Developmental and educational psychology (2014/2015)

Learning outcomes

The course is focused on learning processes, referring to the the main theoretical approaches of developmental psychology, according to a life course perspective, and educational psychology, and to related methods. Learning will be analysed in relation to other fundamental constructs, such as development, motivation, self-regulation, problem-solving.

Introduction to developmental psychology and educational psychology.
Research methods.
Developmental psychology:
- cognitive development
- communicative-linguistic development
- emotional development
- social development.
Educational psychology:
- learning according to behaviouristic approach
- learning according to cognitive approach
- learning according to Piaget and Vygotskij
- learning according to post-piagetian and post-vygotskijan approaches
- didactic strategies
- learning and technology
- motivation: theoretical approaches, achievement goals, social goals, self-determination theory, learning and emotions, self, self-efficacy, self-regulation
- quality of learning
- learning in different contexts.

Texts for the exam:
1) Barone, L. (2009). Manuale di psicologia dello sviluppo. Roma: Carocci Editore (chapters 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – except parts on atypical development).
2) Ligorio, M. B., & Cacciamani, S. (2013). Psicologia dell’educazione. Roma: Carocci Editore (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 16).
3) Boscolo, P. (2012). La fatica e il piacere di imparare. Psicologia della motivazione scolastica. Torino: UTET (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8).

Written exam with multiple-choice questions, eventually associated with an oral exam, from the summer session of the academic year 2014-2015 (until the previous winter session, written exam with open questions, eventually associated with an oral exam).