Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

X. learning activities

Important Tips

General Psychology and Educational Psychology are interesting subjects to study. Therefore you as a young and upcoming teacher, we want you to try and see the practical applications in real life. You are requested to do the following activities, and as you do so, try and think seriously in the context of the subject of study (i.e. General Psychology).

Activity One

Title: Introduction to General Psychology

Your role as a teacher is very important because you help children learn new skills, develop positive attitudes and useful knowledge so that they become self reliant, independent and creative and productive citizens of the country. While there may be few things that students learn just for the sake of learning, the bulk of what is taught is generally assumed to be of some useful purpose. By deliberately teaching these students, you are helping them clarify and refine their ideas and skills as they grow and mature.

It is through application of what teachers teach and what students learn that the benefits of schooling can be derived and enjoyed by all.

Task Number One

• Select 10 boys and 10 girls in Senior One and Senior Two (randomly and irrespective of their ages). i) Ask each student to write down what their teachers do that make them enjoy learning and therefore continue attending classes without missing any. ii) When they have completed the first part, again ask them to write down what their teachers do that make them uncomfortable or uncomfortable and uneasy in class.

• In a similar manner, select 10 boys and 10 girls from Senior Three and Senior Four (randomly and irrespective of their ages). I) Ask them to write down what their teachers do that make them enjoy learning and therefore continue attending classes without missing any. ii) When they have completed the first part, ask them to write down what teachers do that make them uncomfortable and uneasy in class.

• Now, carefully compile the results of your investigations for all the four groups according to: a) Senior One and Senior Two, and Senior Three and Senior Four; b) According to sexes for both levels.

Between 80-120 words write: i) A summary of your findings, ii) Between 250-550 words write and submit your report to The Chairman, The Board of Governors of your school stating very clearly:

• The objectives of your study.

• The major findings of the study.

• Conclusion.

• The recommendations for the way forward.

ActivityTwo

Title: General Psychology and Education

(This activity requires you to work preferably with peers who are also on distance learning programs. One is however free to work alone in case there are no colleagues on further training using distance mode).

It is very helpful and beneficial to have benchmarks along the way to mastery of the various objectives of science. The reason is that they give us an indication of where we are going. By actually looking back we can see what has already been accomplished. It allows us to assess where people are along the journey and help with the next process.

Psychology as a science also uses the scientific methods to collect, analyze and interpret data and thereafter derive meanings about individuals and groups. The outcomes of the data analysis makes it possible for the one conducting the in- vestigation to predict, control and shape behaviors of individuals. We try to find out new truth in Psychology, we deal with observable behavior and establish facts by objective proof of evidence.

In psychology research, we attempt to know more and more about variables that affect the behavior and present casual relationship as a system of hypotheses. It therefore becomes very important for a prospectus teacher to understand and appreciate the systematic development of psychology to study the behaviors of learners from different approaches, and apply the same to his/her behavior and understanding, and thereafter take advantage in effecting desirable changes in the learners without rigidly adhering to any system of psychology.

Task One

In the group you have formed, brainstorm together on the following:

The relationships between Psychology and Education. (Since this is a group ac- tivity, it is important to have a member as a moderator, and another person as a recorder to write down contributions from colleagues. It is also important that each member contributing endeavors to support his/her points with concrete examples). The relevance of Educational Psychology to:

• To effective teaching by teachers in respective schools.

• Construction of test items.

• Marking and grading of students’ work or test results.

• Improvement of discipline in schools.

• How students can be assisted to realize their career visions and aspirations.

Task Two

Between 300-600 words, write a report and submit it to the Head teacher to read to staff

during staff meeting, specifying very clearly the following:

• Feedbacks from the staff on the feasibility of the suggestions in your report.

• Collective practical measures that are taken or put in place to consoli- date the knowledge gained from your report.

Activity Three

Title: Methods of Educational Psychology

A casual observation of students in your classroom indicates that each person has an individual profile of characteristics, abilities and challenges that result from learning and development. These characteristics manifest themselves in a num- ber of areas e.g. intelligence, creativity, motivation, cognitive styles, reading and writing, the capacity to process information, communication and relationship with others. There are also cases of disabilities among school age going children, e.g. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, learning disability, dyslexia and speech disorder.

