Understand and explain the theories of how knowledge is acquired as part of learning. Explain the role of memory in the learning process. Analyse theories and models of motivation in learners and the relationship between motivati
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
PROGRAMME TITLE
BA (Hons) Education Studies
MODULE CREDIT
VALUE
20
MODULE TITLE
Learning and the Learning Process
MODULE LEVEL
4
MODULE CODE
TBA
ACADEMIC YEAR
2025-26
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Understand and explain the theories of how knowledge is acquired as part of learning. Explain the role of memory in the learning process. Analyse theories and models of motivation in learners and the relationship between motivation and learning. Examine the role of metacognition in the learning process and how learners can develop their metacognitive ability. SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Assignment 1: LOs 1 and 3: Essay 13/11/2025 at 4:00 PM
Assignment 2: LOs 2 and 4: Essay 11/12/2025 at 4:00 PM
ISSUE DATE
25/09/2025
SIGNATURE OF ASSESSOR
MODULE DESCRIPTION Drawing extensively on recent developments in education, this module explores a range of issues related to the process of learning in both formal and informal educational contexts including theories of knowledge, learning and development. In particular, the module examines how individuals learn, how learning differs between individuals and groups, and what factors hinder and facilitate learning. The analysis focuses on memory, motivation, metacognition and behaviour and how attitudes and expectations can influence each of these elements.
ASSESSMENT TASKS There are TWO assignments to be completed in this module:
Assignment 1 – Essay (2000 words).
ü Total Weighting: 50%
Intended Learning Outcomes: 1 and 3
Assignment 2 – Essay (2000 words).
ü Total Weighting: 50%
Intended Learning Outcomes: 2 and 4
ASSIGNMENT 1 – ESSAY (2000 Words) This assignment will demonstrate your ability to explain and analyse complex educational theories and present them in a way that has practical relevance for teaching professionals seeking to improve their pedagogical approaches. Your essay should address the fundamental theories of knowledge and learning, providing clear explanations of how these theories and models translate into practical teaching situations. You are required to demonstrate your understanding of how different learning theories influence classroom approaches, instructional design, and student engagement.
Therefore, your essay must include a thorough analysis of motivational theories and models that explain what drives learners. You should explore the relationship between motivation and learning outcomes, examining how motivational factors can either enhance or hinder the learning process.
The essay should bridge the gap between educational theory and practical application, helping to understand not only what different theories propose but also how these concepts can be implemented to create more effective learning environments. Your analysis should be grounded in established research. (2000 words).[Total: 100 Marks]
ASSIGNMENT 1 – INDICATIVE MARKING CRITERIA
Essay
A* 80%+
High First
An excellent understanding of theories of knowledge and learning. An excellent understanding of theories of knowledge and learning and motivation. An excellent application of the theories, models and concepts and their applicability in the learning environment. An excellent level of explanation and analysis, reasoning and argument with well selected and collated evidence. Extensive reading of primary and secondary sources. Exceptionally well-structured and w Full reference accurately in the Harvard style of referencing. A 70 – 79%
First Class
All components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteria will be as noted for the 80%+ marking band. However, in one or two areas, the submission will be open to minor criticism.
B 60 – 69
%
Upper Second
A very good answer will have the following attributes;
A very good understanding of theories of knowledge and learning. A very good understanding of theories of knowledge and learning and motivation. A very good application of the theories, models and concepts and their applicability in the learning environment. A very good level of explanation, and analysis, reasoning and argument with well selected and collated evidence. A very well-structured and coherent work written in correct English. A full list of references with minor errors/omissions. C 50 – 59%
Lower Second
All components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteria will be as noted for the 60-69% marking band. However, there will be some gaps in knowledge and analysis.
D 40 –
49%
Third Class
The answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes;
Sufficient understanding and knowledge of theories of knowledge and learning. Sufficient understanding of theories of knowledge and learning and motivation. Mainly descriptive work with disorganised or fragmented analysis. Lack of wider research and weak application of knowledge in the learning environment. Only able to make basic recommendations not demonstrating an in-depth understanding The work will have some noticeable errors in the English Language. References and citation of all the sources are not included. F 30 – 39%
Fail
The submission has a few significant flaws. A few essential sections are missing. Inadequate explanation and/or analysis. Major language and referencing errors F 0 – 29%
Poor Fail
The submission has a large number of major flaws. Most important sections are missing. Assignment requirements are not met at any level ASSIGNMENT 2 – Essay (2000 Words) There has been learning challenges across schools colleges and higher education settings. Write an essay to explain the role of memory in the learning process, drawing on psychological research to address why students are struggling with information retention and recall.
Your explanation should encompass the different types of memory systems and their roles in learning, examine how information moves from sensory to short-term to long-term memory, explore factors that enhance or weaken memory consolidation and retrieval, discuss the relationship between memory and understanding, and provide practical implications for classroom teaching and assessment design.
Taking examples from Education Endowment Foundations recommendations on metacognition and self- regulated learning, examine what metacognition and self-regulated learning involve and the key components of effective metacognitive instruction as outlined by EEF, investigate how teachers can develop students metacognitive skills and strategic thinking, examine specific classroom strategies and interventions that promote self-regulated learning, consider challenges and considerations for implementation.
(2000 words). [Total: 100 Marks]
ASSIGNMENT 2 – INDICATIVE MARKING CRITERIA
Essay
A* 80%+
High First
An excellent understanding of how memory is encoded and consolidated An excellent examination of metacognition and self-regulated learning. An excellent application of the theories, models and concepts and their applicability in the learning environment. An excellent level of explanation and examination, reasoning and argument with well selected and collated evidence. Extensive reading of primary and secondary sources Exceptionally well-structured and well-presented essay. Full reference accurately in the Harvard style of referencing. A 70 – 79%
First Class
All components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteria will be as noted for the 80%+ marking band. However, in one or two areas, the submission will be open to minor criticism.
B 60 – 69
%
Upper Second
A very good answer will have the following attributes;
A very good understanding of how memory is encoded and consolidated A very good examination of metacognition and self-regulated learning. A very good application of the theories, models and concepts and their applicability in the learning environment. A very good level of explanation and examination, reasoning and argument with well selected and collated evidence. A very well-structured and coherent work written in correct English. A full list of references with minor errors/omissions. C 50 – 59%
Lower Second
All components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteria will be as noted for the 60- 69% marking band. However, there will be some gaps in knowledge and analysis.
D 40 –
49%
Third Class
The answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes;
Sufficient understanding of how memory is encoded and consolidated. Sufficient examination of metacognition and self-regulated learning. Mainly descriptive work with disorganised or fragmented analysis. Lack of wider research and weak application of knowledge in the learning environment. Only able to make basic recommendations not demonstrating an in-depth understanding The work will have some noticeable errors in the English Language. References and citation of all the sources are not included F 30 – 39%
Fail
The submission has a few significant flaws. A few essential sections are missing. Inadequate explanation and/or analysis. Major language and referencing errors F 0 – 29%
Poor Fail
The submission has a large number of major flaws. Most important sections are missing. Assignment requirements are not met at any level COMPLETING THE TASKS In order to complete the Assignments 1 and 2, you will need to research different information sources such as textbooks, journals, articles and the internet. You are also required to develop skills in explanation, analysis and examination in this assignment.
Explanation requires you to provide clear, evidence-based reasoning that demonstrates your understanding of concepts, supports your arguments with credible sources, an G [(1.92 re W* n BT /F3 11.04 Tf