and understanding of developmental and educational 10
psychology ideas, concepts, constructs and theories
2. Ability to establish a link between theory and practice 15
3. Organization and argumentation 5