Psychology. Distinction between SL and HL

Transcription

1 IB Psychology HL/SL, Janice Robinson Room 2712 Psychology Psychology is the rigorous and systematic study of mental processes and behaviour. It is a complex subject which draws on concepts, methods and understandings from a number of different disciplines. There is no single approach that would describe or explain mental processes and behaviour on its own as human beings are complex animals, with highly developed frontal lobes, cognitive abilities, involved social structures and cultures. The study of behaviour and mental processes requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of a variety of research techniques whilst recognising that behaviour is not a static phenomenon, it is adaptive, and as the world, societies and challenges facing societies change, so does behaviour. Distinction between SL and HL There are three main distinctions between this course at SL and at HL. 1. The following extensions to the core approaches are studied at HL only: the role of animal research in understanding human behaviour cognitive processing in the digital world the influence of globalization on individual attitudes, identities and behaviour. 2. This differentiation is reflected in paper 1 section B of the external assessment. 3. SL students are required to study one option while HL students study two options. This differentiation is reflected in paper 2 of the external assessment. 4. Both SL and HL students will be expected to show their understanding of approaches to research in the internal assessment and for criterion D (critical thinking) in paper 1 section B and paper 2 responses. Additionally, HL students will be directly assessed on their understanding of approaches to research in paper 3 of the external assessment. This will cover both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

2 Figure 2 Approaches to understanding behaviour At the core of the DP psychology course is an introduction to three different approaches to understanding behaviour: biological approach to understanding behaviour cognitive approach to understanding behaviour sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour.

3 Attendance -It is the responsibility of the student to ask for work he/she has missed due to an absence; I will not give missed assignments to the student. Education belongs to the student. - If a student is absent, the student will have three school days once he/she returns from his/her absence to turn in missed assignments. If the student is absent for more than one day, then the student has three days from the first day absent plus one for each additional day absent to turn in missed assignments. For example, if a student is absent for three days, the student has three days plus two for a total of five school days to turn in missing assignments. -In all cases, it is the student s responsibility to contact Mrs. Robinson and attain assignments or to arrange times to make up assignments, such as essays or quizzes, due to absences. TARDIES You are tardy when the bell has rung and you have not entered the classroom. Three tardies equal one absence. Academic Integrity Plagiarism is not acceptable in the International Baccalaureate Program. We will follow the guidelines set out by Magnolia West High School and the International Baccalaureate Program. All outside essays will be uploaded into turnitin.com. In addition, any perceived academic misconduct will be turned in to Mr. Day and will be analyzed as to whether it will be turned over to the Honor Board. Grading: Grading policies will follow MWHS and MISD grading guidelines. -Major Grades will make up 70% of your grade - Essays/Internal Assessments/Research Papers -Everything else will be 30% of your grade. District and Campus Philosophy: The purpose of grading assessments in Magnolia ISD is to collect information, describe, and analyze the level of student mastery within a given course. The teacher creates multiple assessment opportunities and expects all students to demonstrate learning. Assessment methods include a variety of tools and approaches to gather information about the needs of each student. The teacher uses data from assignments and assessments to make instructional adjustments, modify lessons, and give feedback to students.

4 Many types of assessments/assignments will be used in determining mastery of course content. These include both formative and summative assessments. Formative work measures student progress all throughout the instructional unit, including but not limited to class work, engagement in class discussions/activities, homework, and quizzes. Summative assessments are end of unit measures of student performance in regard to the unit criteria, including but not limited to major exams, projects, research papers, and oral reports/presentations. IB Grade Conversion All IB subjects at MWHS will be using the same grade conversion scale. This is to help you understand what your IB grade would be and what will be entered into the gradebook. This will be used in conjunction with the IB Psychology Grade Descriptors, IB Psychology Markscheme, and IB Psychology Markbands, all attached. 7= = *Please understand that these are approximate 5= grades to reflect how you MAY do on the IB 4= Exams. This is NOT an exact science as IB has 3= ranges for all their rubrics. 1/2= 0-60 Extra Credit? There is no free lunch. There is no extra credit. If you didn t read, if you didn t study and get it right the first time, why would you assume you ll get it the second time? Tutoring is always available, however. Life Happens Students are responsible for acquiring all make up work and scheduling a time to make up missed tests. If an absence is planned ahead of time (i.e. for a field trip), students must ask for work PRIOR to their absence. Students are encouraged to make sure to minimize class absences as a lot of the work simply cannot be duplicated (i.e. viewing another student s notes is not the same as taking part in the class discussion). But sometimes LIFE HAPPENS, (e.g., a death in the family, a flat tire on the way to school, and sickness) Students are strongly encouraged to communicate with the

