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.
Choose this module and:
This module will benefit you and your setting in a wide variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, you will:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
We offer a flexible range of fees to suit you:
For further information please visit the payment FAQ page found here.
Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.
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.
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.
Jalak 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.