Algonquin College
FAM1003
Psychology of Learning
Course Outline
2020-2021
- Pre-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- Carlos Pereira
- Approved by
- Jodi Jaffray, Chair, Community Studies
- Approval date
- Thursday, October 22, 2020
- Normative hours
- 40.00
- Grading system
- A+ Through F
| Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Programs | Multiple Levels | Multiple Core/Elective |
Course Description
Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments.
General Education Theme Area(s)
This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Personal Understanding
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
| EES 1 | Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| EES 2 | Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (T, A) |
| EES 4 | Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, A) |
| EES 5 | Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. (T, A) |
| EES 6 | Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (T, A) |
| EES 7 | Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A) |
| EES 8 | Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (T, A) |
| EES 9 | Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. (T, A) |
| EES 10 | Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. (T, A) |
| EES 11 | Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions and consequences. (T, A) |
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Course Learning Outcomes / Elements of Performance
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Identify ,examine and apply current theories of learning .
- Identify the key components and terminology of current learning theories.
- Examine and make comparisons across the main theories on learning.
- Connect theoretical explanations of learning behaviour to one's own behaviour and those of others.
2. Explore the historical context of learning theory and practices.
- Examine the changes that have occurred in the area of learning theory over the last 100 years.
- From historical and current perspectives link theories to educational practices.
3. Identify how theories inform teaching practices that support diversity and culture.
- Extrapolate from theories the link between culture, environments and learning.
- Discuss different cultural expectations and influences that have an impact on the learning process.
- Explain how learning theories connect to abilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
In-class Work (40%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, EES 1, EES 2, EES 4, EES 5, EES 7, EES 8, EES 9, EES 10, EES 11
Comparative Analysis (30%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, EES 1, EES 2, EES 4, EES 5, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8, EES 10
Final Exam (30%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, EES 1, EES 2, EES 5, EES 10
Learning Resources
Required Text Book:
There is no required textbook for this course.
Additional readings:
- Assigned websites
- Articles
- Class notes
Learning Activities
Weekly group based activities and discussion
Online research
Individual activities
Lectures/information sessions
In class and out of class learning activities
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- Portfolio
- Challenge Exam
Other Information
Grade Scheme
| Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value | Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value |
| A+ | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A | 85% - 89% | 3.8 |
| A- | 80% - 84% | 3.6 | B+ | 77% - 79% | 3.3 |
| B | 73% - 76% | 3.0 | B- | 70% - 72% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67% - 69% | 2.3 | C | 63% - 66% | 2.0 |
| C- | 60% - 62% | 1.7 | D+ | 57% - 59% | 1.4 |
| D | 53% - 56% | 1.2 | D- | 50% - 52% | 1.0 |
| F | 0% - 49% | 0 | FSP | 0 | 0 |
Course Related Information
Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.
Program Information
Department Information
STUDENT SUCCESS SPECIALIST
The Faculty Student Success Specialist is Tony Mendes in room J117. Tony may also be reached at telephone extension 6091 or by e-mail at mendest@algonquincollege.com.
RESPECT FOR CONFIDENTIALITY
Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer, client and/or patient information, interactions and practices that occur either on Algonquin College premises, or at an affiliated clinical/field/co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients, patients and/or employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated field/clinical/co-op placement supervisor so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publically either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums. These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.
MODES OF INSTRUCTION
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities.
TEST CENTRE
Students who miss a test or examination due to unforseeable circumstances may be eligible to write the test or examination on a different date. This is at the discretion of the Professor and program team. If students are granted permission then the test or examination will be conducted at the Test Centre. Students are responsible for making an appointment at the Test Centre in a timely fashion and informing the Professor of the date and time. A $30.00 administration fee will be charged which is the responsibility of the student.
CRIMINAL CHECK POLICY
“The School of Health & Community Studies advises that any student who has been convicted of an offense under the Criminal Code for which he/she has not been pardoned or have a notable offence cited is required to disclose this fact to the potential field agency prior to the onset of field placement. The Field agencies and student will then be required to sign a letter of agreement indicating that the agency is accepting the student in field placement with full knowledge of the fact. In the event that all field agencies refuse to accept the student in placement, the department will assist the student in exploring other College program choices.”
POLICY ON CONDUCT
Students in the department of Community Studies are expected to make themselves familiar with this policy to conduct themselves accordingly. College Directive SA07 refers.
FAILURE POLICY
Students may only attempt a communities studies course three times at Algonquin College. Students require the permission of the Chair of Community Studies to take a course for a third time at Algonquin College. If they are not successful on their third attempt they will be withdrawn from the program of study.