Motivation is an internal state that activates guides and sustains behavior. Educa- tional Psychology research on motivation is concerned with the will that students bring to a task, their level of interest and intrinsic motivation, and the personally held goals that guide their behavior, their belief about the cause of their success or failure. Motivation theories explain how learners’ goals affect the way they engage with academic work. Those who have mastery goals strive to increase their ability and knowledge, while those who have performance approach goals strive for high grades and seek opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. Research has found that mastery goals are associated with many positive outcomes such as persistence in the face of failure, performance for challenging tasks, creativity and intrinsic motivation. Performance approach goals are associated with positive outcomes, and some negative outcomes, such as unwillingness to seek help and shallow information processing.

As a teacher, you are aware of the role motivation plays in reading development and achievement of students. Various educational practices are used to enhance reading motivation and encourage children to read.

Task One

Leisure reading is the reading students choose to do on their own, as opposed to readings that are assigned to them. At times this reading is also known as spare time reading, recreational reading, independent reading and self-selected reading. This means students have personal choice over what they want to read. This also means the reading goes beyond books:

a) Select a group of students, 15 boys and 15 girls who are below the age of eighteen, and do the following:

• Whether they read during their leisure time

• Why they read

• What they read

• The topics and the characters or people they like to read about

• Who encourages them to read

• Where they obtain what they read

• If they do not read, why not?

b) Select six teachers (3 males, 3 females) in your school and request them to respond in writing to what are the:

• Sources of motivation for students to read

• Factors that get students excited about reading in general

• Whether they have specific time for teaching reading in their timetable.

If no, why not?

• Attitudes of students toward leisure reading generally in the school.

After you have done all these activities, analyze the data you have collected and present the results stating clearly:

• Major findings for both students and the teachers

• Sex differences in terms of motivation to read, what they read, the to- pics or people they enjoy reading about, those who do not like reading at all

• What teachers have said about sources of reading, factors that get stu- dents excited about reading, and specific time in timetable.

Write a report of between 300-600 words, a report to the District Inspector of Schools, spelling out the factors that motivated you to conduct this study, the major findings, and suggestions or recommendations for improved reading culture in secondary schools in the district.

Activity Four

Title: Relevance of Educational Psychology

Research on classroom management and pedagogy is conducted to guide teaching practice and form a foundation for teacher education programmes. The goal of classroom management is to create an environment conducive to teaching and learning, and also to developing students’ self-management skills and make students share their learning experiences together in class. Above all classroom management strives to create positive teacher-student and peer relationships, management of student groups to sustain on-task behavior and use counseling and other psychological methods to aid students who present persistent psycho- social problems.

Sociogram is a systematic timed observation and/or interview, which is charting out of the relationships within groups. Its purpose is to describe group structu- res i.e. networking of findings, patterns and sub-group organizations. It should be a useful method or tool for helping you to gather data about aspects of your classroom when, later you explore ways to make learning environment in the class more learner centered than previously.

The value of sociogram to a teacher is in its practicality in the greater understanding of groups dynamics, so that the teacher may operate more effectively and wisely in management, e.g. classroom management and curriculum development.

In this activity you will learn and practice how to use inquiry method as a tool called ‘sociometry’. Sociometry should be useful for helping you to set up a more learner centered environment.

Steps to follow

1) Give each student a piece of paper and ask each write four names of students with whom they work best in the subject you teach them.

2) Ask each student to write name of one person in class with whom they do not choose to work with in the subject you teach.

3) Collect the pieces of paper from the students.

4) Find a quiet place, and with a large table, spread out all pieces of paper containing the names.

5) Analyze the data from all the students’ responses and construct a socio- gram of the class.

6) Try to analyze the results according to: those who are popular, those who are liked more than dislike, those disliked more than liked, those who are controversial( i.e. positive and also negative because of the number choices made balancing out between positive and negative), those rejected; and those neglected.

7) Write a Simple Sociogram reflecting all aspects of the responses.

After a period of about seven days, use the results of the Activity One to form what you would call “New Learning Groups”. Inform the class of your intention to teach them using the new groups that have been formed, but based on the results of your analysis as depicted in the sociogram you have constructed.

1) At appointed times, teach them in their new groups.

2) After every lesson taught, request each student to evaluate how they felt the learning in the new learning groups. Give each learner a sheet of paper containing drawing of faces depicting moods, representing their feelings by putting a tick.

(Use the drawings below to do this).