5 teacher to figure out how the student can get caught up on missed work and demonstrate mastery of the content. Discussion: This class will include discussion. in addition to other activities. It is imperative that you read and be prepared to discuss the following day. Outside Study Groups There is an expectation that students will form their own study groups. This will be an ongoing tool that will be used in preparation for class activities ranging from class discussions to summative assessments. Assessment objectives By the end of the psychology course at SL or at HL, students will be expected to demonstrate the following. 1. Knowledge and comprehension of specified content Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of key terms and concepts in Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of a range of psychological theories and research studies. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to mental processes and behaviour. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of research methods used in 2. Application and analysis Demonstrate an ability to use examples of psychological research and psychological concepts to formulate an argument in response to a specific question. Demonstrate application and analysis of a range of psychological theories and research studies. Demonstrate application and analysis of the knowledge relevant to areas of applied At HL only, analyse qualitative and quantitative research in 3. Synthesis and evaluation Evaluate the contribution of psychological theories to understanding human Evaluate the contribution of research to understanding human

6 Evaluate the contribution of the theories and research in areas of applied At HL only, evaluate research scenarios from a methodological and ethical perspective. 4. Selection and use of skills appropriate to psychology Demonstrate the acquisition of skills required for experimental design, data collection and presentation, data analysis and the evaluation of a simple experiment while demonstrating ethical practice. Work in a group to design a method for a simple experimental investigation, organize the investigation and record the required data for a simple experiment. Write a report of a simple experiment. External assessment Paper 1 section A and paper 3 question 3 are assessed using markbands. Paper 1 section B and paper 2 are assessed using assessment criteria. The markbands and assessment criteria are attached. In addition, questions 1 and 2 in paper 3 will be assessed by an analytical markscheme in line with the demands of the question. The markschemes are specific to each examination. Purpose of internal assessment Internal assessment is an integral part of the course and is compulsory for both SL and HL students. It enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations. The internal assessment requirements at SL and at HL are the same. Students will investigate a published study, theory or model relevant to their learning in psychology by conducting an experimental investigation and reporting the findings. The requirements will be explained in more detail in the internal assessment details.

7 Personal Technology Devices: MISD policy, the Student Handbook, and the Code of Conduct allow students to carry cellular phones or other electronic communication devices during the school day, but they must be turned off and out of sight during instruction. Cellular phones, IPODs, MP3 players, CD players, headphones/earphones, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed to interfere with instruction in any fashion at any time. These devices will be collected if the teacher determines that instruction is being hindered in any way (including repeatedly having to redirect students who have these devices out or in use inside the classroom or other instructional venue). In this course, electronic devices may be allowed at certain times, depending on the nature of instruction and classroom activities. The teacher will notify students of times when the use of electronic devices is permissible. Use of electronic devices without teacher permission or use of a device that interferes with the ability of other students to work will be considered a rule violation and will be addressed according to the Code of Conduct. Cell phones and backpacks will be placed along the front wall during tests. Any cell phone found out during a test will result in test being taken up and a zero given. Classroom Procedures: Instruction is planned for the entire class period, i.e., from bell to bell. Students should stay on task and engaged in the appropriate classroom activity until the bell rings. No lining up at the door. Please pick up your trash when you leave. This is our classroom!