Module: Psychology 1: Learning & Motivation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychology 1: Learning & Motivation
Module Code	HDE1016 (ITS: HD211)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will support you to engage with psychological theory and research in learning and motivation. The module will present key influential studies alongside contemporary and cross-disciplinary understanding of how humans are motivated and how they learn across a range of formal and informal contexts. The aims of the module are; 1. to develop your understanding and critical awareness of the major theories of learning and motivation in human development; 2. to support students to source and engage with academic sources in the development of their own learning, and 3. to develop students ability integrate and synthesise learning and communicate their learning through a variety of formats.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand and critically evaluate the key concepts and controversies at the forefront of learning and motivation.
2. Reflect on and analyse themes and concept of relevance to learning contexts through the application of psychological theory and research.
3. Integrate and synthesise research and theory on the broad themes in learning and motivation.
4. Develop competency in communication and presentation of selected materials through different formats.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	16	No Description
Workshop	8	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10469	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ashling Bourke	Module Teacher	Paul Downes

Section Breakdown
CRN	11906	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	n/a	60%	n/a
Completion of online activity	n/a	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None