Psychology is introduced as an elective subject at the higher secondary stage of school education. As a discipline, psychology specializes in the study of experiences, behaviors and mental processes of human beings within a socio-cultural historical context. This course purports to introduce the learners to the basic ideas, principles, and methods in Psychology. The emphasis is to create interest and exposure needed by learners to develop their own knowledge base and understanding. The course deals with psychological knowledge and practices which are contextually rooted. It emphasizes the complexity of behavioral processes and discourages simplistic cause-effect thinking. This is pursued by encouraging critical reasoning, allowing students to appreciate the role of cultural factors in behavior and illustrating how biology and experiences shape behavior.
It is suggested that the teaching – learning processes should involve students in evolving their own understanding, therefore, teaching of Psychology should be based on the use of case studies, narratives, experiential exercises, analysis of common everyday experiences, etc.
Objectives:
- To develop appreciation about human mind and behavior in the context of learners’ immediate society and environment.
- To develop in learners an appreciation of the nature of psychological knowledge and its application to various aspects of life.
- To enable learners to become perceptive, socially aware and self-reflective.
