HUDK 4015.010 - Psychology of Thinking

Lisa Tsuei, Instructor in Cognitive Studies, Department of Human Development, Teachers College Columbia University (NY)
3 credits for Groups 1-16/ On-line OOPs course
Letter Grade (for P/F option please contact the instructor)

Dates	Discussion Meeting Days at TC
Course starts: May 20 Course ends: July 29	Meeting 1: Sun June 13th (times by mutual agreement) Meeting 2: Sat July 3rd (times by mutual agreement) Meeting 3: Sun July 18th (times by mutual agreement)

Course Description

This course examines cognitive psychology theories and research about various kinds of thinking, what each kind is best suited for, and problems people have with it. Also it examines the best ways of learning from each kind of thinking and critically examines the various thinking skills curricula that have been proposed.

Format: The Platform for this course is Blackboard. There is a tutorial for this at http://dlp.tc.columbia.edu/learner/blackboard_platform.html This course is completely asynchronous (does not require the learner to be online on any specific day or time); however, it does follow a weekly schedule.

Required Computer Plug-ins: Adobe Acrobat Reader

Course Objectives

To develop criteria for evaluating the various genres of children's literature.
To become aware of theories of response to literature
To develop an appreciation of the range of books that focus on global issues.
To learn a variety techniques for broadening and deepening response to literature.
To consider issues relating to authentic depiction of world cultures in children's books.
To learn to develop curriculum plans that incorporate good literature into global studies.

TEXTBOOKS

Garnham and Oakhill (1994) Thinking and Reasoning. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Publishers.
Nisbett, R. (1993) Rules for Reasoning. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Finke, R. (1990) Creative Imagery. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Recommended (but not required) TEXTBOOK

Mayer, R. (1992) Thinking, Problem Solving and Reasoning. 2nd Edition. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company

BIO

Ms. Tsuei obtained her Bachelor of Science Psychology from the University of Washington, and an M.Ed in Education from the University of Washington. Research and scholarly interests cover Mental Model theory related to the development of scientific reasoning of complex systems by middle school students, the use of computers, the use of the internet and simulation software in the classroom, and gender issues in Mathematics and Science.