Speak to us +44 (0)1273 35 80 80
or Make a Booking
Confidence through competence
Course Browser

Psychology for Education30 creditsMaster of EducationOnlineValidated by Middlesex University

 

psychology for education

Psychology for Education will provide you with an understanding of different psychological theories and how they relate to educational settings. You’ll be empowered to explore and examine how positive psychology can impact your educational setting. By the end of the module, you will understand the theories underpinning your teaching approaches and “core values” and reflect on how these can be effectively harnessed to further develop your pedagogy. Through this you will build an understanding of the individual differences of learners within a learning environment and how to adapt pedagogy to support these.

This module is an optional module on our SEND and Inclusion Programme and Inclusive Educational Leadership Programmes.

Why take this module?

Choose this module and:

  • Develop an understanding of different psychological theories and how they relate to educational settings
  • Understand the individual differences of learners within a learning environment and how to adapt pedagogy to support these.
  • Understand the mediating impact of the teacher in implementing metacognitive strategies with learners
  • Explore and examine how positive psychology can impact on educational settings.
  • Understand the theories underpinning your own teaching approaches and “core values” and reflect on how these can be effectively harnessed to further develop their pedagogy.
  • Study a module that has been quality-assured by Middlesex University

How will you benefit?

This module will benefit you and your setting in a wide variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, you will:

  • Be able to turn your in-depth theoretical knowledge into actionable practical skills in educational psychology
  • Know a range of psychological theories that can be applied in the educational setting (Cognitive Psychology, Positive Psychology and Personal Construct Psychology)
  • Take on a leadership role amongst your colleagues by establishing personal strengths and how these can be utilised to support the learners, teaching team and wider development of the setting
  • Be able to identify links between the theories of psychology and individual needs in the school setting, via activities such as a structured observation in order to detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and evaluate their significance
  • Attain 30 Masters level (Level 7) credits which you can put towards a PGCert, PGDip or Master of Education on our SEND and Inclusion or Inclusive Educational Leadership Programme

Choose a start date that suits you

Cohorts begin in January, May, or September.

The next cohort begins on 15 May 2024. Book and enrol before 15 May 2024 to join our next cohort.

The module content

  • Explore the established field of positive psychology as applied to learners in an educational setting. Develop the knowledge and skills to critically apply cognitive psychology theories to your classroom practice, to explore implementing metacognitive strategies with learners via a small scale piece of classroom based research and to reflect on how pedagogy can be adapted to support individual differences.
  • Explore the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and how it contrasts with Positive Psychology in terms of using ‘deficit based’ language
  • Explores psychology applied to settings including Self-determination theory, Character Strengths; application of these strengths to self and others; and how they relate to positive teaching and learning approaches.
  • Work with colleagues to establish personal strengths within the team and how these can be utilised to support the learners, teaching team and wider development of the setting.
  • Psychology applied to the practitioner, critically reflect on your personal pedagogy and “core values”.
  • The theory underpinning Personal Construct Psychology will be explored in the context of defining views of ‘the ideal teacher’ and the purpose of education for learners.
  • Reflecting on the learning that has happened throughout the course will provide a framework for development of a personal action plan for future professional growth.

The Psychology for Education course is divided into three units. These units cover the following:

Strand 1: Explores psychology applied to learners. The aims of this unit are to equip the delegate with the knowledge and skills to critically apply cognitive psychology theories to their classroom practice, to explore implementing metacognitive strategies with learners via a small scale piece of classroom-based research and to reflect on how pedagogy can be adapted to support individual differences.

Strand 2: Explores psychology applied to settings. The aims of this unit are to develop delegates’ understanding of Positive Psychology with specific reference to Character Strengths; application of these strengths to self and others; and how they relate to a positive teaching and learning approaches. Activities are focussed on work with colleagues to establish personal strengths within the team and how these can be utilised to support the learners, teaching team and wider development of the setting.

Strand 3: Explores psychology applied to the practitioner. The aims of this unit are to critically reflect on the delegates personal pedagogy and “core values”. The theory underpinning Personal Construct Psychology will be explored in the context of defining views of ‘the ideal teacher’ and the purpose of education for learners. Reflecting on the learning that has happened throughout the course will provide a framework for the development of a personal action plan for future professional growth.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment is through coursework assignments covering the learning outcomes and will be via the presentation of a research portfolio, comprising (numbers in brackets refer to learning outcomes assessed):

Critical/Practical analysis: (1500 words)

A diagrammatic overview of the strategies, concepts, and theories relating to one area of cognitive psychology, mapping knowledge to practical approaches to support teaching in the classroom.

Practical analysis: (1500 words or 15 minutes)

A visual presentation (PowerPoint, video, a series of annotated photographs) outlining the process of engaging with a staff group to elicit character strengths and how these underpin the positive aspects of teaching in their school.

Reflective analysis: (3000 words)

A reflective analysis incorporating an evaluation of personal and professional development and an action plan for future change and growth.

Delegates, should they wish to and where a word equivalence option is given, will be encouraged to produce a portfolio of evidence including the use multimedia approaches where suitable but will not be penalised for using text-based submissions.

How is the module delivered?

  • Our courses are delivered through Campus Online, our unique provision for online learning.
  • Campus Online allows you to study at your own pace, without the need to travel, or commit to particular dates or times. Log in to access your study materials, contact your personal tutor for support, connect and network with other delegates and make use of the extensive resource library.
  • You can easily track your progress throughout the course and submit your work and evidence of assignments for feedback.

Are you eligible?

You must hold an undergraduate degree.

You will need to be working in an educational setting for this module. If you aren’t currently working in an educational setting you will need written permission from a senior member of staff to regularly access a setting. We can show you the best way to do this, enabling you to carry out our learning activities in your chosen setting. As part of this process, you will also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Visit GOV.UK for more information.

Are you based in an international setting?

This course is available online and can, therefore, be completed anywhere in the world. Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.

How much does it cost?

We offer a flexible range of fees to suit you:

  • A one-off payment of £1,495 + VAT
  • Three instalments of £523 + VAT
  • Ten instalments of £162 + VAT

For further information please visit the payment FAQ page found here.

Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.

When does the course start?

Cohorts begin in January, May, or September.

The next cohort begins on 15 May 2024. Book and enrol before 15 May 2024 to join our next cohort.

Please note: as it takes time to process your application and payment, we strongly recommend you register as soon as possible, so that you don’t miss the next intake.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The duration of this module is up to one year.

We do understand, however, that circumstances can arise that could prevent the course being completed in this time period. If this is the case, an extension can be arranged in conjunction with the admin team and your tutor.

Module Leader 

Jalak Patel

psychology for educationJalak Patel is a senior educational psychologist who has worked with families and schools in the UK and Hong Kong. She is passionate about the use of psychology in the field of education to support children and young people to achieve their goals.

Speak to us

01273 35 80 80

or Make a booking

Complete the online booking form to
enrol on one of our training courses

 

The best training available

 

Why choose Real Training? Read More