Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development (Coursera)

Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development (Coursera)

This course sets out to provide an understanding of theories of learning and development and how these theories relate to educational technology. It has two components. The first is theoretical, in which we attempt to develop an overall frame of reference, locating approaches to the psychology of learning in terms of large paradigm shifts, from ‘behaviorism’ to ‘brain developmentalism’ to ‘social cognitivism’. The second component is practical, in which we will use these theoretical concepts to ‘parse’ a technology-mediated learning environment for its underlying presuppositions.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course is based on the book New Learning: Elements of a Science of Education.
This course is one of a series of eight MOOCs created by Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis for the Learning Design and Leadership program at the University of Illinois. If you find this MOOC helpful, please join us in others!

Syllabus

Week 1
COURSE ORIENTATION + Foundations of Educational Psychology
This course sets out to provide an introduction to educational psychology. It includes a variety of voices and perspectives from the College of Education at the University of Illinois. Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope offer a historical and conceptual overview of the field, classified broadly under the terms "behaviorism," "brain developmentalism," and "social cognitivism." This is followed by four quite different practical examples of educational psychology at work. Dorothy Espelage discusses her work on the social and emotional conditions of learning in her research into bullying at school. Denice Hood gives an example of the application of psychology to educational counseling. George Reese speaks about "productive struggle" in learning. And finally, Joe Robinson-Cimpian discusses the application of quantitative psychology to analyze test results for the purposes of school and curricular placement.

Week 2
Brain Developmentalism and Social Cognitivism
In this module, we explore the main theories and theorists in approaches to educational psychology that we call "brain developmentalism" and "social cognitivism."

Week 3
Social and Emotional Conditions of Learning and Student Development
This module and the following one present four leading educational psychologists from the University of Illinois demonstrating the range of applications of educational psychology. In this module, Dorothy Espelage explores the socio-emotional conditions of learning, with a particular focus on her research into bullying. Then, Denice Hood discusses student development.

Week 4
Productive Struggle in Learning and Quantitative Psychology
Two more, quite varied applications of educational psychology: George Reese discusses productive struggle, and Joe Robinson-Cimpian the application of quantitative educational psychology at a systems level.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Critical Issues in Urban Education (Coursera) Coursera
University of Chicago

Critical Issues in Urban Education (Coursera)

Urban school reform in the United States is characterized by contentious, politicized debate. This course explores a set of critical issues in the education and educational reform space, with a focus on aspects of the field that have sparked controversy and polarized views. We will dig into these debates, situating them within the larger history of public education and school reform, and considering the viewpoints, the evidence, and translation of issues into educational policy.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Psychology of Thrill Seekers (Coursera) Coursera
Emory University

The Psychology of Thrill Seekers (Coursera)

Sensation seeking is a trait we all have and includes the search for complex and new experiences. Thrill Seekers, people with high-sensation seeking personalities, crave exotic and intense experiences even when physical or social risks are involved. This course helps learners examine the remarkable world of the high-sensation seeking personality and explores the lifestyle, psychology, and neuroscience behind thrill seekers.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment (Coursera) Coursera
Indian School of Business - ISB

A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment (Coursera)

What are the determinants of a happy and fulfilling life? This is surely one of life’s biggest questions, and a question that has interested many of our ancestors. Buddha famously gave up his kingdom in search of happiness. Several Greek philosophers (from Aristotle to Epicurus and Plato to Socrates) had their own views on what it takes to be happy. And of course, we all have our own theories about happiness too.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Claves para la innovación en la docencia universitaria (Coursera) Coursera
University of Barcelona

Claves para la innovación en la docencia universitaria (Coursera)

Claves para la innovación en la docencia universitaria forma parte de la dimensión docente del proyecto TO INN sobre la innovación en las instituciones de educación superior y, se centra específicamente, en aquellas que forman a futuros maestros y maestras, aunque, por sus características, es un curso abierto a muchos públicos.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Mindshift: Transforma tu mente para superar obstáculos en el aprendizaje y descubrir tu potencial oculto (Coursera) Coursera
McMaster University

Mindshift: Transforma tu mente para superar obstáculos en el aprendizaje y descubrir tu potencial oculto (Coursera)

Mindshift es un curso diseñado para ayudarte a impulsar tu carrera profesional y tu vida personal en el mundo de cambios acelerados que vivimos hoy en día. Cualquiera que sea tu edad o etapa de formación, Mindshift te enseñará técnicas para aprovechar al máximo tu experiencia de aprendizaje en línea, estrategias para conseguir y trabajar con mentores, secretos para evitar estancamientos (y catástrofes) en tu carrera profesional, y reflexiones sobre el valor de la ignorancia selectiva y la competencia general.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Cultures et pédagogies (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Cultures et pédagogies (Coursera)

Dans ce cours, nous explorons des alternatives pédagogiques qui s'inscrivent dans des contextes historiques, culturels et politiques différents. Vous découvrirez des pédagogies et des pédagogues qui opèrent une rupture avec les approches pédagogiques dominantes de notre société. Nous verrons ensemble les fondements pratiques et théoriques des apports de pédagogues à portée internationale, tels que P. Freire (Brésil) ou J. Krishnamurti (Inde).

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Psychology of Popularity (Coursera) Coursera
University of North Carolina

Psychology of Popularity (Coursera)

The level of popularity you experienced in childhood and adolescence is still affecting you today in ways that you may not even realize. Learn about how psychologists study popularity and how these same concepts can be used in adulthood to be more successful at work, become better parents, and have a happier life.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential (Coursera) Coursera
McMaster University

Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential (Coursera)

Mindshift is designed to help boost your career and life in today’s fast-paced learning environment. Whatever your age or stage, Mindshift teaches you essentials such as how to get the most out of online learning and MOOCs, how to seek out and work with mentors, the secrets to avoiding career ruts (and catastrophes) and general ruts in life, and insights such as the value of selective ignorance over general competence.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Introducción a la Psicología (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Austral

Introducción a la Psicología (Coursera)

¿Qué es el inconsciente? ¿Qué es la autoestima? ¿Qué es el apego y cómo incide en los vínculos adultos ? ¿Cómo funciona nuestro cerebro y cómo se modifica a lo largo de la vida? En este curso se abordarán estos interrogantes y diversos temas vinculados con la Psicología desde una mirada académica y mediante el estudio de los principales autores que han realizado significativos aportes a esta ciencia.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support (Coursera) Coursera
University of Cape Town

Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support (Coursera)

Worldwide millions of children are not able to fully participate in schooling, and this is especially a problem for children with disabilities. In this course, we explore the support that teachers need in order to meet the needs of children with severe to profound hearing, visual and intellectual disabilities. We consider how this can be done by talking with a range of experts (from teachers to activists) about inclusive education as well as sharing experiences of education.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks