2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC2043 Psychological Approaches to Supporting Development and Learning

20 Credits Class Size: 80

Module manager: Kiimberly Petersen
Email: k.petersen@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Pre-requisite qualifications

EDUC1010

Module replaces

EDUC2104

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module applies psychological theory and research to understand development and learning in childhood and beyond, and to identify and evaluate strategies that provide effective support. Building on the foundations from EDUC1010, you will explore contemporary perspectives on development and learning and see how these shape evidence-based strategies and interventions in education. You will also learn how psychological research methods can be used to evaluate the impact of these strategies. The module considers the perspectives of policy makers, educators, families, peers, and communities, and highlights the importance of context in shaping both learning and the success of interventions.

Objectives

This module aims to:

Apply psychological theory and research to understand development and learning across the life course.

Explore contemporary perspectives on development and learning and how these inform the evidence-base for approaches to support.

Consider the importance of context and interest holder perspectives, including teachers, families, peers, and communities, in shaping opportunities for learning and development

Build critical understanding of how to assess the effectiveness of interventions and support strategies using research-informed approaches.

In class learning activities and formative and summative assessments are designed to combine theory with practice, giving you opportunities to analyse psychological approaches, apply research to real-world challenges, and practise skills for identifying and evaluating strategies that promote positive developmental outcomes.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

1) Discuss strategies for supporting learning and development, and the psychological theories and research that underpin them.

2) Critically appraise methods for evaluating the effectiveness of support strategies and interventions.

Skills learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

3) Apply theoretical knowledge and evidence to analyse and address real-world issues.

4) Integrate and evaluate multiple perspectives.

5) Communicate ideas clearly and in an appropriate format.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 11 2 22
Seminar 3 1 3
Private study hours 175
Total Contact hours 25
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for the summative assessment task, specifically aligned pedagogically with that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be assessed in the summative task.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Coursework 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team