What Is Educational Psychology? 6 Examples and Theories

What is Educational Psychology

Plato believed that learning is based on the mind’s innate capacity to receive information and judge its intellectual and moral value.

Plato’s foremost pupil, Aristotle, emphasized how learning involves building associations such as succession in time, contiguity in space, and similarities and/or contrasts.

Later thinkers would devote considerable attention to learning and memory processes, various teaching methods, and how learning can be optimized.

Together, these thinkers have formed the growing and diverse body of theory and practice of educational psychology, and this intriguing topic is what we will discuss below.

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This Article Contains:

What is educational psychology and why is it important, a brief history of the field, job description and roles of an educational psychologist, 3 real-life examples, 3 popular theories, educational psychology research topics, educational psychology vs school psychology, a look into vygotsky’s ideas, positivepsychology.com’s relevant resources, a take-home message.

Educational psychology is dedicated to the study and improvement of human learning, across the lifespan, in whatever setting it occurs.

Such settings include not only schools, but also workplaces, organized sports, government agencies, and retirement communities – anywhere humans are engaged in instruction and learning of some type.

Educational psychology is important because of its focus on understanding and improving the crucial human capacity to learn.

In this mission of enhancing learning, educational psychologists seek to assist students and teachers alike.

Educational Psychology

However, it was not until later in history that educational psychology emerged as a field in its own right, distinct from philosophy.

John Locke (1632–1704), the influential British philosopher and “father of psychology,” famously described the human mind as a tabula rasa  (blank slate) that had no innate or inborn knowledge, but could only learn through the accumulation of experiences.

Johann Herbart (1776–1841) is considered the founder of educational psychology as a distinct field. He emphasized interest in a subject as a crucial component of learning.

He also proposed five formal steps of learning:

  • Reviewing what is already known
  • Previewing new material to be learned
  • Presenting new material
  • Relating new material to what is already known
  • Showing how new knowledge can be usefully applied

Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was an Italian physician and educator who started by teaching disabled and underprivileged children. She then founded a network of schools that taught children of all backgrounds using a hands-on, multi-sensory, and often student-directed approach to learning.

Nathaniel Gage (1917–2008) was an influential educational psychologist who pioneered research on teaching. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he developed aptitude tests for selecting airplane navigators and radar operators.

Gage went on to develop a research program that did much to advance the scientific study of teaching.

He believed that progress in learning highly depends on effective teaching and that a robust theory of effective teaching has to cover:

  • The process of teaching
  • Content to be taught
  • Student abilities and motivation level
  • Classroom management

The above is only a sample of the influential thinkers who have contributed over time to the field of educational psychology.

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Educational psychologists have typically earned either a master’s degree or doctorate in the field.

They work in a variety of teaching, research, and applied settings (e.g., K–12, universities, the military, and educational industries like textbook and test developers).

Those with a doctorate often teach and do research at colleges or universities.

They teach basic courses such as Introduction to Educational Psychology  and more advanced seminars such as Professional Ethics in Educational Psychology , or Research Methods in Educational Psychology .

They conduct research on topics such as the best measure of literacy skills for students in secondary education, the most effective method for teaching early career professionals in engineering, and the relationship between education level and emotional health in retirees.

Educational psychologists also work in various applied roles, such as consulting on curriculum design; evaluating educational programs at schools or training sites; and offering teachers the best instructional methods for a subject area, grade level, or population, be it mainstream students, those with disabilities, or gifted students.

Mamie Phipps Clark

This theory states that besides the traditionally measured verbal and visual–spatial forms of intelligence, there are also forms that include kinesthetic or athletic intelligence, interpersonal or social–emotional intelligence, musical or artistic intelligence, and perhaps other forms we have not yet learned to measure.

Dr. Gardner teaches, conducts research, and publishes. His many books include Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983) and The Disciplined Mind: Beyond Facts and Standardized Tests, the Education That Every Child Deserves  (2000).

Mamie Phipps Clark (1917–1983), shown above, was the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University. She and her husband Kenneth Clark (1914–2005) were interested in development and self-esteem in African-American children.

Her doctoral work illustrated the dehumanizing effect of segregated schools on both African-American and white children, in the well-known “doll study” (Clark & Clark, 1939). She found that both African-American children and white children imputed more positive characteristics to white dolls than to Black dolls.

This work was used as evidence in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided that schools separated by race were not equal and must be desegregated.

She and her husband founded several institutions dedicated to providing counseling and educational services for underprivileged African-American children, including the Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited project.

Irene Marie Montero Gil earned her master’s degree from the Department of Evolutionary and Educational Psychology at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.

Ms. Montero Gil had been balancing subsequent doctoral studies with her role as the youngest member of Spain’s Congress of Deputies, representing Madrid. She later postponed her studies to become Spain’s Minister of Equality, an office that advocates for equal opportunity regardless of age, gender, or disability.

The above examples show just some contributions that educational psychologists can make in research, teaching, legal, and advocacy contexts.

Day in the life of an educational psychologist w/ Dr. Sarah Chestnut

Various theories have been developed to account for how humans learn. Some of the most enduring and representative modern-day theories are discussed below.

1. Behaviorism

Behaviorism equates learning with observable changes in activity (Skinner, 1938). For example, an assembly line worker might have “learned” to assemble a toy from parts, and after 10 practice sessions, the worker can do so without errors within 60 seconds.

In behaviorism, there is a focus on stimuli or prompts to action (your supervisor hands you a box of toy parts), followed by a behavior (you assemble the toy), followed by reinforcement or lack thereof (you receive a raise for the fastest toy assembly).

Behaviorism holds that the behavioral responses that are positively reinforced are more likely to recur in the future.

We should note that behaviorists believe in a pre-set, external reality that is progressively discovered by learning.

Some scholars have also held that from a behaviorist perspective, learners are more reactive to environmental stimuli than active or proactive in the learning process (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

However, one of the most robust developments in the later behaviorist tradition is that of positive behavioral intervention and supports (PBIS), in which proactive techniques play a prominent role in enhancing learning within schools.

Such proactive behavioral supports include maximizing structure in classrooms, teaching clear behavioral expectations in advance, regularly using prompts with students, and actively supervising students (Simonsen & Myers, 2015).

Over 2,500 schools across the United States now apply the PBIS supportive behavioral framework, with documented improvements in both student behavior (Bradshaw, Waasdorp, & Leaf, 2012) and achievement (Madigan, Cross, Smolkowski, & Stryker, 2016).

2. Cognitivism

Cognitivism was partly inspired by the development of computers and an information-processing model believed to be applicable to human learning (Neisser, 1967).

It also developed partly as a reaction to the perceived limits of the behaviorist model of learning, which was thought not to account for mental processes.

In cognitivism, learning occurs when information is received, arranged, held in memory, and retrieved for use.

Cognitivists are keenly interested in a neuronal or a brain-to-behavior perspective on learning and memory. Their lines of research often include studies involving functional brain imaging (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging) to see which brain circuits are activated during specific learning tasks.

Cognitivists are also keenly interested in “neuroplasticity,” or how learning causes new connections to be made between individual brain cells (neurons) and their broader neuronal networks.

From the cognitivist perspective, individuals are viewed as very active in the learning process, including how they organize information to make it personally meaningful and memorable.

Cognitivists, like behaviorists, believe that learning reflects an external reality, rather than shaping or constructing reality.

3. Constructivism

Constructivism holds that from childhood on, humans learn in successive stages (Piaget, 1955).

