Human Learning

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate those models by identifying specific strengths and weaknesses
• Understand some areas of application for those models
• Understand some current models of learning
• Outline their historical development
• Be able to effectively communicate complex materials in writing (assessed) and in presentation (not assessed)

Coverage will include aspects of classical and operant conditioning, decision making, and reasoning. Simple mathematical models of these processes will be introduced and the interplay between theory development and experimental evidence will be explored.

Areas of application will also be considered, for example, how can addiction be understood in terms of classical and operant conditioning? Teaching methods employed include seminars, experimental demonstrations, private study, and student group work.

• Contact Hours: 22 hours
• Private Study Hours (Recommended): 128 hours

The course is delivered in a weekly double lecture slot for one semester, excluding the final reading week. Microsoft Teams will be used to host the sessions if face-to-face sessions are not permitted. The module is supported by a Blackboard website which includes course outline, reading list, handbook, lecture slides, video materials, external links, and other resources.

1. Seminars: Students will be provided with a series of seminars which introduce relevant material for each of the three major parts of the course a) foundations (conditioning and associative learning), b) advanced topics (cognition and reasoning), and c) applications (e.g. skill acquisition, education, addiction).

2. Experiment demonstrations: Classroom demonstrations of simple experiments are used at several points in the course to introduce topics and illustrate particular points. The results are presented and used to introduce/highlight key topics.

3. Worksheets: Classroom sessions using simple worksheets to show the mathematical workings of learning models.

4. Group work: Classroom and homework activities e.g. worksheets will be carried out in groups to give students experience of working together and learning from their peers.

5. Private study will be required to prepare for classroom sessions and assessments. Key papers will be identified to provide starting points for private study.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.