Learning and Motivation

This course has an in-depth focus on questions about learning, motivation and self-concept, and gives an overview of research and theories that elicidate these constructs. These theories will be discussed in relation to school and working life. Special attention will be focused upon the characteristics of learning contexts where knowledge and skills are expected to develop. Both the lectures and literature are based on research. Particular emphasis will be put on research that shows the relation between the learning environment, self-concept and motivation, and how self-concept and motivation are influenced and developed, and what impact they have for the individuals learning outcomes. In this way the course will provide the students with a good basis for their own research and development in this area.

The students should acquire knowledge about:
- Central theories about learning, motivation and self-concept
- The importance of the learning environment for motivation, self-concept and knowledge acquisition
- Motivation and self-concept as conditions for learning and as results of learning

The students shall develop skills in:
-arguing for how these theories can be used in schools, home and working life
-analyzing different learning environments and showing how these can be improved
-thinking critically about their own behavior

Four hours of lecture per week and 2 hours of seminar per week. The mandatory written assignment should be between 5 and 7 pages (Times New Roman 12, spacing 1.5).
The deadline for submitting the written assignment: April 15th. (spring semester).
Form of assessment: 6-hour individual, written exam.

If less than 10 students sign up for the course it may be cancelled.