In these stages, we match our basic concepts, or “schemas,” of reality with experiences in the world and adjust our schemas accordingly.

For example, based on certain experiences as a child, you might form the schematic concept that all objects drop when you let them go. But let’s say you get a helium balloon that rises when you let go of it. You must then adjust your schema to capture this new reality that “most things drop when I let go of them, but at least one thing rises when I let go of it.”

For constructivists, there is always a subjective component to how reality is organized. From this perspective, learning cannot be said to reflect a pre-set external reality. Rather, reality is always an interplay between one’s active construction of the world and the world itself.

Educational College

For example, Zysberg and Schwabsky (2020) examined the relationships between positive school culture or climate, students’ sense of self-efficacy, and academic achievement in Israeli middle and high school settings.

They found that school climate was positively associated with students’ sense of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, in turn, was positively associated with academic achievement in math and English.

This study reflects a constructivist approach, emphasizing how students create meaning out of their educational experiences.

Other recent research has focused on behavioral interventions to support online learning, which is increasingly prevalent as an educational option.

For example, Yeomans and Reich (2017) found that sending learners regular prompts to complete online work resulted in a 29% increase in courses completed. They concluded that sending regular reminder prompts is an inexpensive and effective way to enhance online course completion.

This study reflects a proactive behaviorist approach to improving educational outcomes.

Another current research domain in educational psychology involves the use of brain imaging techniques during learning activity.

For example, Takeuchi, Mori, Suzukamo, and Izumi (2019) studied brain activity in teachers and students while teachers provided hints for solving a visual–spatial problem (assembling puzzles).

They found that the prefrontal cortex of the brain, involved in planning and monitoring of complex cognitive activities, was significantly activated in teachers, not when they planned hints to be given, but only when they actually gave the hints.

For the student participants, the prefrontal cortex was significantly activated when they had solved the puzzle with hints provided.

This study emphasizes a cognitivist approach, focused on brain activity during learning.

For cognitivists, understanding how the brain converts instructional inputs into learning can lead to improved teaching strategies and better learning outcomes.

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Educational and school psychologists overlap in their training and functions, to some extent, but also differ in important ways.

Educational psychologists are more involved in teaching and research at the college or university level. They also focus on larger and more diverse groups in their research and consulting activities.

As consultants, educational psychologists work with organizations such as school districts, militaries, or corporations in developing the best methods for instructional needs.

Some school psychologists are involved in teaching, research, and/or consulting with large groups such as a school district. However, most are more focused on working within a particular school and with individual students and their families.

About 80% of school psychologists work in public school settings and do direct interventions with individuals or small groups.

They help with testing and supporting students with special needs, helping teachers develop classroom management strategies, and engaging in individual or group counseling, which can include crisis counseling and emotional–behavioral support.

Lev Vygotsky

One idea central to Vygotsky’s learning theory is that of the zone of proximal development (ZPD).

The ZPD is the area between what a learner (student, adult trainee, rehabilitation patient, etc.) can already do on their own and what the learner can readily accomplish with the help of teachers or more advanced peers.

For example, a five-year-old might already know how to perform a given three-step manual task, but can they be taught to complete a four- or five-step task?

The ZPD is a zone of emerging skills, which calls for its own kind of exploration and measurement, in order to better understand a learner’s potential (Moll, 2014).

Vygotsky was also interested in the relationship between thought and language. He theorized that much of thought comprised internalized language or “inner speech.” Like Piaget, whose work he read with interest, Vygotsky came to see language as having social origins, which would then become internalized as inner speech.

In that sense, Vygotsky is often considered a (social) constructivist, where learning depends on social communication and norms. Learning thus reflects our connection to and agreement with others, more than a connection with a purely external or objective reality.

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As mentioned in the discussion of Nathaniel Gage’s theory of effective teaching, student motivation is an important component to assess and encourage.

The Who Am I Self-Reflection can help students and their teachers think about what they are good at, what significant challenges they have been confronted with, and what inspires them. This knowledge can help both teachers and students find ways to enhance motivation in specific cases.

As noted above, the cognitivist approach to educational psychology includes understanding how the brain learns by forming new connections between neurons. The Adopt A Growth Mindset activity is a simple guide to replacing fixed mindset thinking with growth statements. It can inspire adults to learn by referencing their inherent neuroplasticity.

The idea is that with enough effort and repetition, we can form new and durable connections within our brains of a positive and adaptive nature.

If you want to integrate the evidence-based principles of positive psychology into the classroom, consider this collection of 17 validated positive education exercises . Use them to enhance student engagement, resilience and wellbeing while also equipping students with valuable life skills.

The field of educational psychology has ancient roots and remains vibrant today.

Today, there are many programs across the world providing quality training in educational psychology at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities in psychology will grow at a healthy rate of about 14% over this decade, and educational psychology is expected to keep pace.

In addition, job satisfaction in educational psychology and related fields such as school psychology has traditionally been high, including as it concerns social impact, independence, and compensation (Worrell, Skaggs, & Brown, 2006).

Those with a doctorate in educational psychology have potential for a broad impact on learners of any and every type. They often teach at the college or university level, conduct research and publish on various topics in the field, or consult with various organizations about the best teaching and learning methods.

Researchers in educational psychology have made important contributions to contemporary education and culture, from learning paradigms (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructionism) and the theory of multiple intelligences, to proactive school-wide positive behavioral supports.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Education Exercises for free .

  • Brown v. Board of Education , 347 U.S. (1954).
  • Bradshaw, C. P., Waasdorp, T. E., & Leaf, P. J. (2012). Effects of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports on child behavior problems. Pediatrics , 130 (5), e1136–e1145.
  • Clark, K., & Clark, M. (1939). The development of consciousness of self and the emergence of racial identification in Negro preschool children. Journal of Social Psychology ,  10 (4), 591–599.
  • Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (2013). Behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly , 26 (2), 43–71.
  • Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences . Basic Books.
  • Gardner, H. (2000). The disciplined mind: Beyond facts and standardized tests, the education that every child deserves . Penguin Books.
  • Grinder, R. E. (1989). Educational psychology: The master science. In M. C. Wittrock & F. Farley (Eds.), The future of educational psychology (pp. 3–18). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  • Madigan, K., Cross, R. W., Smolkowski, K., & Stryker, L. A. (2016). Association between schoolwide positive behavioural interventions and supports and academic achievement: A 9-year evaluation. Educational Research and Evaluation , 22 (7–8), 402–421.
  • Moll, L. C. (2014). L. S. Vygotsky and education . Routledge.
  • Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive psychology . Appleton-Century-Crofts.
  • Piaget, J. (1955). The child’s construction of reality . Routledge & Kegan Paul.
  • Simonsen, B., & Myers, D. (2015). Classwide positive behavior interventions and supports: A guide to proactive classroom management . Guilford Publications.
  • Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis . B. F. Skinner Foundation.
  • Takeuchi, N., Mori, T., Suzukamo, Y., & Izumi, S. I. (2019). Activity of prefrontal cortex in teachers and students during teaching of an insight problem. Mind, Brain, and Education , 13 , 167–175.
  • Worrell, T. G., Skaggs, G. E., & Brown, M. B. (2006). School psychologists’ job satisfaction: A 22-year perspective in the USA. School Psychology International , 27 (2), 131–145.
  • Yeomans, M., & Reich, J. (2017). Planning prompts increase and forecast course completion in massive open online courses. Conference: The Seventh International Learning Analytics & Knowledge Conference , pp. 464–473.
  • Zysberg, L., & Schwabsky, N. (2020). School climate, academic self-efficacy and student achievement . Educational Psychology. Taylor & Francis Online.

