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Introduction to Psychology

Reena Sen, PhD

Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy

Kolkata

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Why a module of psychology?

You walk into the classroom. Some students stand up

immediately and are quiet; some look away as you try

to make eye contact; others continue talking as if you

were not there; some smile at you, a few look tenseand anxious.

What accounts for these differences? Why do people

behave the way they do? What makes them what they

are?

PSYCHOLOGY provides some keys to understand the

human mind and behaviour.

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Psychology is not synonymous with

problems!

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What is psychology?

By definition psychology is

A science of the psyche or soul Plato

Science of the living organasimAristotle

A science of consciousness Descartes

Science of the conscious and sub-conscious

mindLeibnitz

Science of BehaviourWatson

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Psychology as a science

It is SPECIFIC

It is based on RESEARCH

It uses SCIENTIFIC METHODS for enquiry

It Is SYSTEMATIC

Research findings are RELIABLE AND VALID -therefore, it can make certain PREDICTIONS

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Albert Einsteins observation:

It would be possible to describe

everything scientifically but it would makeno sense. It would be without meaning as

if you described a Beethoven symphony asa variation of wave pressure.

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Psychology as art

It equips you with:

the sensitivity and skill to comprehend the nuances ofthe mind and behaviour

to detect signs and signals and to respond appropriately;

to shape and influence thoughts and behaviour

to be a friend, a parent, guide and a philosopher tonurture and guide

most importantly - to hold a hand when it reaches out toyou for help or reach out even when the other hand isheld back

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Educational Psychology

Applies psychological principles and theories in thesphere of education

It focuses on how humans learn in educationalsettings and studies the effectiveness of teachingand learning and schools/colleges as pedagogicalorganisations.

The understanding of the human mind andbehaviour is seen as a channel for enhancing the

quality of teaching and learning.so that we may ensure a better today and an even

better tomorrow

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Schools of Psychology you will be

introduced to in this module Cognitive/Constructivistfocuses on the interaction

between our inner and outer environment and the processes

of attention, perception and memory; social interactions also

considered critical to learning

Behaviouristfocuses on observable behaviours and howchanging the antecedents and consequences of behaviour

leads to learning

Psychodynamicfocuses on our subconscious desires, drives

and wish fulfillment Humanisticbehaviour seen as being personal, subjectively

constructed and the manifestation of striving to fill the gap

between what is and what one wants to be

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A teacher in the making

What is a teachers work?

What are the major challenges

facing the teaching profession

these days?How does a teacher meet these

challenges?

Why is it worth being a teacher?When should a teacher stop

learning? Why?

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Analyse your attitudes!

Prejudice

Pre-conceived

notions

Poor

Expectations

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Most important

Have fun, Laugh often and heartily

Think with your heart AND your head

Allow your students to make harmless errors:to err is humanand help them to learn from

the experience

Demonstrate the highest standards for them to

be exposed to perfection

Try your best to be impartial and inclusive

Leave prejudice outside your class