Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Theories of Learning (Online)

PSY 4330-31I

Course: PSY 4330-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PSY
CRN: 32983

Course Description

The study of major learning theories that contribute to the understanding of learning. Emphasis will be given to the application of these theories to the learning process. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): PSY 1010 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Ormrod, Jeanne (2020) Human Learning, 8th edition. Pearson

Learning Outcomes

1. Critical thinking – By the end of the semester you will learn how to apply basic critical thinking skills to developmental psychology, specifically in evaluating theories related to human development.
2. Integrative Learning – By the end of the semester you will be able to make connections between what you are learning in the classroom and how this knowledge can be applied in the real world.  
3. Communication – Through discussions and writing assignments, students will practice expressing their opinions and ideas in a professional, constructive manner. 

Course Requirements

Chapter Questions 60 points
Surveying a chapter is a great way to prepare for learning the content. For each chapter covered, you will be asked to submit 5 self-generated questions.  All Chapter Questions will be turned in via Canvas.  Chapter Questions will be based on the SQ4R learning method, which include the following steps:
o   Survey
▪          Get a general overview of the chapter and the contents. Read the headings and the photo captions, along with a concept map if available.  
o   Question
▪          From your scan, begin to formulate questions you are interested in learning about from each major section of the chapter
o   Read
▪          Read with a purpose…to answer your questions
o   Relate
▪          Relate or apply the content of the chapter to something relevant to you, your experiences, your professional aspirations, your other classes, etc.
o   Recite
▪          Verbalize and articulate what you have discovered through your learning…instruct someone else what you have learned
o   Review
▪          Review your chapter one more time to help solidify your learning
The Chapter Question assignment comprises the second step of the model. From there, you are recommended to read the chapter fully, relate the material to your interests or previous knowledge, recite the material, and review the material before we move on to the next chapter. The list of questions is worth 5 points.  You are responsible for tracking when questions are due on Canvas.  Should any transmission error occur, you must alert the instructor before the question deadline.
 
Syllabus Quiz 10 points
Easiest points ever! Once you have reviewed this syllabus, take the quiz posted on Canvas. This will ensure you understand the components of the course and the important policies. 
 
Self-Reflection: 15 Points
In this assignment you will respond to a few brief written prompts to reflect on your learning process and knowledge about learning. This assignment has two components; one during the first week of courses and one at the end. The first component of the assignment is worth 5 points, the second component is worth 10 points. 
 
Chapter Quizzes 45 points (9 Quizzes x 5 points each)
After completing a chapter, students will be assigned a brief reading quiz.  The reading quiz is a low-stakes activity that will assess students’ understanding of material.  There are 10 quizzes scheduled, the lowest quiz score will be dropped.
 
Discussion Board Assignment 20 points 
There will be discussion board activities frequently throughout the course.  The topics will vary depending on the content in the course. Specific instructions will be posted within each discussion board. When assigned, be sure to complete the discussion board activity by the deadline. 
 
Exams 150 points (50 points for each of 3 exams)
There will be 3 exams during the semester.  These exams are all available online and students must complete the exam by the deadline. The exam will be open for approximately one week, students must take the exam within this timeline. No late exams are offered. Exams are timed; students must complete the exam in one session so be sure to take the exam during a time where you will not face interruptions. Students must complete exams independently. Students who provide information about exam material, or receive information about exam material, will be subject to procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy (SUU 6.33). Students with disabilities who are eligible for accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor to make arrangements.
 
Meaningful Learning Project: 30 Points 
This assignment will focus on cognitive factors that impact long-term memory. You will choose a meaningful learning strategy and develop a plan to apply this to your daily life for approximately one week. At the end of the week, you will write a summary of your experience. This assignment is divided into two parts. In the first part, you will develop and submit the Meaningful Learning Plan. In the second part, you will submit the Meaningful Learning Summary. Further description will be posted on Canvas. 
 
Learning Analysis Paper: 25 Points
You will reflect on your own study habits and contrast how these behaviors reflect your personal epistemology and specific learning beliefs about learning. This is not intended to be a diagnostic or definitive analysis, but an opportunity to apply the material to your own learning and develop a deeper understanding of metacognitive theories.  Further information will be posted on canvas. Approximately 2-3 pages.

Course Outline

 | TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS AND ACTIVITIES   (Subject to change with advance notice)
| Week | Date Module Opens | Chapter | Topic | Module Assignment (Due dates posted on Canvas)
| 1 | 8/27   |   | Intro and Syllabus   | Syllabus Quiz Discussion Board Self-Reflection Part 1 
| 2 | 9/1 | Chapter 3 | Behaviorist Views of Learning  | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz 
| 3 | 9/8 | Chapter 4   | Application of Behaviorist Principles | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz Discussion Board 
| 4 | 9/15 | Exam 1: Chapters 3-4: This exam will close on 9/20 @ 11:59pm MST  
 | 5 | 9/22 | Chapter 5   | Social Cognitive Theory | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz 
 | 6 | 9/29 | Chapter 6   | Cognitive Views of Learning | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz 
 | 7 | 10/6 | Chapter 7   | Long-Term Memory | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz Meaningful Learning Plan
 | 8 | 10/13 | Chapter 8   | The Nature of Knowledge | Chapter Questions Discussion Board Chapter Quiz Meaningful Learning Summary
 | 9 | 10/20 | Exam 2: Chapters 5-8:  This exam will close on 10/25 @ 11:59pm MST                       
 | 10 | 10/27 | Chapter 9   | Cognitive-Developmental Perspectives | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz 
 | 11 | 11/3 | Chapter 10   | Sociocultural Theories | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz 
 | 12 | 11/10 | Chapter 12 | Metacognition | Chapter Questions Chapter Quiz 
 | 13 | 11/17 | Chapter 13 | Transfer, Problem-solving, and Critical Thinking | Chapter Questions Discussion Board Chapter Quiz
 |   | 11/24 | Thanksgiving Break
 | 14 | 12/1 |   | Review and Course Wrap-up | Learning Analysis Pt. 2 Self-Reflection Part 2
 | 15 | 12/8 | Exam #3: Chapters 9, 10, 12, 13: This exam closes on 12/10 @ 11:59pm MST  

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late work is not accepted without an SUU-approved absence. 

Attendance Policy

This is an asynchronous online course, attendance will not be taken. However, this course is not self-paced and students are expected to consistently participate in the course as assignments open and close throughout the semester. 

Course Fees

There are no specific fees for this course. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.