Dr. Kalonji Nzinga is a cultural psychologist exploring how millennials and post-millennials develop their ethical worldviews. Using methods of validated psychological instruments, clinical interviews, and ethnographic observation he studies how young people come to understand moral concepts like authenticity, loyalty and justice as they grow up. His research illuminates the polycultural process where young people encounter moral discourses from various traditions; in the form of sacred texts and traditional myths, but also in episodes of Law & Order, rap verses, and the comment threads of Twitter posts. From these interactions with ideology, young people craft their own hybridized ethical perspectives. His research has informed the design of various learning environments, multimedia arts exhibitions, and is published in the Journal of Cognition & Culture and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
EDUC 4112 - Educational Psychology and Adolescent Development
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Examines current theory and research about adolescent learning and development and explore implications for secondary teaching. Topics include human diversity as a resource for learning, adversity and agency, connecting instruction to students' everyday lives, and the role of belonging and relationships in positive youth development. This course is appropriate for masters degree students. Same as PSYC 4114 and EDUC 5112.
EDUC 6318 - Psychological Foundations of Education
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Introduces students to theoretical and empirical contributions of educational and developmental psychology and the learning sciences emphasizing applications to educational practices. Topics include learning, development, cognitive processes, social and cultural context, motivation, assessment and individual differences.
EDUC 8348 - Seminar: Human Development
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Intensive study of selected topics in human development. The focus of the seminar will vary depending on the instructor's expertise and students' interests. Recent topics include adolescent development in social context, Vygotsky and Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, and design-based research methods. Repeatable for credit up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: EDUC 6318 or EDUC 8210 or instructor consent.
EDUC 8358 - Seminar: Human Learning
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Intensive study of selected topics in human learning.The focus of the seminar will vary depending on the instructor's expertise and students' interest. Recent topics include sociocultural and social practice theories, STEM learning in and out of school. Repeatable for credit up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: EDUC 6318 or EDUC 8210 or instructor consent.
PSYC 4114 - Educational Psychology and Adolescent Development
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021
Examines current theory and research about adolescent learning and development and explore implications for secondary teaching. Topics include human diversity as a resource for learning, adversity and agency, connecting instruction to students' everyday lives, and the role of belonging and relationships in positive youth development. This course is appropriate for masters degree students. Same as EDUC 4112 and EDUC 5112.
