Psychology of Learning

Instructor:  Steven W Brown, Ph.D  

Office:  Van Ackeren 422a
Phone:   (816) 501-4039
Email:    steven.brown@rockhurst.edu   
Fax:    (816) 501-4169

Office Hours:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday  11:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 11:00 – 12:00
Thursday 2:00 – 3:00

 I am also happy to meet with you by appointment.  Call or email and let me know when you are available.
 

WebCT Site:

The webCT site for this course will be your primary resource for assignments, lecture notes and reference materials. The site can be reached at:  http://webct.rockhurst.edu

Course Description:
The concept of learning encompasses the underlying processes responsible for behavioral change due to experience.  Traditionally, basic learning processes have been studied in animals, however, this course will focus on the different ways  learning principles have be applied to modify human behavior.  We will begin by reviewing some of the concepts, principles and methods used in the study of learning.  We will then focus on how these principles have been applied to modify maladaptive human behavior.  Next, we will investigate the role of cognition in learned behavior and conclude by considering how our understanding of learning principals might be applied to improve instruction strategies. The format of the course will be lecture/discussion, video, independent projects, and various group activities.
 
Learning Objectives:
Specific learning objectives will be provided before we begin studying a particular section of material, however, below I have listed several global objectives I have for the course.  I believe a student completing this course in learning should:

Describe major historical contributions to our contemporary understanding of human learning
Identify various biological influences on human learning

• Describe basic constructs used to explain learned behavior (e.g. reinforcement, extinction, etc.)
• Use basic constructs of learning to analyze how particular behaviors are created and maintained
• Identify the learning principles underlying Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Explain cognitive models of human learning/memory
• Apply learning principles to improve instruction
• Design and implement a behavior modification program in order to modify a personal behavior pattern 

Grading        
                                                                                                                                         
Basically, three components will be used to determine your final grade in this course.  These include exams, your research project, and exercises/homework.

Exams
There will be three non comprehensive exams during the course of the semester as well as a comprehensive final exam.  If you miss an exam it is your responsibility to contact me before the following class meeting to arrange a make-up exam.

Research project
You will conduct a behavior modification project during the semester in which you will serve as the subject.  You will collect baseline and treatment data on a behavior of your choice that you would like to change.  Your project will be reported in an APA style paper research paper. You are responsible for retaining a copy of the paper you hand in to me in the event that your paper is inadvertently misplaced.

Homework
This component of your grade includes completion of behavioral contracts, outlines, practice problems, reading questions, etc. 

Rational Underlying the Assignments

1. The homework is designed to motivate you to complete assignments on time and expose you to issues and controversies in the study of learning.
2. The exams allow me to assess how well you understand the reading and lecture/discussions.
3. The research project is an opportunity for you to apply the principles we are studying to a problem of personal interest to you.  It also provides practical experience in data collection/analysis and research methodology.
4. The behavioral contracts, and outlines for the research project enable me to assist you in organizing your thoughts before data collection begins.

Final Grades
Grades will be calculated as follows:

Exams        = 60% (20% each)

Project       = 20%

Homework = 5%

Final exam  = 15%

The following grading scale will be used:

93-100% = A

90- 92%  = A-

87- 89%  = B+

83- 86%  = B

80- 82%  = B-

77- 79%  = C+

70- 76%  = C

67- 69%  = D+

60- 66%  = D

Below 59% = F

Students with Disabilities:
Rockhurst University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact Sandy Waddell in Access Services (Massman Hall, Room 7, 501.4689, sandy.waddell@rockhurst.edu) to provide documentation and request accommodations. If accommodations have already been approved by the Access Office, please communicate with the instructor(s) of this course regarding these arrangements by the second week of class in order to coordinate receipt of services.

Calendar of Events

Foundations:

Associations:

Cognitions:

Instructions: