Course Duration: 3 hours. ---
Educational Psychology Notes
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1. Introduction to Educational Psychology
Definition: The scientific study of human behavior in educational settings.
Focus: How people learn, what motivates them, and how teachers can enhance learning.
Importance:
Helps teachers understand learners’ needs.
Improves teaching strategies.
Aids in classroom management.
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2. Human Growth and Development
Stages of Development:
Infancy (0–2 years): sensory and motor development.
Childhood (3–12 years): language, thinking, social skills.
Adolescence (13–19 years): identity, peer influence, emotional changes.
Principles:
Development is continuous.
Follows a sequence (head-to-toe, simple-to-complex).
Individual differences exist.
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3. Learning Theories
Behaviorism (Skinner, Pavlov): Learning through conditioning and reinforcement.
Cognitivism (Piaget, Bruner): Learning as active mental processing.
Constructivism (Vygotsky): Learners build knowledge through interaction.
Social Learning (Bandura): Learning through observation and imitation.
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4. Motivation and Learning
Intrinsic Motivation: Comes from within (curiosity, interest).
Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by external rewards (grades, praise).
Maslow’s Hierarchy: Basic needs ? Safety ? Love ? Esteem ? Self-actualization.
Strategies to Motivate Learners: Rewards, engaging lessons, setting goals.
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5. Personality and Individual Differences
Personality: A set of traits and behaviors unique to each person.
Theories:
Freud (Psychodynamic) ? unconscious drives.
Trait theory (Eysenck, Big Five).
Intelligence: IQ, Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner).
Creativity: Ability to generate new and useful ideas.
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6. Measurement and Evaluation
Measurement: Assigning numbers to abilities (e.g., test scores).
Evaluation: Judging the worth of performance.
Good Test Qualities: Reliability, Validity, Objectivity.
Types of Evaluation:
Formative (during learning).
Summative (end of learning).
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7. Research Methods
Quantitative: Surveys, experiments, statistics.
Qualitative: Case studies, interviews, observations.
Steps: Identify problem ? Review literature ? Collect data ? Analyze ? Report.
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8. Classroom Management
Purpose: Create an environment conducive to learning.
Techniques: Clear rules, positive reinforcement, group management, fairness.
Discipline: Should correct behavior, not punish.
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9. Educational Guidance and Counseling
Guidance: Helping learners make academic and career choices.
Counseling: Helping learners solve personal and emotional problems.
Role of Teacher: Identify learners’ needs, refer cases when necessary.
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10. Exceptional Learners
Gifted Learners: Above average, need enrichment.
Slow Learners: Below average, need extra help.
Learners with Disabilities: Physical, emotional, or learning disabilities.
Principle: Inclusive education – all learners have a right to learn.