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What Is Educational Psychology?

Studying the Process of How People Learn Most Effectively

  • Major Perspectives
  • Topics of Study

Frequently Asked Questions

Educational psychology is the study of how people learn and retain information. It mainly focuses on the learning process of early childhood and adolescence; however, learning is a lifelong endeavor. People don't only learn at school; rather, they learn through all of their life experiences, including at home, with friends, at work, through social media, and through culture.

Educational psychologists study the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social factors involved in learning and deepen our understanding of instructional strategies, individual learning styles, and the importance of the environmental context. They may specialize in children with specific learning challenges and develop teaching methods that help students succeed in school.

Educational psychology incorporates several other psychology disciplines , including developmental psychology , behavioral psychology , and cognitive psychology . Over time, five main schools of thought have emerged, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, experientialism, and social contextual learning theories.

This article discusses some of the different perspectives taken within the field of educational psychology, topics that educational psychologists study, and career options in this field.

8 Things to Know About Educational Psychology

Perspectives in educational psychology.

As with other areas of psychology, researchers within educational psychology tend to take on different perspectives when considering a problem. These perspectives focus on specific factors that influence learning, including thoughts, emotions, behaviors, experiences, and more.

Five main schools of thought dominate this field of research, including behavioral, developmental, cognitive, constructivist, and experiential perspectives.

The Behavioral Perspective

This perspective suggests that all behaviors are learned through conditioning, such as positive reinforcement . Psychologists who take this perspective rely firmly on the principles of operant conditioning to explain how learning happens.

For example, teachers might reward learning by giving students tokens that can be exchanged for desirable items such as candy or toys. The behavioral perspective operates on the theory that students will learn when rewarded for desirable behavior and punished for bad behavior.

While such methods can be useful in some cases, the behavioral approach has been criticized for failing to account for internal processes such as attitudes , emotions, and intrinsic motivations for learning.

The Developmental Perspective

The developmental perspective includes studying biological, cognitive, emotional, and social development throughout the lifespan. This perspective focuses on how children acquire new skills and knowledge as they grow and develop.

For developmental psychologists, there is a balance between nature and nurture in the learning process. This means that as the brain develops, the capacity for learning, problem-solving, and memory increases, and at the same time, life experiences with family, playmates, teachers, and mentors facilitate the learning process and acquisition of knowledge.

Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development are one example of an important developmental theory that examines how children grow intellectually.

By understanding how children think at different stages of development, educational psychologists can better understand what children are capable of at each point of their growth. This can help educators create instructional methods and materials aimed at specific age groups.

The Cognitive Perspective

The cognitive approach has become much more widespread, mainly because it accounts for factors such as thinking, attention, information processing, and memory formation.

Cognitive psychologists value constructs such as individual beliefs, perspectives, emotions , and motivations that contribute to the learning process. This theory supports the idea that a person learns because of their own intrinsic motivation , not because of external rewards as a behaviorist would view it.

Cognitive psychology aims to understand how people think, learn, remember, and process information.

Educational psychologists who take a cognitive perspective are interested in understanding how kids become motivated to learn, how they remember the things that they learn, and how they solve problems, among other topics.

The Constructivist Approach

This perspective focuses on how we actively construct our knowledge of the world. Constructivism accounts for the social and cultural influences that affect how we learn.

Those who take the constructivist approach believe that what a person already knows significantly influences how they learn new information. This means that new knowledge can only be added to and understood in terms of existing knowledge.

This perspective is heavily influenced by the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky , who proposed ideas such as the zone of proximal development and instructional scaffolding.

Experiential Perspective

This perspective emphasizes that a person's life experiences influence how they understand new information. This method is similar to constructivist and cognitive perspectives in that it considers the learner's experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

This method allows someone to find personal meaning in what they learn instead of feeling that the information doesn't apply to them.

Different perspectives on human learning can be helpful when looking at topics within the field of educational psychology. Each school of thought provides a unique perspective that adds to our overall understanding of the learner and the learning environment.

Topics in Educational Psychology

From the materials teachers use to the individual needs of students, educational psychologists delve deep to more fully understand the learning process. Some of these topics of study in educational psychology include:

  • Educational technology : Looking at how different types of technology can help students learn
  • Instructional design : Designing effective learning materials
  • Special education : Helping students who may need specialized instruction
  • Curriculum development : Creating coursework that will maximize learning
  • Organizational learning : Studying how people learn in organizational settings, such as workplaces
  • Gifted learners : Helping students who are identified as gifted learners

Careers in Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists work with educators, administrators, teachers, and students to analyze how to help people learn best. This often involves identifying students who may need extra help, developing programs for struggling students, and even creating new learning methods.

  • School system . Many educational psychologists work directly with schools . Some are teachers or professors, while others help teachers try new learning methods for their students and develop new course curricula.
  • Counselor . An educational psychologist may even become a counselor, directly helping students cope with learning barriers.
  • Research . Other educational psychologists work in research. For instance, they might work for a government organization such as the U.S. Department of Education, influencing decisions about the best resources and programs for kids to learn in schools nationwide.
  • Administration . In addition, an educational psychologist may work in school or university administration. In each of these roles, they can influence educational methods and help students learn in a way that best suits them.

A bachelor's degree and master's degree are usually required for careers in this field; if you want to work at a university or in school administration, you may also need to complete a doctorate.

Educational psychologists often work in schools to help students and teachers improve the learning experience. Other professionals in this field conduct research to investigate the learning process and evaluate programs designed to foster learning.

History of Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is a relatively young subfield that has experienced tremendous growth. Psychology did not emerge as a separate science until the late 1800s, so earlier interest in educational psychology was largely fueled by educational philosophers.

Many regard philosopher Johann Herbart as the father of educational psychology.

  • Johann Herbart. He believed that a student's interest in a topic had a tremendous influence on the learning outcome. He believed teachers should consider this when deciding which type of instruction is most appropriate.
  • William James. Psychologist and philosopher William James made significant contributions to the field. His seminal 1899 text "Talks to Teachers on Psychology" is considered the first textbook on educational psychology.
  • Alfred Binet. In the early 1900s, French psychologist Alfred Binet was developing his famous IQ tests. The tests were originally designed to help the French government identify children who had developmental delays and create special education programs.
  • John Dewey. In the United States, John Dewey had a significant influence on education. Dewey's ideas were progressive; he believed schools should focus on students rather than on subjects. He advocated active learning, arguing that hands-on experience was an important part of the process.
  • Benjamin Bloom. More recently, educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom developed an important taxonomy designed to categorize and describe different educational objectives. The three top-level domains he described were cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning objectives.

Other Significant Figures

Throughout history, several additional figures have played an important role in the development of educational psychology. Some of these well-known individuals include:

  • John Locke : Locke is an English philosopher who suggested the concept of tabula rasa , or the idea that the mind is essentially a blank slate at birth. This means that knowledge is developed through experience and learning.
  • Jean Piaget : A Swiss psychologist best known for his highly influential theory of cognitive development, Piaget's influence on educational psychology is still evident today.
  • B.F. Skinner : Skinner was an American psychologist who introduced the concept of operant conditioning, which influences behaviorist perspectives. His research on reinforcement and punishment continues to play an important role in education.

