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The aim of the course is to illustrate the contribution of psychology in understanding the formation of the personality of the child & the adolescent, i.e., the student. Sensitive issues of school education – memory, knowledge, motivation, evaluation – are addressed in order to better understand the student and to improve educational practice for the benefit of both teacher & student.
Students are expected to:
- Critically evaluate the key theoretical concepts of Personality Psychology and understand the evolution of scientific thought by becoming familiar with the main theoretical models of personality development and behavior interpretation.
- Assess the major factors that influence personality development and identity formation, with emphasis on the family and the parent-child relationship, and critically evaluate findings from contemporary research related to personality.
- Recognize the relationship between student personality and behavior and evaluate psychological concepts that can improve the teacher-student relationship.
- Understand the impact of individual differences (e.g., gender, IQ, emotional intelligence, personality, cultural diversity) on learning.
- Discuss and evaluate the contribution of research in cognitive psychology (regarding memory, problem solving, perception, attention) to teaching and learning.
- Explain the causes and effects of various student difficulties and discuss the role of the teacher within the framework of special and inclusive education.
- Understand the psycho-emotional needs of gifted children and children with special needs in order to design effective inclusion interventions.
- Deepen their knowledge regarding the role of the educational/school psychologist in diagnostic assessment, counseling, and the design of educational interventions.
- Summarize the contribution of neuroscience to the understanding of human learning.
- Use quantitative and qualitative research methods and analyses to investigate different research questions.
- Explain and critically evaluate research methods used in psychology and demonstrate competence in preparing research proposals and conducting original research.
- Demonstrate knowledge in designing and applying methods aimed at promoting children’s socio-emotional development and well-being within the school context, in collaboration with school institutions and the family.
General Competencies
- Searching, analyzing, and synthesizing data and information using the necessary technologies.
- Adaptation to new situations.
- Independent work.
- Teamwork.
- Work in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Enhancement of reflective thinking (connecting knowledge with professional practice & everyday life).
- Respect for diversity and multiculturalism.
COURSE CONTENT
- Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychology.
- Development of child & adolescent personality.
- Character, Temperament, Self-esteem, Self-concept.
- Self-realization and identity formation processes.
- Cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development of the child and adolescent.
- Theories of cognitive development in childhood and adolescence.
- Intelligence, emotional intelligence.
- Memory & learning.
- Five-Factor Personality Theory. Relationship of the five-factor model with behavior, student performance, and group processes effectiveness.
- Psychodynamic approach to child & adolescent development.
- Attachment theory and the development of child and adolescent personality. Attachment and relationships.
- Existential theory of personality.
- Positive psychology in child & adolescent development and its role in the educational process for personality formation and the enhancement of cognitive functions.
- Formation of professional identity in childhood & adolescence and the role of the family.
- Psycho-social and emotional characteristics of gifted children and children with disabilities.
- Developmental theories & disability.
- The role of school and parents in shaping children’s and adolescents’ personalities.