Very happy

Unhappy

Happy Very Unhappy

3) Collect the paper, and compile the outcomes of your investigations

Final part of the assignment:

Write a report (between 200-300 words) to the Director of Studies how teaching can be improved through the use of Sociometry:

1. Describing what you did.

2. Your perceived feelings about what you did and how it affected your atti- tude, beliefs and theories about learners and learning theories.

3. What things you learned from inquiry activities and your prospects as a teacher.

4. How these things relate to learner centered education to national goals.

XI. Key Concepts (Glossary)

Achievement motivation. This is the drive to accomplish something usually under some difficult situation. The urge is to try to meet unsa- tisfied need.

Aspiration. This is the level of performance to which one aspires for the future In class, the teacher should organize class activities in such a way that the students keep striving and give a promise of goal attainment.

Attitude. A tendency to possess certain feelings towards a specified class of stimuli.

Behavior. This is an action that can be observed and described in an objec- tive way.

Behaviorism. Learning theory that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and events and the predictable role of the environment in causing behavior.

Behaviorist approach this is approach to the study of cognitive develo- pment, based on learning theory, which is concerned with the basic mechanics of learning

Case study scientific study covering a single case or life, based on notes taken by an observer. This can be based on also on groups, events insti- tutions or cultures.

Competence. Ability to perform a task at a level of performance acceptable to other people observing.

Education. This is the development of skills, desirable habits and attitudes in accordance with acceptable values and norms of a society. In the process of education, we try to shape the behavior of young children in accordance with aims and goals of national life.

Educational Psychology. The application of psychological findings in the field of education for the purpose of systematically developing and indi- vidual within educational settings.

Experiment. (in education). A research situation in which one or more independent variables are systematically varied according to a preconcei- ved plan to determine the effects of this variation.

Grounded theory. Theory based on a study of the data rather than on some prior set of axioms and theorems.

Hypothesis. A conjecture or proposition about the solution to a problem, the relationship of two or more variables, ort the nature of some pheno- menon.

Independent variable. A variable that affects (or assumed to affect) the dependent variable under study and is included in the research design so that its effects can be determined.

Intellectual functioning The ability to solve problems related to academics, usually estimated by an I.Q. test.

Interaction. The effects of one independent variable on another, the lack of the effects of one independent variable remaining constant over the levels of another.

Maturation. Psychological and biological process operating and causing systematic variations within individuals with the passing of time.

Measurement. The assignment of numerals to objects, events according to specific rules.

Motivation This is stimulation of action towards particular objectives where previously there was very little or no movement towards those goals. Longitudinal studies. Studies that involve measuring the same or different

individuals two or more during a period of time (usually of considera-

ble length, such as several months or years)—for example, measuring the mathematics performance of the same students at yearly intervals as they progress from one grade to another.

Participant observer.The role assumed by the researcher in the ethno- graphic research such that the researcher becomes a participant in the situation being observed.

Personality. In general, it is the sum total of an individual’s mental and emotional characteristics. In the context of psychological testing, perso- nality inventories usually are designed to measure characteristics such as emotional and social adjustment.

Purposeful sample. A sample selected in a nonrandom manner, based on member characteristics relevant to the research problem.

Prediction. The estimation of scores on one variable from information about one or more other variables

Problem-solving. Ability to find answers to tasks or questions.

Psychology. The systemic study of the mind, along with concepts of mind, such as perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior.

Random sample. A sample selected in a way that the selection of one mem- ber in no way affects the probability of selection of any other member.

Sample. A sub-set of the population under study.

Survey research. Research that deals with the incidence, distribution, relationships of educational, psychological, and sociological variables in non-experimental settings.

Trait. A tendency to respond in a certain way to situations.

XII. list of Compulsory Reading

The reading lists that have been presented in this section are for you to read through because they are important. They contain points that can help you understand and give you the ideas as far as the module is all about. So make all the necessary efforts to read them.

Reading # 1

Educational Psychology- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_psychology (Retrieved: 2nd Nov 2007)

Abstract: The article discusses issues related to the definitions of Psychology and Educational Psychology as applied to human learning that takes place in educa- tional settings. Issues related to effectiveness of educational interventions, effective teaching, school organization and general educational attainment among the general population, e.g. gifted children or children with disabilities are elaborately discussed. Contributions of Educational psychology to educational practice in general are also presented in the article.

