190123 PS Individual and Development (2018S)

The aim of the course is to discuss different understandings of learning and their implications for viewing schooling and instruction based on relevant and exemplary literature. Beside classical models of learning psychology (like behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism) also approaches from the traditional German Didaktik will be discussed. The main emphasis will be placed on academic learning in the context of the class. Additional focuses will be set on school transitions and the related relations with changes of learning motivation, the attitudes according to school, the academic self-concept and the relations to equity in the context of schooling. The seminar will give an insight into actual empirical studies of school and educational research with emphasis on the educational pathways of students and the importance for school transitions. This will be completed by discussing the used research methods of the empirical studies and the possibilities but also limitations for their application in this research sector. The purpose of this course is to encourage students to write a seminar paper based on scientific literature and theoretical analysis.