SEED 4556
Classroom Applications of Educational Psychology
Conceptual Framework: Professionals of the 21st Century.
Course Description:
This course introduces students to educational psychology as a research oriented
discipline and a science with practical application in the classroom. The emphasis will be
on research-based theory and practice applied to the improvement of teaching and
learning. The course requires students to apply the theories and principles to instructional
planning, to the selection of alternative models of instruction, to the formulation of a plan
for classroom management, and to the design and use of assessment techniques.
Statement of Prerequisites:
All students must be admitted to Stage II or have permission from the Dean of Education.
Textbook and Required Materials:
1. Eggen, P. & Kauchak, D. (2007): Windows on classrooms: Educational
psychology (8th ed.). Columbus, OH: Prentice-Hall.
2. Textbook from classes you will be working with in the public schools or a
freshman- level textbook in your subject area.
3. Your RAP Project from SEED 3554, and in addition for PE majors, your PE
4103 Summative Report from your practicum experience (Principles and Methods of
Adapted Physical Education).
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
 Define and explain how theories and principles of educational psychology may
improve teaching and learning (Standards 5.1.1,5.2.1,5.3.1)
 Explain the role of educational research as a process for improving teaching and
learning (Standards 5.1.2,5.2.1, 5.3.2)
 Define and explain cognitive development and explain the theories of Piaget,
Vygotsky, and the Information Processing Model (Standards 3.1.1, 3.1.6,
3.1.7,3.1.8, 3.3.1)
 Compare and contrast behavioral and cognitive theories of learning and explain
how each may be applied to classroom situations (Standards 1.1.4, 1.2.2, 3.1.3,
3.1.5,3.2.6)
 Define and explain the concept of motivation from the behaviorist, cognitive and
humanistic perspective, and design appropriate motivational techniques based on
these theories (Standards 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.3, 3.3.4, 4.3.5)
 Identify the characteristics of effective teachers and explain how these
characteristics may lead to effective teaching and learning in the classroom
(Standards 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 4.3.2)
1







Understand, construct, and use, both formal and informal assessments based on
stated objectives (Standards 2.1.7, 2.2.6, 2.3.9, 2.3.10:Pathwise Domains
A2,A5)
Discuss and demonstrate the use of appropriate teaching strategies, including the
use of technology, in the classroom (Standards 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.3.8: Pathwise
Domain A4)
Discuss student diversity and demonstrate planning for classroom instruction with
emphasis on meeting the needs of a diverse student population common to most
secondary classrooms (Standards 1.1.2, 1.2.3, 1.3.6, 2.2.4, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3,
4.1.4, 4.3.3)
Write a unit plan focused on appropriate Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks,
demonstrating your understanding of all components of lesson planning, a variety
of teaching strategies, assessment and evaluation procedures, use of technology,
and strategies for planning for diverse students. (Standards 1.1.3, 1.2.4, 1.3.3,
1.3.4, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.2, 2.3.1, 2.3.4, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 3.1.4, 3.3.4, 3.3.5,
3.3.6: Pathwise Domains A1 – A5, B1 – B5, C1 – C5, D1, D2)
Create a classroom management plan appropriate for your discipline area
(Standard 3.1.2)
Demonstrate lesson presentation skills including, but not limited to , focus,
advance organizers, questioning, lecture, discussion, cooperative learning, guided
activities and closure (Standard 1.2.1, 3.1.4, 3.3.2, 3.3.4, 3.3.5: Pathwise
Domains A1 – A5, B1 –B5, C1 – C5)
Demonstrate effective communication skills through reading, writing, speaking,
and listening (Standards 1.3.9, 2.3.5, 4.2.2: Pathwise Domains A2, B3, C1, C2)
Course Requirements: (Focused on knowledge and performance)
Class Attendance
Examinations
Teaching Unit
10 Hours of Classroom Observation
Two Taped Lessons with Appropriate Critiques
Classroom Management Plan
Other tasks which may be assigned
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to attend all classes and participate fully. (See attendance policy.)