Educational psychology has been influenced by a number of philosophers, psychologists, and educators. Some thinkers who had a significant influence include William James, Alfred Binet, John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Benjamin Bloom, and many more.

Final Thoughts

Educational psychology offers valuable insights into how people learn and plays an important role in informing educational strategies and teaching methods. In addition to exploring the learning process itself, different areas of educational psychology explore the emotional, social, and cognitive factors that can influence how people learn. If you are interested in topics such as special education, curriculum design, and educational technology, then you might want to consider pursuing a career in the field of educational psychology.

A master's in educational psychology can prepare you for a career working in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, community organizations, and counseling practices. A career as an educational psychologist involves working with children, families, schools, and other community and government agencies to create programs and resources that enhance learning. 

The primary focus of educational psychology is the study of how people learn. This includes exploring the instructional processes, studying individual differences in how people learn, and developing teaching methods to help people learn more effectively.

Educational psychology is important because it has the potential to help both students and teachers. It provides important information for educators to help them create educational experiences, measure learning, and improve student motivation.

Educational psychology can aid teachers in better understanding the principles of learning in order to design more engaging and effective lesson plans and classroom experiences. It can also foster a better understanding of how learning environments, social factors, and student motivation can influence how students learn.

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Binson B, Lev-Wiesel R. Promoting personal growth through experiential learning: The case of expressive arts therapy for lecturers in Thailand . Front Psychol. 2018;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02276

Duque E, Gairal R, Molina S, Roca E. How the psychology of education contributes to research with a social impact on the education of students with special needs: The case of successful educational actions . Front Psychol. 2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00439

Barbier K, Donche V, Verschueren K. Academic (under)achievement of intellectually gifted students in the transition between primary and secondary education: An individual learner perspective . Front Psychol. 2019;10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02533

American Psychological Association. Careers in psychology .

Greenfield PM. The changing psychology of culture from 1800 through 2000 . Psychol Sci. 2013;24(9):1722-1731. doi:10.1177/0956797613479387

Johanningmeier EV. Herbart, Johann Friedrich . In: Encyclopedia of the History of Psychological Theories . Springer; 2012:508-510. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_134

Sutinen A. William James’s educational will to believe . In: Theories of Bildung and Growth . SensePublishers; 2012:213-226. doi:10.1007/978-94-6209-031-6_14

Michell J. Alfred Binet and the concept of heterogeneous orders . Front Psychol . 2012;3. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00261

Talebi K. John Dewey - Philosopher and educational reformer . Eur J Educ Stud. 2015;1(1):1-4.

Anderson LW. Benjamin S. Bloom: His life, his works, and his legacy .  In: Zimmerman BJ, Schunk DH, eds.,  Educational Psychology: A Century of Contributions . Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers; 2003:367-389.

Androne M. Notes on John Locke’s views on education . Procedia Soc Behav Sci. 2014;137:74-79. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.255

Overskeid G. Do we need the environment to explain operant behavior? Front Psychol . 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00373

American Psychological Association. Understanding educational psychology .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Educational Psychology: Strong Points and Weaknesses Essay (Critical Writing)

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

Education is a rather specific area of human activity as it is responsible for preparing the younger generations of people for living and working in human society. Education is first of all work with people, and understanding the peculiarities of every person involved in the educational process provides for its success (Woods, Wood, Boyd, 2007). Thus, human psychology is of great help to education in this respect, and Ediger (2000) shows in his article that educational psychology is a powerful tool that facilitates the development of the educational system in the US and the rest of the world.

The very article under analysis concerns the topic of the importance of psychology for the educational process. Ediger (2000) stresses the importance of understanding of psychological peculiarities of every student for the teachers. The author argues that to become a successful teacher, especially of social sciences, a person has to consider the needs of every student taking into account the possible differences in intelligence levels, skills acquired, and the potential for learning. If all these aspects are considered, the teacher becomes able to control the attention of students and make the study process interesting and involving for them.

Such an approach is an innovative one, and it is, at the same time, one of the strong points of this article. Ediger (2000) not only criticizes the teachers who try to work with the whole class using generalizing techniques, but he also offers solutions as well. The clearly outlined steps that teachers should take to succeed in classes with different students allow the readers of the article to understand that psychology plays a really important role in education. Ediger (2000) singles out 5 psychological principles that allow teachers to involve as many students as possible in the study. The author states that classes should be interesting, meaningful to every single student, involving, and displaying gradually growing complexity of the material. Given that these principles are kept to, the teacher succeeds in understanding the psychological peculiarities of every student in the class and might hope for the class’ highest efficiency.

However, the weaknesses can also be observed in the article by Ediger (2000). First of all, the rather narrow scope of the study speaks for itself as the author considers teachers of social studies exclusively thus not allowing the readers to make generalizations. Further on, the quite small number of references evidence that either research on the topic of educational psychology has been carried not enough by other scholars or Ediger (2000) has carried his own research not sufficiently enough. Drawing from this, the lacking theoretical basis of the article does not allow making generalizing conclusions as to the probability of other opinions expressed by others, not considered by Ediger (2000), scholars still remain.

Nevertheless, the overall impression made by the article is positive. It is strictly focused on the topic of educational psychology for social studies teachers and presents a considerable amount of scholarly evidence to prove the points made by the author. The article by Ediger (2000) has its strong and weak points but the former dominate and allows making the conclusion about the professional validity and high quality of the scholarly research work by Marlow Ediger. The author not only criticizes the existing state of things but also suggests his solutions to the problem which adds greatly to the usefulness and credibility of the article.

  • Ediger, M. (2000). Psychology in Teaching the Social Studies. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 27 (1), 28.
  • Woods, S. E., Wood, E. G., & Boyd, D. (2007). The World of Psychology. 6 th Edition. Allyn & Bacon.
  • Structuralism, Functionalism and Cognitive Theory in Psychology
  • Colors Personality Test Usefulness in Students
  • Psychological Research in Non-Governmental Agency
  • Critiquing a Quantitative Checklist With Casp Tool
  • Discrimination Against African-American Patients
  • A Study on the Dilemma of Choice
  • Impact Upon Psychological Contracts in the Workplace
  • Concept and Difference in Analysis of Human Nature
  • Self-Concept Theory and Trait Theory
  • Are Women Smarter Than Men: Discussion
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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How to Write a Psychology Essay

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Before you write your essay, it’s important to analyse the task and understand exactly what the essay question is asking. Your lecturer may give you some advice – pay attention to this as it will help you plan your answer.

Next conduct preliminary reading based on your lecture notes. At this stage, it’s not crucial to have a robust understanding of key theories or studies, but you should at least have a general “gist” of the literature.

After reading, plan a response to the task. This plan could be in the form of a mind map, a summary table, or by writing a core statement (which encompasses the entire argument of your essay in just a few sentences).

After writing your plan, conduct supplementary reading, refine your plan, and make it more detailed.

It is tempting to skip these preliminary steps and write the first draft while reading at the same time. However, reading and planning will make the essay writing process easier, quicker, and ensure a higher quality essay is produced.

Components of a Good Essay

Now, let us look at what constitutes a good essay in psychology. There are a number of important features.
  • Global Structure – structure the material to allow for a logical sequence of ideas. Each paragraph / statement should follow sensibly from its predecessor. The essay should “flow”. The introduction, main body and conclusion should all be linked.
  • Each paragraph should comprise a main theme, which is illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).
  • Knowledge and Understanding – recognize, recall, and show understanding of a range of scientific material that accurately reflects the main theoretical perspectives.
  • Critical Evaluation – arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. Evidence of independent thinking, insight, and evaluation of the evidence.
  • Quality of Written Communication – writing clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs, spelling, and grammar. All sources are referenced accurately and in line with APA guidelines.

