PSY 103: EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER, 2021

Assignment 1 (Out of 30 Marks)

1. What do we mean when we say that Educational Psychology is an applied branch of
psychology? (5 Marks)
2. Give a critique of at least 5 Pre-Scientific methods used by teachers in teaching and
learning. (15 Marks)
3. Describe the technical difference between Classical and Operant/Instrumental learning
theories (5 Marks)
4. Explain through examples how you can use Primary and Secondary Reinforcers to
motivate learners. (5
Marks)

Assignment 2 (Out of 20 Marks)

1. Explain the role played by the following processes in aiding memory:
a. Attention (2 Marks)
b. Maintenance rehearsal (2 Marks)
c. Elaborative rehearsal (2 Marks)
2. Outline what you should do in order to ensure that learners find content meaningful.
(5 Marks)
3. Imagine two novel situations that you could require your students to show:
a. Discrimination (2 Marks)
b. Generalization (2 Marks)
4. What kind of advice would you give to expectant mothers to help them promote healthy
mental development for their children? (5 Marks)

Assignment 3 (Out of 20 Marks)

1. What are some of the learners’ needs that schools should meet in order to get learners to
focus on learning tasks? (4 Marks)
2. Discuss explosive situations that you have witnessed and which have been prompted by
the affective component of attitudes. (4
Marks)
3. Why should the teacher study the topic personality? (4 Marks)
4. In what ways do teachers apply preventive discipline? (4 Marks)

CAT 2 (Out of 20 Marks)

1. Give a reflection on why exceptional learners are largely not attended to in your society
( 10
Marks)
2. Looking at the areas of guidance and counseling, what does your school guidance and
counseling programmed focus on? What improvement would you like to see? (10 marks)

APRIL – AUGUST, 2021

Assignments 1 and 2 (Out of 20 Marks)

1. Discuss the principles of classical and operant conditioning and explain how each may be
used to enhance learning. (10 Marks)
2. Using relevant examples, explain the difference between positive and negative
reinforcement. (5 Marks)
3. Describe briefly how the human memory processes information. (5 Marks)

Assignment 3 (Out of 20 Marks)

1. Discuss three (3) types of transfer of learning (6 marks)
2. Explain how teachers can maximize transfer of learning in classroom (14 marks)

CAT 1 (Out of 15 Marks)

1. Explain the reasons why online learning can be justified as opposed to traditional
methods of teaching (10 marks)
2. Explain some of the disadvantages that may be associated with the introduction of
computers in lower primary schools. (5 Marks)

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: AUGUST, 2021

QUESTION ONE (20 MARKS)

a) In just about all learning, there is interaction. The interaction may be between the learner
and the instructor, other learners, technology, instructional materials, or numerous other
aspects of the environment. Explain the relevance of this interaction. (10 marks)
b) The school environment is critical in a child’s personality development. Citing relevant
examples, explain three ways in which the school may contribute to a proper adjusted
personality development in children. (10 marks)

QUESTION TWO (15 MARKS)

Every teacher should be well conversant with classroom management skills. Examine four
ways in which a teacher may be an effective classroom manager.

QUESTION THREE (15 MARKS)

All students should either be extrinsically or intrinsically motivated to learn. Explain ways in
which learners motivation may be enhanced.

QUESTION FOUR (15 MARKS)

a) In terms of the information processing model, explain why personal relevance and
distinctive examples are two important contributors to promoting effective
storage and retrieval of information. (8 Marks)
b) Assess the effectiveness of some intervention procedures for exceptional children in
Kenyan schools. (7 Marks)

QUESTION FIVE (15 MARKS)

There has been alarming reports through the media of teenage pregnancies amongst girls in
Kenya during the ongoing school closure due to Covid-19. Describe strategies that the
government may use to curb this menace.