Examinations--two tests and a final (300 points) (100 points each)

Teaching Unit--A teaching unit in your discipline area will be developed. (300
points) (The lessons will support the unit plan objective(s) and include appropriate
Arkansas Curriculum Framework Standards. The unit will include one traditional and
2
one performance assessment developed based upon a planned lesson or unit
objective(s) and Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks.). Assessments must be created
by you and cannot be from a test bank or preprinted exam.

Observation/Teaching Experience— A secondary classroom in your discipline area
will be assigned to you (for some of you, an elementary or middle-level classroom
may be used) in order to observe, complete case study activities, and teach two
videotaped lessons. This experience should consist of a minimum of ten hours. After
Mrs. Lawson assigns you to your school and teacher, you will need to contact your
teacher at the school and make an appointment to meet and work out a schedule for
your observations and activities. You must also arrange for the two lessons that you
teach to be videotaped.
 You will receive feedback on the first lesson from your college professor
while viewing the videotape together. You must view the videotape prior to
this meeting and provide all materials used in the lesson including the lesson
plan.
 The second lesson will be evaluated by your professor, but you will receive
your materials after completion of the evaluation. After teaching your second
lesson, you should submit the following to your professor: lesson plan, a
videotape of the lesson being taught, and a 5-7 page self-evaluation of the
lesson. The classroom teacher will also complete an evaluation of the
classroom experience using an evaluation form mailed to them by Mrs.
Lawson’s office. (200 points)

Classroom Management Presentation/Plan– (100 points)

Other quizzes, readings, etc. as assigned (0-150 points)
Please Observe the Following Guidelines:
 All assignments must be typed (with the exception of the note cards).
 Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of a decrease in a letter grade.
 Late assignments must be completed within one week after the due date to
receive credit.
 No assignment will be accepted two weeks or more after its due date.
 No assignments will be accepted after the final examination.
 A missed examination is considered a late assignment.
Assignment of Grades:
All assignments will be graded and returned with a percentage grade. Every effort will be
made to return exam papers and assignments at the next class meeting.
Grades will be Assigned Based on the Following:
90 -100 %
A
89 - 80 %
B
79 - 70 %
C
3
69 – 60 %
D
Class Absences
 Students who miss two classes are sent a warning letter and are dropped from the
class upon the third absence. For emergency absences please refer to the Arkansas
Tech University Webpage under the Student Services link (www.atu.edu).
Plagiarism and Other Academic Misconduct
 Any student found to have committed academic misconduct including, but not
limited to cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty is subject
to the disciplinary sanction outlined in the current Arkansas Tech Undergraduate
Catalog,
 Plagiarism is defined as “to take and use ideas, passages, etc. from another’s work
representing them as one’s own”. (Random House Webster’s Dictionary).
Disability Information
Information concerning accommodation may be obtained from Disability Services
located in Tomlinson Hall on the ATU campus. The website address to learn more about
these services is http://commed.atu.edu/commend/Disabilites.htm. IT IS THE
STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY DISABILTY SERVICES FOR
ACCOMODATION PURPOSES. No accommodation will be made in lieu of individual
disabilities without communication from Disability Services to the Professor.
Incomplete Grade Contract
An “I” at the end of any semester may be assigned only under the following conditions:
 A grade of incomplete is appropriate ONLY in situations where the student has an
illness of other circumstances beyond the student’s control, and has completed at
least seventy-five percent of the course requirements, provided work already
completed is of passing quality. If a grade of “I” is assigned, the student and
instructor, together, will complete and sign the contract.
 The signed contract must be attached to the final grade sheet if a grade o “I” is
assigned, and is only valid if both parties have signed.
 If the remaining course requirements are not completed and final “C” grade
reported by the end of the next regular semester (fall or spring) the grade will be
automatically changed to a grade of “F” for grade and grade purposes.
4