Developmental Psychology and Educational Practice

Note: This 8-credit program will meet from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. First class Spring Quarter will meet in Sem 2 E1107.

How does knowledge of attachment and developmental theory change our understanding of what happens in schools and in families? What understanding of developmental psychology should anyone involved in education have? What understanding of the psychology of learning and the structure of schools should any one in mental health and human service professions have? How do traditional educational structures and practices relate to what we now know about learning, development, and brain function?

Through seminars, small group exercises, intensive writing, and a variety of texts, we will explore, among other topics, the psychobiology of learning and development, the psychological and cultural structures of language learning, and how to increase our empathic communication skills. Students will explore their own histories in families and in schools as a way to reach a deeper understanding of key concepts.

This upper-division program studies developmental and educational themes with a particular focus on the development of children and adolescents within family and school structures. Sophomores who wish to enroll will need faculty signature, based on demonstrating upper-division reading and writing skills.