Main Content
Syllabus
EDPSY 421 Learning Processes in Relation to Educational Practices (3): An introduction to the empirical study of variables and conditions that influence school learning. Prerequisite: EDPSY 014 or PSY 213 (Note: These prerequisites are waived for this program.)
Overview
In this course, you will learn about the principles and mechanisms of human learning from several different theoretical perspectives.
This course is cohort-based, which means that there is an established start and end date, and that you will interact with other students throughout the course. The course consists of a textbook, lesson activities that include instructional videos (also in alternative text format), and a course website that contains communications tools.
EDPSY 421 is broken down into seven units.
Course Objectives
The objective for this course is twofold: (1) gain basic knowledge of different theories and how each accounts for human learning and (2) develop the ability to apply theoretical principles to answer questions of human learning. To achieve the first objective, you will learn how each theory defines and explains learning and the mechanisms that are believed to cause or support learning. This objective will be met initially through assigned readings and instructional videos. The second objective requires going beyond the factual foundation of each theory to think of how principles can be applied or synthesized. This objective will be met primarily through group discussion of Guiding Questions that require application or synthesis. By the end of this course, you should have not only acquired basic knowledge of each theory but also the ability to apply theoretically organized knowledge to address practical questions related to learning.
The theories that we cover in this class represent a range of perspectives. The criteria used for theory selection include empirical validation, wide-ranging utility, and educational relevance. Although we will not be able to cover all theories that meet these criteria, the set we address will give you a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
|---|---|
| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Organization
Achieving course objectives requires that we focus on both fact acquisition and application/synthesis practice. By fact acquisition, I mean that each of you will accurately learn the basic, foundational ideas of each theory. By application/synthesis, I mean that each of you will be able to flexibly apply basic ideas of each theory to answer open-ended questions.
This course is organized into seven units with each unit following a 2-week structure (there is one exception* to this structure, but that will be explained below).
The first week of each unit is the "instructional" week.
- During this week, you will complete the assigned reading and watch the set of instructional videos** included in each unit. The work you do during the instructional week will be primarily individual, but you are encouraged to post thoughts and questions to the unit discussion forum. You are also encouraged to check that discussion forum periodically to see what your classmates are asking about and to offer your thoughts.
- A set of Guided Reading Notes have been developed to support your reading of the textbook. These notes are intended to guide your attention while reading and offer clarification of some points in the text. You can access those notes inside of each unit.
- At the end of the instructional week, you will take an individual Comprehension Check quiz. These quizzes are comprised of 10 fact-level knowledge questions. You must complete this quiz to gain access to the group discussion forum for discussion of the Guiding Questions. (For more explanation of these quizzes see the assignment section below.)
The second week is the "application/synthesis" week.
- During this week, you will work with a group of classmates to answer a set of Guiding Questions based on the contents of the unit. One member of the group will be assigned responsibility for starting the discussion, organizing, and submitting the group response. (For more explanation of these Guiding Questions see the assignment section below.)
- At the end of the application/synthesis week, you will take an Individual Unit Assessment quiz. These quizzes are comprised of 15 multiple-choice questions; 10 of these questions closely parallel those completed at the end of the instructional week, five of these questions are application questions based on the content of the Guiding Questions. (For more explanation of these quizzes see the assignment section below.)
*Note that Unit 4 (Information Processing Model) and Unit 7 (Motivation) are only one week. These units contain the instructional week, but not the application/synthesis week.
**Content in the videos is also offered in an alternative text format in the lesson.
Assignments and Grading
| Assignment | Number of assignments | Percentage of grade |
|---|---|---|
| *Comprehension Check Quiz | 6 | 18% |
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Individual Assessment Quiz | 5 | 15% |
| Definition of Learning Part 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Definition of Learning Part 2 | 1 | 6% |
| Group Discussion Participation | 5 | 25% |
| Group Discussion Response | 5 | 30% |
| Question Leader Performance | 1 | 4% |
| Total | 100% |
*There are a total of seven Comprehension Check quizzes. You will drop the lowest score in the grade category when final grades are calculated.
| Letter grade | Grade-point equivalent | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | 92–100 |
| A- | 3.67 | 90–91.9 |
| B+ | 3.33 | 88–89.9 |
| B | 3.00 | 82–87.9 |
| B- | 2.67 | 80–81.9 |
| C+ | 2.33 | 78–79.9 |
| C | 2.00 | 72–77.9 |
| D | 1.00 | 61–71.9 |
| F | 0 | < 60.9 |
Assignment Details and Late Policy
You will need to stay on pace with your assignments throughout the course so that you can keep up with your group and get the most from these exchanges. The penalties for late assignments are described below. If any extenuating circumstances arise that prevent you from completing the work on time, you must get in contact with the instructor as soon as possible. Whenever possible, this contact should be initiated in advance of the deadline. If an emergency arises, you must be in contact with the instructor within the first 24 hours after a missed deadline has passed.
Individual Comprehension Check Quiz
These quizzes contain 10 multiple-choice, factual level questions. Each quiz is "closed-book" and timed. You will have 20 minutes to complete the quiz.
The purpose of these quizzes is to ensure that all students take individual responsibility for understanding the big ideas from each instructional unit before proceeding to the group discussion. Everyone must complete these quizzes before proceeding to the group activity.