ACADEMIC PROBATION AND LEARNING CONTRACT
If you are experiencing serious difficulties your academic advisor will sit down with you and review the recommendations of the promotion and evaluation committee regarding your overall performance.
Academic Probation is used to give you clear information about what grade point average or what overall performance you must meet in order to be allowed to continue in the program. Students who have two of more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below 1.7 are considered to be on academic probation (Directive AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract are withdrawn from the program.
Learning Contracts are used to give you specific feedback on areas you must directly address to meet the criteria for proceeding in your program. A learning contract is based on the recommendations of the promotion and evaluation committee. The purpose of the contract is to identify clearly for you the conditions for your continuance in the program.
The Faculty Student Success Specialist is Tony Mendes in room J117. Tony may also be reached at telephone extension 6091 or by e-mail at mendest@algonquincollege.com.
RESPECT FOR CONFIDENTIALITY
Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer, client and/or patient information, interactions and practices that occur either on Algonquin College premises, or at an affiliated clinical/field/co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients, patients and/or employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated field/clinical/co-op placement supervisor so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publically either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums. These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.
MODES OF INSTRUCTION
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities.
TEST CENTRE
Students who miss a test or examination due to unforseeable circumstances may be eligible to write the test or examination on a different date. This is at the discretion of the Professor and program team. If students are granted permission then the test or examination will be conducted at the Test Centre. Students are responsible for making an appointment at the Test Centre in a timely fashion and informing the Professor of the date and time. A $30.00 administration fee will be charged which is the responsibility of the student.
CRIMINAL CHECK POLICY
“The School of Health & Community Studies advises that any student who has been convicted of an offense under the Criminal Code for which he/she has not been pardoned or have a notable offence cited is required to disclose this fact to the potential field agency prior to the onset of field placement. The Field agencies and student will then be required to sign a letter of agreement indicating that the agency is accepting the student in field placement with full knowledge of the fact. In the event that all field agencies refuse to accept the student in placement, the department will assist the student in exploring other College program choices.”
POLICY ON CONDUCT
Students in the department of Community Studies are expected to make themselves familiar with this policy to conduct themselves accordingly. College Directive SA07 refers.
FAILURE POLICY
Students may only attempt a communities studies course three times at Algonquin College. Students require the permission of the Chair of Community Studies to take a course for a third time at Algonquin College. If they are not successful on their third attempt they will be withdrawn from the program of study.
ACADEMIC PROBATION AND LEARNING CONTRACT
If you are experiencing serious difficulties your academic advisor will sit down with you and review the recommendations of the promotion and evaluation committee regarding your overall performance.
Academic Probation is used to give you clear information about what grade point average or what overall performance you must meet in order to be allowed to continue in the program. Students who have two of more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below 1.7 are considered to be on academic probation (Directive AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract are withdrawn from the program.
Learning Contracts are used to give you specific feedback on areas you must directly address to meet the criteria for proceeding in your program. A learning contract is based on the recommendations of the promotion and evaluation committee. The purpose of the contract is to identify clearly for you the conditions for your continuance in the program.
College Related Information
Email
Algonquin College provides all full-time students with an e-mail account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course events. It is your responsibility to ensure that you know how to send and receive e-mail using your Algonquin account and to check it regularly.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning to identify your needs. Ideally, this should be done within the first month of your program, so that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be provided to your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please refer to college policy AA21.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere to these standards as part of the learning process. Academic work submitted by a student is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented by the student is his or her own, unless designated otherwise. The College’s Policies AA18: Academic Dishonesty and Discipline and AA20: Plagiarism seeks to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding the values of academic integrity.
In some courses, online proctoring may be used. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/
Student Course Feedback
It is Algonquin College’s policy to give students the opportunity to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices is disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements – New for 2020-21
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current information at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/
Algonquin College provides all full-time students with an e-mail account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course events. It is your responsibility to ensure that you know how to send and receive e-mail using your Algonquin account and to check it regularly.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning to identify your needs. Ideally, this should be done within the first month of your program, so that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be provided to your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please refer to college policy AA21.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere to these standards as part of the learning process. Academic work submitted by a student is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented by the student is his or her own, unless designated otherwise. The College’s Policies AA18: Academic Dishonesty and Discipline and AA20: Plagiarism seeks to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding the values of academic integrity.
In some courses, online proctoring may be used. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/
Student Course Feedback
It is Algonquin College’s policy to give students the opportunity to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices is disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements – New for 2020-21
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current information at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/