In the main body of the essay, every paragraph should demonstrate both knowledge and critical evaluation.

There should also be an appropriate balance between these two essay components. Try to aim for about a 60/40 split if possible.

Most students make the mistake of writing too much knowledge and not enough evaluation (which is the difficult bit).

It is best to structure your essay according to key themes. Themes are illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).

Choose relevant points only, ones that most reveal the theme or help to make a convincing and interesting argument.

essay structure example

Knowledge and Understanding

Remember that an essay is simply a discussion / argument on paper. Don’t make the mistake of writing all the information you know regarding a particular topic.

You need to be concise, and clearly articulate your argument. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.

Each paragraph should have a purpose / theme, and make a number of points – which need to be support by high quality evidence. Be clear why each point is is relevant to the argument. It would be useful at the beginning of each paragraph if you explicitly outlined the theme being discussed (.e.g. cognitive development, social development etc.).

Try not to overuse quotations in your essays. It is more appropriate to use original content to demonstrate your understanding.

Psychology is a science so you must support your ideas with evidence (not your own personal opinion). If you are discussing a theory or research study make sure you cite the source of the information.

Note this is not the author of a textbook you have read – but the original source / author(s) of the theory or research study.

For example:

Bowlby (1951) claimed that mothering is almost useless if delayed until after two and a half to three years and, for most children, if delayed till after 12 months, i.e. there is a critical period.
Maslow (1943) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a person seeks to fullfil the next one, and so on.

As a general rule, make sure there is at least one citation (i.e. name of psychologist and date of publication) in each paragraph.

Remember to answer the essay question. Underline the keywords in the essay title. Don’t make the mistake of simply writing everything you know of a particular topic, be selective. Each paragraph in your essay should contribute to answering the essay question.

Critical Evaluation

In simple terms, this means outlining the strengths and limitations of a theory or research study.

There are many ways you can critically evaluate:

Methodological evaluation of research

Is the study valid / reliable ? Is the sample biased, or can we generalize the findings to other populations? What are the strengths and limitations of the method used and data obtained?

Be careful to ensure that any methodological criticisms are justified and not trite.

Rather than hunting for weaknesses in every study; only highlight limitations that make you doubt the conclusions that the authors have drawn – e.g., where an alternative explanation might be equally likely because something hasn’t been adequately controlled.

Compare or contrast different theories

Outline how the theories are similar and how they differ. This could be two (or more) theories of personality / memory / child development etc. Also try to communicate the value of the theory / study.

Debates or perspectives

Refer to debates such as nature or nurture, reductionism vs. holism, or the perspectives in psychology . For example, would they agree or disagree with a theory or the findings of the study?

What are the ethical issues of the research?

Does a study involve ethical issues such as deception, privacy, psychological or physical harm?

Gender bias

If research is biased towards men or women it does not provide a clear view of the behavior that has been studied. A dominantly male perspective is known as an androcentric bias.

Cultural bias

Is the theory / study ethnocentric? Psychology is predominantly a white, Euro-American enterprise. In some texts, over 90% of studies have US participants, who are predominantly white and middle class.

Does the theory or study being discussed judge other cultures by Western standards?

Animal Research

This raises the issue of whether it’s morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. But benefits are almost always to humans and costs to animals.

Animal research also raises the issue of extrapolation. Can we generalize from studies on animals to humans as their anatomy & physiology is different from humans?

The PEC System

It is very important to elaborate on your evaluation. Don’t just write a shopping list of brief (one or two sentence) evaluation points.

Instead, make sure you expand on your points, remember, quality of evaluation is most important than quantity.

When you are writing an evaluation paragraph, use the PEC system.

  • Make your P oint.
  • E xplain how and why the point is relevant.
  • Discuss the C onsequences / implications of the theory or study. Are they positive or negative?

For Example

  • Point: It is argued that psychoanalytic therapy is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority.
  • Explain: Because psychoanalytic therapy involves talking and gaining insight, and is costly and time-consuming, it is argued that it is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority. Evidence suggests psychoanalytic therapy works best if the client is motivated and has a positive attitude.
  • Consequences: A depressed client’s apathy, flat emotional state, and lack of motivation limit the appropriateness of psychoanalytic therapy for depression.

Furthermore, the levels of dependency of depressed clients mean that transference is more likely to develop.

Using Research Studies in your Essays

Research studies can either be knowledge or evaluation.
  • If you refer to the procedures and findings of a study, this shows knowledge and understanding.
  • If you comment on what the studies shows, and what it supports and challenges about the theory in question, this shows evaluation.

Writing an Introduction

It is often best to write your introduction when you have finished the main body of the essay, so that you have a good understanding of the topic area.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your introduction.

Ideally, the introduction should;

Identify the subject of the essay and define the key terms. Highlight the major issues which “lie behind” the question. Let the reader know how you will focus your essay by identifying the main themes to be discussed. “Signpost” the essay’s key argument, (and, if possible, how this argument is structured).

Introductions are very important as first impressions count and they can create a h alo effect in the mind of the lecturer grading your essay. If you start off well then you are more likely to be forgiven for the odd mistake later one.

Writing a Conclusion

So many students either forget to write a conclusion or fail to give it the attention it deserves.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your conclusion.

Ideally the conclusion should summarize the key themes / arguments of your essay. State the take home message – don’t sit on the fence, instead weigh up the evidence presented in the essay and make a decision which side of the argument has more support.

Also, you might like to suggest what future research may need to be conducted and why (read the discussion section of journal articles for this).

Don”t include new information / arguments (only information discussed in the main body of the essay).

If you are unsure of what to write read the essay question and answer it in one paragraph.

Points that unite or embrace several themes can be used to great effect as part of your conclusion.

The Importance of Flow

Obviously, what you write is important, but how you communicate your ideas / arguments has a significant influence on your overall grade. Most students may have similar information / content in their essays, but the better students communicate this information concisely and articulately.

When you have finished the first draft of your essay you must check if it “flows”. This is an important feature of quality of communication (along with spelling and grammar).

This means that the paragraphs follow a logical order (like the chapters in a novel). Have a global structure with themes arranged in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas. You might want to rearrange (cut and paste) paragraphs to a different position in your essay if they don”t appear to fit in with the essay structure.

To improve the flow of your essay make sure the last sentence of one paragraph links to first sentence of the next paragraph. This will help the essay flow and make it easier to read.

Finally, only repeat citations when it is unclear which study / theory you are discussing. Repeating citations unnecessarily disrupts the flow of an essay.

Referencing

The reference section is the list of all the sources cited in the essay (in alphabetical order). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms every time you cite/refer to a name (and date) of a psychologist you need to reference the original source of the information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites, then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

scholar

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

apa reference

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

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Psych Times

  • Relationships
  • Mental Health

What Is Educational Psychology and Why Is It Important

write a essay on educational psychology

Educational psychology can be summed up as the set of methods and strategies that strive for an improvement of how education is perceived by teachers, parents, and students. The purpose is to offer help and solutions that work as one creates certain educational experiences, adjusts existing learning methods, and keeps the learners inspired. The pandemic times and online learning have helped to set new objectives by addressing limitations and explaining what could be done and how exactly. It is the essence of educational psychology – to suggest, analyze and achieve educational aims in the most efficient way. 