Other areas of benefits to the teacher are also included. These are topics related to social, moral and cognitive development, individual differences and disabilities, learning cognition, maturation, research methodology, assessment are some of the additional topics that have been included in the article. Educational Psychology a applied to instructional designs and technology and teaching in general is an area that motivates the teaching to be effective in teaching-learning activities.

Reading # 2

Introduction to Educational Psychology-PsychologyWiki-a Wikia http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction_to_educational_psych. Retrieved: 16th Nov, 2007).

Abstract : The article discusses a number of issues related to Educational Psycho- logy in general. It begins by discussing the meaning of Educational psychology, which is that it is the study of how humans learn in educational setting, the effectiveness of educational treatment, psychology of teaching,. These aspects make Educational Psychology become concerned with the process of educational attainment among the general population.

The article also discusses the relationship between Educational Psychology and other disciplines, making it have a wide range of specialties with educational studies, including instructional design, educational technology, curriculum deve- lopment, organizational learning, special education and classroom management. Other topics like motivation, individual differences, research methods, classroom management and contributions of Educational Psychology are discussed.

Reading # 3

Psychology-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/psychology (Retrieved 16th Nov 2007)

Abstract : This particular article discusses a number of interesting aspects of General psychology. It begins by pointing out that Psychology is derived from two Greek words,’ psyche’ which means ‘talking about the soul’ while

‘logos ‘which means the study. A more precise definition of Psychology is given as the scientific study of mental processes and behavior, perception, cognition, emotion, personality behavior and interpersonal relationships.

The article goes on to discuss the definition of psychology in relation to the history, the branches and the field and sub-field of Psychology. The methods of study commonly used in the field of psychology including research are clearly presented in this article. The advantages and the disadvantages of the different methods of study are brought out to the benefit of the reader.

Rationale: The article is one of the several presentations in the collections that try to introduce readers to the origin, meaning, definition and gradual development of psychology as an area of study, scientific investigation and leading personalities who have contributed to the field study. The article also have a number of areas that are very relevant to Education Practice, to other fields of study, e.g. human development, cognition, social and moral development and individual differences and special education.

Reading # 4

Educational Psychology: What is it? http://www.answers.com/what+is+educational+psychology%3F?cat=tec hnology

Abstract: The presentation starts by giving to the teacher and the general rea- dership the definition of educational psychology, its development as an area of study and how as a subject, has contributed immensely to the field of education all over the world today. Of particular interest is the great emphasis the article places on the teacher in classroom situation. Its usefulness to the class teacher

in terms of what he/she thinks and does as teaching goes on in class, as learners make progress in what they are being taught, the contributions of this subject to curriculum development and construction in a particular environment where education and training are intended to take place.

Rationale: This is one of the articles that has tried to defined Educational Psycho- logy in a simple but straightway making it easy to understand as it relates to the field of teacher and what practicing expects to benefit or gain from the subject, or how best teaching and learning can be enhanced easily by the teacher.

XIII. List of Relevant Resources

Dr. C.George Boeree. General Psychology

http://webspace.ship.edu./cgboer/genpsy.html

(Retrieved: 15th Nov 2007)

Summary: A brief description of what Psychology is given as the study of the mind, along with aspects of the mind such as perception, cogni- tion, emotion and behavior. Other areas of relevance of Psychology like nature verses nurture, neuropsychology, personality, learning, memory and psychological disorders, language and therapy are discussed into details.

Rationale: The website provides a useful source of information about Psychology as an area of study that has practical value and application to a number of disciplines beyond education.

Wikipedia (Answers.com) History of Psychology

http://www.answers.com/topic/history_of_psychology

(Retrieved: 16th Nov 2007)

Summary: Gives a review of the development of Psychology, the early psychological thoughts, the beginning of western Psychology and the emergence of experimental psychology and other sub-psychological areas like behaviorism, and cognition.

Rationale: Gives a good background to the historical development and expansion of psychology into an area of scientific interest and investiga- tion and the different schools and methods of study that were to emerge over the years.

Answers.com Educational Psychology

http://www.answers.com/educational+psychology?cat=technology

(Retrieved: 16th Nov 2007)

Summary: Gives the definition of Psychology as the study of what people think and do as they teach and learn a particular curriculum in

a particular environment where education and training are intended to take place.

Rationale: The website gives a rich explanations on what Educational psychology is all about in relations to issues like learning, curriculum, instructional design and teaching, and the contributions of the subject to motivation, individual differences, intelligence, and other measures in education.

