Cognitive Science 0208 - How People Learn

In recent years, as a result of interactions between cognitive psychology and education, we now have many ideas about learning, and approaches to teaching and assessment in formal and informal settings. We also have strong evidence that implementing these ideas could really improve learning for all children and youth, including those who from under- resourced communities. In this seminar we will work to understand the findings by reading and discussing a selection of theoretical works from cognitive psychology and examine their practical applications to education through discussion and time observing/assisting in a classroom, tutoring/mentoring, or partnering with a Hampshire faculty member to examine their teaching. We will also learn how to evaluate educational claims. Students will be evaluated on a series of short reaction papers, 2 longer papers, a presentation, and their general participation. This course can be used to satisfy the Educational Psychology requirement for licensure students.

Mind, Brain, and Information Writing and Research Quantitative Skills Students are expected to spend approximately 6-8 hours of preparation and work outside of class time.