EDUC 755 : Social Psychology of the Classroom

Education and Social Work

2024 Semester One (1243) (30 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A critical examination of key social psychological constructs as they relate to the classroom, student-teacher relationships and learning. Topics such as motivation, stereotyping, class climate, teacher expectation, and teacher and student self-beliefs will be explored in order to critically challenge current teaching practices. Through systematic inquiry students will be expected to identify ways in which a problem of practice can be addressed.

Course Overview

This course is designed for all teachers, and newly qualified graduates interested in deepening their understanding of the social psychology of the classroom.
The course offers an opportunity to critically engage with literature informing social psychological dynamics and processes considered fundamental to learning and teaching.
Discussion of practical implications of current research is facilitated in class and in online forums, and a well-supported research design experience is provided, offering the opportunity to develop skills needed for independent postgraduate study.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication
Graduate Profile: Master of Education

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand key social psychological theories and constructs as they relate to the classroom (Capability 3.1 and 4.1)
  2. Critically discuss how key social psychological constructs impact on student-teacher relationships and learning (Capability 3.2, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2 and 6.1)
  3. Critically examine both the processes and outcomes of social psychological research (Capability 4.3)
  4. Intelligently discuss the relevance of social psychological research for classroom practice (Capability 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3 and 6.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Literature Review 30% Individual Coursework
Online Discussion Forum 10% Individual Coursework
Student-led seminar 10% Group Coursework
Research Proposal 50% Group & Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Literature Review
Online Discussion Forum
Student-led seminar
Research Proposal

All course assessment components must be attempted and a mark of at least 50% for the course overall must be achieved to constitute a pass.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 30 point course and students are expected to spend 20 hours per week involved in each 30 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 3 hours of lectures 5 hours of reading and thinking about the content and up to 12 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation, on a regular weekly basis with more investment in time needed in preparation for assignments.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled lectures to complete components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including seminars will be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events including group discussions.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable delivery.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

More time to share ideas as part of the lectures.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.