Answers.com

http://www.answers.com/topic/psychology

(Retrieved: 17th Nov 2007)

Summary: Gives a number of definitions of Psychology and brings out points or contributions of the subject to other related disciplines. Rationale: A valuable source of information to the benefits to the rea- der who is interested in learning more about the subject.

Sociogram in Practice

http://www.edsnet.na/Images/betmodelspdf/ETP4ACD.pdf

(Retrieved: 15th Nov 2007)

Summary: The article guides the classroom teacher in how to make use of the sociogram in classroom situation to improve teaching and classroom management, and how the knowledge of and application of Educational Psychology can be applied to the benefits of the teacher and the learners.

Rationale: Useful in the classroom situation because the method of study bridges the gap between the teacher and the learners as socio- metry makes it possible for the teacher to delve deeper in understanding his/her learners and thereafter be able to cater for individual differences and needs.

WikiBooks-Contemporary Educational Psychology: The Changing Teaching

Profession and You.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Contemporary/_Educational_Psychology

(Retrieved: 20th Nov 2007)

Summary: Presents to the reader the challenges of teaching, with a number of possible solutions over these challenges.

Rationale: Very good sources of information for an upcoming teacher since the challenges they face are presented in the article.

Dr. C. George Boeree. Quantitative Methods

http:/webspace.ship.educ/cpboer/genpsyqua/meth.html

(Retrieved: 18th Nov 2007)

Summary : The article talks about quantitative methods as applied to case studies related to psychology, experimental methods, introspection, naturalistic observation, participant observation and interviewing. Rationale: The web site is important for teachers to know who want to

conduct research studies involving quantitative methods.

Dr. C. George Boeree. Correlation

http:webspace.ship.educ/cpboer/correlation/html

(Retrieved: 18th Nov 2007)

Summary : The article presents the reader with methods or procedures of dealing with measurements of variables.

Rationale :The article is good for teachers who are interested in measu- ring the relationships between or among variables that may promote or retard teaching-learning activities.

Dr.C.George Boeree. Experiment

http:/webspace.ship.educ./cpboer/experiments.html

(Retrieved: 18th Nov 2007)

Summary : The article is good for teachers because it vividly presents how to conduct experiments in psychological studies.

Rationale :The article is good for teachers who are interested in carrying out simple experiments in classrooms to improve teaching-learning experiments

About.com: Psychology

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychology101/f/psychfaq.html

(Retrieved: 21st Nov 2007)

Summary : The article endeavors to define psychology as a subject of study in relation to other disciplines

Rationale :The article is good for further understanding of what psy- chology as an area of study in relation to other teaching learning disci- plines.

Educational Psychologist: A view from within the discipline

Educational Psychologist (1993), Vol. 28(2) pp 97-115 (Retrieved: 22nd Nov 2007)

Read only the abstract given, because it gives what is contained in the

main article.

Classics in the history of psychology

Edward L. Thorndike. Contributions of psychology to education

http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Thorndike/education.html

(Retrieved: 18th Nov 2007)

Summary : It provides the views of one psychologist (Thorndike) about the contributions of psychology to education.

Rationale: This is a good article for readers who are interested in what the educational psychologist in the name of Edward Thorndike says about the subject.

A Transactional Model of the Teaching and Learning Process.

http://Chiron.va/edu/whuit/materials/tch/rnmd.html

(Retrieved: 24th Nov 2007)

Summary: Article gives diagrammatical representations of teaching- learning process with full view of the contributions of Educational Psychology.

Rationale: The graphic representations in the article makes it easy for the teacher to visualize what he/she does, how and when of the tea- ching-learning process.

Educational Psychologist, 35(4), pp 257-270.

Dr. Woolfolk Hoy: Educational Psychology in Teacher Education.

http://www.edu.msu.edu/DwongLibrary/CEPG900/Library/Woolfolk_ EdpsyTcher. pdf.

Summary: Gives some very good points regarding the role of Educatio- nal psychology in Teacher education programs and training.

Rationale: the websites provides insights into how teacher education programs and training can be enhanced with the proper utilization of the principles and theories that are used in the subject.

Researching the Teaching of Educational Psychology.

Nancy Flanagan Knapp and Kelvin Seiprt. Practicing What We Teach: Re- searching the Trends of Educational Psychology.

http://www.coe.uga.edu/tep/pdf_2005/TEP_editorial.pdf (Retrieved:

25th Nov 2007)

Summary: Summarizes some research findings that have been done so far in Educational psychology in teaching activities.