Why is Educational Psychology Important?

Before exploring the benefits and the importance of educational psychology, one must realize that each student is an individual who may not be able to adjust to the common identifier. We all understand things differently and may not be able to follow the same instructions. This is where educational psychology enters the equation by addressing the best ways an educator can help a student learn and understand the concepts and overcome personal challenges, fears, and apprehensions. 

Educational Psychology Explores How Students Learn

It often involves compare-and-contrast methods as an individual is compared to the rest of the group or two bright students are compared to identify the differences. It helps educators to see what might require an urgent change or what methods have proved themselves as efficient. Such a method requires analytical work and time to identify the sample group and take relevant notes that make the research balanced and less partial. 

Remember the difficulties that may occur while teaching ESL students. Sometimes they may not properly garb the idea of the task or complete it incorrectly. In case any teacher needs help with the translation of the curriculum into another language, it is wise to get professional translation help from services like TheWordPoint . An expert translator will translate any educational materials you need and will save you from miscommunication with your ESL students. It is also a great idea to hire a translator permanently for some school needs. You can discuss this idea with a head teacher.

It Offers Introspection or Self-Observation Methods

This method is mostly aimed at educators and the parents of the students that require specific learning assistance (think autistic or special needs learners), yet more and more learners turn to reflective writing and special journals to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Starting with an observation task may seem a bit challenging at first, which is why many students choose to seek online help as they overcome various learning difficulties. The psychological effect of such an action is easy to explain, as students eliminate the factor of stress and of being identified as they ask for help. 

Clinical Psychology Aspect

Also known as the “case study analysis”, this branch of educational psychology focuses on the mental health of students. It has been especially important during times of social isolation and online learning when most students had confidence-related challenges as they did not feel comfortable when learning at home. The educators also relate here if one takes a look at the technical gap or inability to work with the latest technology. Clinical psychology in education also addresses exam stress issues or college depression cases, among other things. The purpose here is to identify the reasons and explain why the fears and anxiety take place. 

New Development Methods and Observations

Flexibility is one of the most important elements of modern educational psychology. While it studies the behavioral patterns of a student, it also helps to identify and develop new learning methods that can help to inspire. It is especially relevant when one is dealing with the younger learners or first-year college students, who are still used to the teacher’s control and the strict school guidelines. As a rule, it still includes observation and analysis of the changes, since developmental psychology must be approached in retrospect or through the lens of prognosis. 

Experimental Methods

This branch of educational psychology relates to a method when educators implement an independent variable when dealing with a dependent variable. In other words, teachers address more than one learning method to identify how they can have a positive impact on the cognitive functions of students as a group. As an experimental approach, it helps to increase the motivation and involvement of students in various team projects. The primary purpose of experimental psychology in education is to find out what learning methods can assist students as they learn about cooperation.

Accessibility Issues

Educational psychology also addresses various accessibility issues that go beyond having access to technology. It helps to address mental health issues and learning challenges that aren’t always identified. It also addresses negative learning aspects like bullying or classroom harassment. The purpose of educators is to identify the triggers and take action by doing so privately and in a way that will not make the problem an issue that is widely discussed by other students. 

Summing things up, one can see that educational psychology helps to identify the learning potentials of the learners and make relevant changes to the educational process. It also allows teachers to assess students and track their progress in a less biased way. Another important aspect worth mentioning is an adjustment of the curriculum based on the demands of the learners. It paves the way for solving educational problems as the cognitive functions are being addressed. Most importantly, educational psychology helps to identify and overcome the mental barriers that prevent students from learning and processing information. 

Emotional Commitment and Sense of Belonging

The primary purpose of educational psychology is to show how one can learn and retain knowledge by feeling emotional attachment. Psychological science is applied as a way to address the difficulties of the learning process. When a hypothetical learning model remains static, students do not feel motivated and cannot connect the proverbial dots that help them to belong. Educational psychology turns to more engaging learning methods that implement examples and let students take the lead. Once such a method is used in the classroom, the learners use various social factors as a way to voice their opinion. It brings in the element of flexibility, thus affecting the psycho-emotional state of the learner. 

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Educational Psychology Promotes Teaching and Learning

Educational Psychology Promotes Teaching and Learning

Understanding Educational Psychology

Today’s educational system is highly complex. There is no single learning approach that works for everyone.

That’s why psychologists working in the field of education are focused on identifying and studying learning methods to better understand how people absorb and retain new information.

Educational psychologists apply theories of human development to understand individual learning and inform the instructional process. While interaction with teachers and students in school settings is an important part of their work, it isn’t the only facet of the job. Learning is a lifelong endeavor. People don’t only learn at school, they learn at work, in social situations and even doing simple tasks like household chores or running errands. Psychologists working in this subfield examine how people learn in a variety of settings to identify approaches and strategies to make learning more effective.

Educational Psychology Applied

Psychologists working in education study the social, emotional and cognitive processes involved in learning and apply their findings to improve the learning process. Some specialize in the educational development of a specific group of people such as children, adolescents or adults, while others focus on specific learning challenges such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or dyslexia. 

No matter the population they are studying, these professionals are interested in teaching methods, the instructional process and different learning outcomes.

How much does the time of day when new information is introduced influence whether a person retains that information? What does culture have to do with how we process new ideas? How does age affect our ability to develop new skills, like language? How is in-person learning different from remote learning using technology? How does the choice of a media platform make a difference in learning? 

These are all questions that educational psychologists are asking — and answering — in settings as diverse as government research centers, schools, community organizations and learning centers.

Pursuing a Career in the Psychology of Teaching and Learning

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Clinical Neuropsychology

Essentials of Conditioning and Learning 5th

Study Like a Champ

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Educational Psychology Essay

Educational Psychology Essay

Have you ever thought about how psychological ideas can change education? Educational Psychology Essay can make teaching and learning better.

Educational psychology is key in psychology. It uses psychological ideas to make learning and teaching better. It combines different areas like behavioral, cognitive, and developmental psychology. This helps improve how students and teachers work together and how well students do in school.

It works in all kinds of schools, from preschool to colleges.

Key Takeaways

  • Educational psychologists look into how education policies, curriculum, and tests affect students’ learning and grades 1 .
  • Studies in educational psychology help create better education methods that support students’ growth 1 .
  • How teachers manage the classroom is very important for a good learning environment 2 .
  • Educational psychology uses psychological ideas to make teaching and learning better 3 .
  • Being active in learning helps students understand and remember things better 3 .
  • How students get along with friends, teachers, and family affects their school success and happiness 3 .

Introduction to Educational Psychology

Educational psychology combines psychology theories and practices to improve learning and teaching. It looks into how we remember, think, and see things, and how language affects us. This helps make the student-teacher relationship better. It’s key for teachers to know how to reach different students.

Definition and Scope

Educational psychology studies how education works and what affects learning. For instance, technology helps students learn by offering new tools for learning and remembering 4 . Experts in this field work in research and schools, applying psychological theories in the classroom 4 . It’s a growing field, attracting those with degrees in psychology 4 .

Big names like Alfred Binet and Benjamin Bloom have shaped this field. Binet created IQ tests to spot learning delays, and Bloom set up a system for educational goals 4 . Jean Piaget’s work on how kids think has greatly influenced educational psychology 5 .

Historical Background

Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were early thinkers on learning and information processing in their works on knowledge and education 5 . Later, John Locke and Jean Piaget offered theories on learning based on psychological theories 4 . These ideas have shaped today’s education.

