General Information

• Name: Principles of Educational Psychology
• Discipline: Psychology (PSY)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

• Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Introduces the application of psychology principles of learning and cognitive development.

II: Course Objectives

The course objectives have been aligned with the recommended outcomes from the American Psychological Association and the WNC requirements for sophomore level general education courses. The outcomes students are expected to attain are:

• Knowledge of the major theories of learning.
• Familiarity with research-based best practices for instruction and assessment.
• Clear understanding of the role of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional processes that impact learning, especially learning in classrooms.
• Ability to apply the models of learning, instruction, and assessment to optimize the educational process.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

Educational Psychology can be used for all degrees and certificates of achievement offered at WNC. It is most strongly linked to missions for general education and the two primary transfer degrees, AA and AS. This course helps meet the AA and AS student learning outcomes by helping prepare students to transfer successfully to baccalaureate degree programs.

General Education Program Outcomes Linkage

Students in child development are expected to demonstrate they are making progress toward meeting four of the general education student learning outcomes:

• College-level skills in reading and writing, and oral communication.
• Understand and apply social science principles.
• Problem-solving, creative, and critical thinking skills.
• Understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity, and ethics in child development.