Rationale: The websites is a good source of information for teachers who are interested in understanding more of how research in Educatio- nal Psychology can or has contributed to the enhancement of teaching as well as learning in school setting situations.

Educational Psychology

http://www.cpsimoes.net/artigos/art-edu_psi_eng.html

(Retrieved: 25th Nov 2007)

Summary: Gives a lot of informational about Educational Psychology in relation to its development as an area of study and how much it

has so far contributed to the field of Education, effective teaching and measurement practices in testing situations.

Rationale: The article provides insights into what Educational Psycho- logy is all about, its definition, and possible areas where it has a subject has contributed greatly.

Anita Woolfolk Hoy. Psychology in Teacher Education: Appreciated, Appro- priated, Abandoned.

http://www.abacon.com/woolfolk7/apa.html (retrieved: 26th Nov2007) Summary: The contributions of Educational Psychology in Teacher Education critically examined and results meaningfully used to impro- ved teacher education training activities. Possible areas of disappoint-

ments are also examined in the article.

Rationale: Good reading because of the summaries of research findings that have been

produced with reference to teacher education activities.

Teaching Concepts: Goal Setting

http://www.college.hmco.com/education/pbl/tc/goal.html

(Retrieved: 10thy Nov 2007)

Summary: Major tasks in teaching are clearly identified, reasons for sta- ting student objectives are stipulated, and objectives of teaching assign- ments clearly spelt out, the role of the teacher in determining contents presented and what general objectives serve in teaching-learning pro- cess.

Wikibooks.

Contemporary Educational Psychology/Chapter 9: Instructional Planning.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Contemporary_Educational_Psychology/ Chapter_9_

Instructional Planning (retrieved: 18th Nov2007)

Summary: Selection of goals and general goals of learning and the procedures involved is presented in the article, formulating learning objectives, taxonomies of educational objectives, students as source of instructional goals and enhancing students’ learning through a variety of resources and planning, and learning are the points discussed in the article.

Rationale: The source supplements what teacher need to know about

Educational Psychology in education and practices in general.

Psychology

http://www.crystalinks.com/psychology.html (retrieved: 17thNov2007) Summary: defines what psychology is, presents the history, branches, principles; and Schools of Psychology.

Rationale: Helpful site for readers who want to widen their understan- ding of psychology as an area of study or specialization, while reading on their own.

XIV. Useful links

Lists of Relevant useful links

Wikipedia-Structuralism, the free encyclopedia

Schools of Thought in Psychology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structu- ralism (Retrieved: 30th Nov 2007).

Abstract: Main ideas as far as structuralism is concerned are given to the reader. It is good for more information for students who want to know more on the subject.

Understanding Motivation and Supporting Teacher Renewal: Quality and

Learning Series.

http://www.nwrel.org/qualityteaching/products/UnderstandingMotiva- tion.pdf (Retrieved: 30th Nov.2007)

Abstract: Discusses how teacher can always benefit from properly un- derstanding, utilizing motivation in teaching-learning activities both for herself/himself and the learners.

Principles of Learning-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Principles of Learning

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_learning (Retrieved: 30th- Nov 2007).

Abstract: Uses psychology to define and identify several principles of learning and laws which are applicable to learning process, identifies what makes people learn most. Thorndike’s laws of readiness, exercise and effect are ably discussed.

Center for Development of Teaching and Learning, (March, 2004), 7(3) Motivation for Mandatory Courses: Student/Teacher Motivation

http://www.cdtl.nus.edu.sg/brief/pdf/v7n3.pdf

(Retrieved: 30th Nov.2007)

Abstract: Motivation is an important variable in teaching-learning process or situations. Negative motivation is discussed in positive light to produce changes in the learners, by creating positive environment

in practical steps to overcome negative motivation in teaching-learning situation.

Project-Based Learning Space

Teaching Concepts: Motivation

http://college.hmco.com/education/pbl/tc/motivate.html (Retrieved:

1stDec 2007)

Abstract: Gives meaning of motivation, factors for/against it and sug- gestions for motivating learners to learn in class. Resources for further investigation into the theories of motivational techniques for the tea- ching are discussed. The article takes into consideration the cognitive view; Need Achievement and humanistic view of motivation and the impact of it on learning, and how to motivate students to learn.