In the last thirty years, educational psychologists have focused on what happens in classrooms. Studies in journals like the Journal of Educational Psychology cover many topics 5 . They look at how technology and individual differences affect learning 5 .

The Role of Behavioral Psychology in Education

Behavioral psychology greatly impacts education, showing how learning and behavior change over time. Concepts like operant conditioning help teachers use methods that improve student behavior and learning. B.F. Skinner’s work is key in this area.

This approach focuses on how we act and react to things around us. John B. Watson and later Skinner built this theory. Skinner showed how changing how we react to things can change our behavior. Teachers use this by breaking down lessons into smaller steps and making activities more complex 6 .

In class, teachers use positive and negative reinforcement to guide students. Positive reinforcement, like praise or rewards, makes students want to act the same way again. This improves their behavior and how much they learn 7 .

Most of what we do is learned, says Zirpoli (2005) 8 . Teachers can use this to make their teaching better. They set clear rules and routines. Experts say structured places and rewards help shape student behavior 6 .

Behaviorist teaching methods really help students learn better. Teachers use ongoing support and adjust their teaching to meet students’ needs. By understanding behavioral psychology , teachers can focus on what students find interesting and motivating. This is key for good learning 7 .

Cognitive Development and Student Learning

cognitive psychology in education

Understanding how students learn is key to improving their education. Cognitive psychology helps us see how students take in and remember information. It looks closely at how they organize and use information, like sorting things into categories and understanding complex ideas.

Memory and Information Processing

How well students can process and remember information is crucial for their success. Babies start learning language by noticing patterns in sounds, which helps them later in life and school 9 . Young kids also start to make sense of the world by creating theories based on what they see 9 . The Journal of Cognitive Education and Psychology shows that knowing how to think about reading is key to reading well, as seen in tests in Bosnia and Herzegovina 10 . This shows how important memory is in learning.

Influence of Jean Piaget

Jean Piaget’s ideas have greatly shaped how we view learning. He believed that kids go through different stages of thinking and learning. Babies and young kids start to understand the world by figuring out how objects and people work 9 . They learn to tell what information is trustworthy from what they hear from adults 9 .

Teachers can make learning better by using new teaching methods, like Thinking Maps, which blend with Piaget’s ideas 10 . This makes learning more effective. For more details, check out the research on educational implications of learning and developmental theories 9 .

Effective Teaching Strategies in Educational Psychology Essay

Effective teaching strategies are key to good learning outcomes . They come from deep research in educational psychology. Teaching methods have grown from this research 11 . These methods focus on how students learn and remember things. They use this knowledge to make learning spaces that work well 12 .

Constructivist Approaches

Constructivist teaching puts students at the center of their learning. It lets them build their own knowledge from their experiences and thoughts. This method fits with educational psychology’s focus on creating supportive places for students to learn and do well 11 .

By teaching in ways that fit each student’s style, teachers can meet everyone’s needs. This helps students learn better 11 .

Behaviorist Techniques

Behavior management is vital in teaching well. It uses positive rewards to help students behave and learn better. Educational psychologists say it’s key to know how students think, feel, and learn to make teaching better 12 .

By using theories of human growth, teachers can understand how each student learns. This helps them create strategies that help students remember and use what they learn 12 .

Motivation Techniques in the Classroom

motivation techniques in the classroom

Encouraging students is key to their success. Using motivational psychology techniques helps inspire them. These methods mix both internal and external motivation to keep students interested. Internal motivation is linked to better performance and achievement. External motivation uses rewards and avoids punishments 13 .

Building positive classroom relationships helps motivate students. These relationships affect their motivation, behavior, and how much they participate 13 . Research shows that there are about 100 motivational methods, grouped into 12 categories. These include making lessons relevant and showing positive examples 14 . Teachers should pick methods that fit their style and students’ needs to boost motivation 14 .

“Effective teaching methods include providing choices, creating surprising learning events, using active techniques, and stimulating curiosity to keep students engaged beyond the completion of a course” 14 .

Self-determination theory talks about different types of motivation, like internal and external. Student-focused learning works better than teacher-focused methods 13 . Models like Heckhausen & Heckhausen’s action model show how motivation affects grades 15 . These models highlight the value of motivational teaching 15 .

In conclusion, classroom motivation comes from understanding motivational psychology and education theories 14 . Techniques like flexible seating, parent involvement, and showing material relevance help boost academic motivation . This creates a better learning space for students 13 .

Classroom Management for Effective Learning

Classroom management is key to creating a learning-friendly environment. It helps teachers use classroom discipline strategies well. Studies say young teachers need good management skills to teach well 16 . A well-run classroom with clear rules helps students do better in school and behave well 17 .

Research finds that good management gets students more involved and cuts down on trouble 16 . Programs that teach social and emotional skills, along with managing behavior, improve grades by 11 percent for some students 17 . Teachers can make students feel proud and create a positive classroom by encouraging healthy competition 17 .

Building trust and a positive educational environment leads to better talks and less misbehavior. Using consistent rules and logical consequences stops problems before they start, making learning peaceful 17 . Checking how well teachers manage helps see how well students do 16 .

Teachers who set clear rules early make a classroom where students work together better. This method helps both new and experienced teachers improve how they help students learn 16 . Studies show that being aware, smooth, and keeping the class moving helps keep students on track and reduces trouble 16 . In different places, teaching social and emotional skills and managing well boosts grades and cuts down on problems and stress 17 .

Definitions of classroom management include what teachers do to keep things in order, get students involved, and make them work together 16 .

In summary, good classroom management makes a great place for learning. By using strong classroom discipline, teachers can get students more involved, improve grades, and make a positive classroom 16 17 .

Educational Assessments and Their Importance

Educational assessments are key to checking how well students learn and track their progress. They spot what students do well and what they need to work on. This helps teachers plan better lessons and improve learning results. Research shows that clear standards and goals are vital in these assessments, focusing on students, groups, or the whole school 18 .

Learning evaluation is a big part of this process. It uses different kinds of assessments to meet the needs of all students and goals 19 .

Types of Educational Assessments

There are many kinds of educational assessments. Diagnostic ones check what students know before and what they need to learn. Formative ones, like quizzes and projects, check how students are doing while they learn. Summative ones, like final tests, check how much students have learned at the end 18 . Informal ones, like class talks and peer reviews, are not structured but still help assess learning 18 .

Using Assessments to Improve Learning

Using assessment results can really help teachers and students. It gives important info on how students are doing. Teachers can change their teaching to better meet students’ needs, making learning more effective 20 . For example, Dr. Howard Gardner’s theory talks about different kinds of smarts, like thinking with words or moving with your body. This means we need different ways to check learning 19 . Assessments based on what students can do focus on their skills and how they apply what they’ve learned 18 .

Regular assessments help track students’ progress and give feedback quickly. This leads to better learning over time 19 . By using these methods, teachers can help their students more, making education better and more tailored to each student 20 .

Addressing Learning Disabilities

Dealing with learning disabilities needs a full approach in educational psychology. This ensures students with special education needs get fair chances and help in an inclusive place. Over the last 50 years, research has greatly improved our knowledge of learning disabilities in both kids and adults 21 . Early detection is key to spotting developmental differences that might mean a learning disability 22 .