To meet the objective of these quizzes, questions tap only the big ideas from each instructional week. If you read carefully, pay attention to the instructional videos/lesson content, take a set of notes on the big ideas, and review these notes, you should be sufficiently prepared for the quiz. In other words, these quizzes are not intended to require hours of memorization study!
These quizzes must be completed by 9 a.m. on Wednesday during the second week of the unit. If you have not completed the quiz by this time, access to the quiz will be closed and you will not be able to enter the group discussion for the week.
Individual Assessment Quiz
At the end of each application/synthesis week, each student will complete an individual quiz. The purpose of these quizzes is to ensure that all students take responsibility for understanding the big ideas of each unit and having a basic understanding of how theoretical principles can be applied.
- Individual Assessment quizzes are comprised of 15 multiple-choice questions.
- Ten questions will be factual-level questions. These questions parallel those given on the Comprehension Check quiz for that unit.
- To prepare for these questions, you should review the unit content that was addressed in the Comprehension Check quiz for that unit.
- Five questions will be application. For the most part, these questions present some learning scenario and require that you recognize which theoretical principle is at work. The content of these questions are derived from the content of the Guiding Questions.
- Ten questions will be factual-level questions. These questions parallel those given on the Comprehension Check quiz for that unit.
- To meet the objective of these quizzes, fact questions tap only the big ideas from each instructional week; application questions correspond to the contents of the Guiding Questions. If you prepared for the Comprehension Check quiz, reviewed that content at the end of the group discussion, and participated in the group discussion, then you should be sufficiently prepared for the quiz. In other words, these quizzes are not intended to require hours of memorization study!
Definition of Learning, Parts 1 and 2
- In this assignment, you will state and explain your definition of learning.
- The purpose of this assignment is for you to be aware of what you think learning is and to understand how your thoughts compare to those of the major theorists in the field.
- In Part 1, you will write the definition of learning that you are starting the course with. In Part 2, you will reflect on how that understanding has changed over the course of the semester.
- Part 1 is due the first week of class. You are not expected to have any specific knowledge for this response. The definition you give in Part 1 is based only on your own experiences and opinions. This response will be scored only for completion.
- Part 2 is due the final week of class. You are expected to have specific knowledge for this response. This response will be scored according to the rubric given below.
- Both Parts 1 and 2 will be completed individually.
See the scoring rubric for Definition of Learning, Part 2.
Group Discussion Participation
During application/synthesis weeks, you will participate with a group of approximately five other classmates to construct responses to a set of Guiding Questions. Your participation in this discussion is critical for achieving intended learning outcomes.
- Participation will be scored according to a rubric that captures both quantity and quality of contribution. That rubric is given in detail below.
- Quantity refers to a minimum number of expected contributions.
- Quality captures the extent to which contributions further the discussion. High quality contributions are (1) responsive to other’s message board entries and (2) include content knowledge derived from instructional content.
- A Question Leader will be assigned from each group for each discussion.
- The Question Leader is responsible for starting the weekly discussion and synthesizing contributions into a coherent response that can be submitted.
See the scoring rubric for group participation.
- Each class member will be assigned to teams close to the end of the first weekend of the course as possible.
- Team assignment will be based on the answers provided in the "Student Interest and Work Style Survey."
- Each team will have close to six members.
- Each group member will be able to access these questions and the group discussion forum in a google folder after completing the Comprehension Check quiz.
- Each group will submit a single response to the Guiding Questions. All group members will receive the same grade for the week.
The score for this category will be based on whether the group discussion was started in a timely manner and a final response was submitted on time.
Ideally, each member of each group will be given the Question Leader assignment once and only once.It is possible, however, that a group would be comprised of more than six members. In that case, two members will be assigned to a single week (one member will start the discussion and be responsible for submitting the answer to one set of questions; the second member will submit the response to the second set). Both members will still be able to receive the full 4% of the grade regardless of this assignment.
Group Discussion Responses
Each group will submit a written response to the set of Guiding Questions at the end of each application/synthesis week.
- This score is a group-based score. All group members will receive the same score on this assignment.
- Accuracy refers to the factual accuracy of each response as well as the reasonableness of fact application.
- Completeness is scored according to whether all questions are answered.
- Responses will be scored according to a rubric that captures the completeness and accuracy of each response. That rubric is described in detail below.
- Exception: A group member who has no presence or quality contributions to a given discussion will receive a "0" for that assignment. This means that in order to receive credit for the group work, an individual must have posted at least three times throughout the week and the post average quality score must be at least a "2."
See the scoring rubric for the Guiding Question Responses.
This assessment must be completed by 9 a.m. on the Wednesday that starts the next unit. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a 5% reduction of the grade; this penalty will increase by 5% for each 24-hour period that passes before the assessment is complete. This penalty will be capped at a total 25% reduction.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
Reminder of due dates:
- There is always something due on Wednesdays!
- The unit comprehension check quizzes are due by 9 a.m. ET Wednesday of Week 2 of the unit.
- The group response and individual assessment quizzes are due by 9 a.m. ET Wednesday of Week 1 of the following unit.
Unit 1
| Week 2: Application/Synthesis | Behaviorism |
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Unit 2
| Week 2: Application/Synthesis | Social Cognitive Theory |
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Unit 3
Unit 4
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Unit 5
| Knowledge | |
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Unit 6
| Strategies and Metacognition | |
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| Week 2: Application/Synthesis | Strategies and Metacognition |
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Unit 7
Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
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Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Academic Integrity
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Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
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In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
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- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.