Course Title
PSY 682: COGNITION AND INSTRUCTION II

Course Overview
This course assumes basic knowledge of cognitive and instructional theory and focuses on research and advanced topics in development, cognition and instruction, subject matter, and social and cultural contexts of learning. It is designed to prepare students for research in these areas.

Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of research issues in learning, cognition, and instruction.

Students in this course will meet the following objectives:

• To understand advanced issues in research on cognition and instruction.
• To understand research in the social and cultural contexts of cognition and instruction.
• To review and investigate research a specific topic or subject matter area in cognition and instruction.
• To provide the basis for a substantive research proposal for a specific topic in cognition and instruction.

Course Content
The following topics will be addressed:
• Research conducted in authentic learning settings, including K-12 traditional classrooms, schools designed for specific purposes such as the development of delayed learners, the use of technology in learning settings, and the enhancement of learning in mathematics and science.
• Theory and research methods in cultural psychology
• Instructional implications of cultural and sociohistorical views.

Expectations for Students
Students will complete the course weekly readings, actively participate in on-line class discussion, produce substantive written reflections of course topics and readings, and produce a well researched review of the literature or a research proposal.

Connections to CLTW Core Values
Diversity and equity issues are inherent in the nature of cognition, learning and teaching, and this course emphasizes research and theory focusing on the cultural aspects of learning and cognition. Since the course topics are discussed in the context of the students’ experiences and specific research interests, each student’s individual pedagogical and content knowledge is enhanced. Students read reviews, summaries, and original research in learning and cognition with a particular emphasis on cultural contexts, and share their work with each other to enhance community building and foster leadership.