Developmental psychology-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developmental_psychology (retrieved:

2nd Dec2007)

Abstract: the website provides meaning and definition of developmen- tal psychology as that concerned with human development, focusing on progressive psychological changes that occur in human beings as they age. This spans lifelong study from infancy to adulthood. Areas like skill development and acquisition, problem-solving abilities, conceptual un- derstanding, acquisition of language, moral understanding and identity foundation are discussed.

Developmental psychology supplements/informs several other discipli- nes including educational psychology, child studies, social and cognitive development. Research methods are also included in the article.

Developmental Psychology

http://www.divpsy.org:lessons for teaching and learning developmental psychology

(Retrieved: 3rd Dec2007)

Abstract: Website give main points on developmental psychology, methods of study and the psychological changes that occur in life from infancy to adulthood and at time of death. The page is useful for general knowledge in developmental processes.

Functionalism-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/Functionalism_ (psychology) (Retrieved: 3rd Nov2007).

Abstract: Gives definition and describes what the main ideas that have been advanced by William James.

Behaviorism-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorism (retrieved: 3rd Nov 2007) Abstract: Site gives definition as being based on the preposition that all things which organisms do like acting, thinking, and feeling should be taken as behaviors, because they can be described scientifically.

Functionalism in Education

http://www.webrenovators.com/psych/Functionalism.htm (retrieved:

2nd Nov2007)

Abstract: Sites presents valuable points on how best functionalism can contribute to the practice of Education also how best children can be motivated to learn best.

Psychoanalysis-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychanalysis (retrieved: 2nd Nov2007) Abstract: Main ideas in the page are about the functions of the mind and treatment regimes. Unconscious is greatly put as the basis for symp- toms and character problems. Issues of defenses are discussed.

Relationship between Education and Psychology

Education.Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education (Retrieved: 19th Nov 2007). Abstract: Gives information on what education is all about and what ways Educational Psychology contributes to improved status of edu- cation and educational practice in general. Contributions to different

levels of schooling are explained in the site.

Classroom Management-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/classroom_management (Retrieved: 20th

Nov 2007).

Abstract: The site makes useful description of the process the teacher can take in effective good classroom management, using hints drawn from Educational Psychology so that disruptive behaviors on the part of the students are minimized.

Contemporary educational psychology/Chapter 7: Classroom Management and Learning.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Contemporary_Educational_Psychology/ Chapter _7_classroom_and_the_Learning_Environment

(Retrieved 21st Nov 2007).

Abstract: The website presents cases of disruptive behaviors and how

the teacher goes about handling them in classroom. Goes on explaining why classroom management is very important to a teacher. Concept of classroom management is elaborately tackled. Good classroom environ- ment means creation of a positive learning environment, calls attention of totality of activity, the goals and expectations as well.

Contemporary Educational Psychology/Chapter7-Wikipedia

Preventing Management Problems by focusing on Students Learning

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Contemporary_Educational_Psychology/ Chapter_7:_ Classroom_Management_and_the_Learning_Environ- ment/Preventing_Managemen t_Programs

(Retrieved: 18th Nov 2007).

Abstract: talks about possible practical steps to effectively manage classroom, avoiding problems, arranging classroom space, displays of wall space, routine and classroom rules. Many points derived from the knowledge gained from Educational Psychology.

Observational Learning-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Observational Learning

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observational_Learning

(18th Nov 2007).

Abstract: Defines this type of learning as vicarious learning, social learning, modeling. The points raised in the article are good for teachers who are keen in what their learners are doing in class or learning situa- tions.

GROUPING IN THE ESL CLASSROOM by Nor Azmil Mustafa

http://www,melta.org.my/ET/2002/wp03.htm

(Retrieved: 12th Nov 2007).

Abstract: introduces readers to the usefulness of grouping learners for improved effective teaching and learning, and assessment for teaching and class, especially the language class. A lot of the points are derived from Educational Psychology.

SKEP CLASSROOMS WHERE STUDENT RESPOSIBILIT Y AND CONTRACTING ARE PROMOTED

http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/SKEP_classroom_where_student_res- posibility_an d_contracting_are_promoted.

(Retrieved: 3rd Nov 2007).

Abstract: Summarizes how teachers can promote student responsibi- lity and use it to the advantage of students in class, and where sense of self-worth, respect and love inculcated among the students, discipline problems reduced, thus making the school become a joyous place to stay. Gives hints about establishing quality schools.