Course code

KAT7059.HR

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Õppija ja õppimise mõistmine

Course title in English

Understanding the Learner and Learning

ECTS credits

9.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2024/2025 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

The course aims to support a deep understanding of the learning process, focusing on learners' cognitive, emotional, and motivational needs. The course explores learning both at the individual level (including in the context of learning tasks) and from a broader developmental psychology and sociocultural perspective. A key emphasis is placed on learning how to interpret and support learners' thinking processes, self-regulation, and active engagement in the learning environment.

Brief description of the course

We engage in analyzing learning and learners' needs through practical exercises, based on various contemporary core theories. Aspiring teachers to practice cognitive empathy and willingness to understand learners, having trained to objectively analyze the learning process based on scientific evidence while restraining their initial reactions and judgments. The focus of the subject is on the following core practices:
I establishing and consistently implementing classroom agreements (such as building respectful relationships and classroom community; supporting behavioral expectations and learning);
II initiating and interpreting each student's individual thinking process (interpreting student understanding and thinking; explaining and modeling content, practices, and strategies; providing feedback to guide learning; supporting student self-regulation);
III creating a dialogic and inclusive learning environment (including interpreting students' thinking processes, highlighting and interpreting students' learning progress); leading group discussions, including peer tutoring; providing scaffolding for student learning; engaging students in academic work and making learning progress visible.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- can understand the learning process and learner needs, analyzing cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors and using research-based methods to support learning at both individual and group levels;
- can design and manage a learning-supportive classroom dynamic, establishing and implementing behavioral expectations and learning-promoting norms to ensure an inclusive and safe learning environment;
- can apply evidence-based teaching strategies, including explanation, modeling, formative assessment, and feedback, to support learners' meaningful engagement in the learning process and the development of self-regulation skills;
- can lead discussions and dialogues in the learning environment, facilitating the visibility of students' thinking, developing listening skills, and promoting participation in academic discussions through group work and inclusive teaching methods;
- can analyze and develop their teaching practice, using video analysis and collaborative learning, while applying metacognitive knowledge and skills to adapt their teaching and support learners' development based on evidence.

Teacher

Kati Aus, Grete Arro, Joosep Olop, Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov, Triin Ulla

Study programmes containing that course

Teacher of Computer Science (IFIOM/25.DT)
Science Teacher (MLGLM/25.LT)
Teacher of Mathematics (MLMOM/25.DT)
Teacher of History and Civic (AIAOM/25.HT)
Teacher of Estonian Language and Literature (EKEOM/25.HT)
Art Teacher (KUKAM/25.FK)
Teacher of Physical Education (TSKOM/25.LT)
Teacher of Foreign Languages (GRVOM/25.HT)
Teacher of Technology Education (KUIKM/25-o.LT)
Teacher of Several Subjects (KAMOM/25.HR)
Music Teacher (KUMUM/25.FK)