Learning disabilities can show up in many ways, affecting reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking 22 . For example, kids might have trouble with reading letters, understanding words, or reading fast 22 . Math learning disorders can make it hard to grasp numbers and counting 22 . Teachers use special teaching methods to help, making sure each student’s needs are covered. This way, we can study learning disabilities in different areas and understand the brain’s role 21 .

Using methods like different teaching and IEPs helps teachers support students with learning disabilities. Also, research from different fields shows how academic skills and thinking abilities are linked, helping us plan better interventions 22 . Focusing on inclusive education means making sure all students feel they belong in the classroom. For more on geology education and resources, check out this site .

Source Links

  • Answers to: Write an essay about what is EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY – https://www.classace.io/answers/write-an-essay-about-what-is-educational-psychology
  • The Importance Of Educational Psychology – 1065 Words – https://www.cram.com/essay/The-Importance-Of-Educational-Psychology/FKYN9K5KGZKQ
  • Answers to: Write an essay about EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY – https://www.classace.io/answers/write-an-essay-about-educational-psychology
  • Educational Psychology: History and Perspectives – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-educational-psychology-2795157
  • Fetsco_01SC.pdf – https://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/samplechapter/0/3/2/1/0321080882.pdf
  • Illustrate the link between Education and Psychology in terms of Behaviorism and Cognitivism. – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/illustrate-link-between-education-psychology-terms-owusu-afriyie?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card
  • Educational Psychology Essay – 1736 Words – https://www.123helpme.com/essay/Educational-Psychology-Essay-FJD69G8N6
  • Chapter 7: Behaviorism – https://kstatelibraries.pressbooks.pub/dellaperezproject/chapter/chapter-6-behaviorism/
  • Child Development and Early Learning – Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310550/
  • Journal of Cognitive Education and Psychology – https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrjcep
  • The Role of Educational Psychology in Enhancing Learning and Development – https://medium.com/@tripathiadya21/benefits-of-education-psychology-in-facilitating-effective-learning-c9b4d5f15b44
  • Educational Psychology Promotes Teaching and Learning – https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/teaching-learning
  • How to Motivate Students: 12 Classroom Tips & Examples – https://positivepsychology.com/how-to-motivate-students/
  • Microsoft Word – ED499496.doc – https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED499496.pdf
  • Theories of Motivation in Education: an Integrative Framework – Educational Psychology Review – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-023-09767-9
  • EP3602.$VP – https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/1969.1/153169/1/Classroom management-A critical part of educational psychology and teacher education.pdf
  • The Role of Effective Classroom Management in Promoting a Positive Learning Environment – https://aithor.com/essay-examples/the-role-of-effective-classroom-management-in-promoting-a-positive-learning-environment
  • Educational assessment – https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Educational_assessment
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  • Neuropsychology of Learning Disabilities: The Past and the Future – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6249682/
  • Learning Disabilities and Disorders – HelpGuide.org – https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-disorders.htm

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Essay Samples on Educational Psychology

Bilingual education in childhood for effective social communication and development.

Today’s society places a heavy emphasis on the importance of being an effective social communicator, whether it be through verbal or non-verbal skills. Presently, more than half of the world’s population is multilingual and an increasingly larger number of people have been exposed to another...

  • Bilingualism
  • Educational Psychology

Intelligence And Definition Of Wisdom In Psychology

Interpersonal Intelligence is the potential of humans to communicate with others. Politicians who are very famous and popular are characterized by way of this ability, as well as humans who are attractive. Man, even though able to live alone, is a social being by way...

  • Intelligence

Humanization of the Students During the Study Process

Education has constantly assumed a crucial job in the moulding of any country. Numerous people, both in the East and the West, have submitted their lives for the advancement of their social orders through training. It has been the key element of human advancement and...

  • Pedagogy of The Oppressed
  • School Curriculums

Reflecting on the Education Approaches of Paulo Freire and Reimers

Paulo Freire and Reimers are two educators who have made significant contributions to the field of education. Both of these scholars have a unique perspective on how education should be approached, and they have inspired many others to adopt their methods. In this essay, we...

  • Liberal Arts Education

The Models of Class Reflection and Its Role in Education

Introduction An essential quality for a teacher is to be able to reflect on their own practice. This skill is important as it increases and improves the learner’s performance. It is an ability which enables a practitioner to reflect on action in order to encourage...

  • Class Reflection

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Modern Psychology in Today's Scientific and Religious Mindsets

Science and religion can often seem at odds with each other, but perhaps there are more similarities and interconnectedness than scientists give credit. Psychology, as a relatively new science, has a slightly different view than other sciences. Unlike biology, which tries to explain away religion,...

My Decision to Pursue Psychology: A Journey of Understanding and Compassion

When I first chose to major in psychology, it was because I believed it would allow me to make a positive impact on people's lives. We all face challenges at some point, and the opportunity to help others overcome them felt incredibly rewarding. Additionally, psychology...

  • Personal Experience

Impact of Psychology on the Nutritional Health of People

Those halcyon days in my high school years were the most important events in my life in terms of choosing my career. I have always said that I want to help people in the medical field in any type of way in order to use...

Psychology Is My Lifelong Aspiration

I am applying for Psychology. When I was 14 years old I had made the incidental decision to take Psychology at GCSE. Unknowingly I had chosen a subject in which I would become extremely passionate about. This has led me to studying Psychology at A...

Communities of Practice Learning, Meanings, and Identity

The various kinds of communities which exist include, the communities made of people with the same interest or share the same passion, i.e: A community of people who try to bring change through their actions. A community of people who are brought together as a...

  • Social Networking

Best topics on Educational Psychology

1. Bilingual Education In Childhood For Effective Social Communication And Development

2. Intelligence And Definition Of Wisdom In Psychology

3. Humanization of the Students During the Study Process

4. Reflecting on the Education Approaches of Paulo Freire and Reimers

5. The Models of Class Reflection and Its Role in Education

6. Modern Psychology in Today’s Scientific and Religious Mindsets

7. My Decision to Pursue Psychology: A Journey of Understanding and Compassion

8. Impact of Psychology on the Nutritional Health of People

9. Psychology Is My Lifelong Aspiration

10. Communities of Practice Learning, Meanings, and Identity

  • Confirmation Bias
  • Child Observation
  • Human Behavior
  • Milgram Experiment
  • Behaviorism
  • Attachment Theory

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Essay on Educational Psychology

Students are often asked to write an essay on Educational Psychology in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Educational Psychology

Introduction to educational psychology.

Educational Psychology is a branch of psychology. It is the study of how people learn in educational settings. It looks at the different ways students learn and what can help or hinder learning.

The Role of Educational Psychologists

Educational Psychologists work with students, teachers, and parents. They help to improve teaching methods and learning processes. They can identify learning difficulties and suggest ways to overcome them. They also study how people’s behavior in school affects their learning.

Learning Theories in Educational Psychology

Educational Psychology includes many learning theories. These theories explain how students absorb, process, and retain information. Some of these theories are behaviorist, cognitive, humanistic, and social learning theories.

Importance of Educational Psychology

Educational Psychology is important because it helps improve education. By understanding how students learn, teachers can create better lessons. It also helps students by identifying their learning needs and providing support to meet those needs.

250 Words Essay on Educational Psychology

What is educational psychology.

Educational Psychology is a part of psychology that studies how people learn. It looks at the ways students understand and take in new information. It also studies how teaching can be improved.

The Role of Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists play a big role in schools. They help teachers understand what makes students learn best. They also help design lessons that are engaging and effective. They can also help students who are having trouble in school.

Learning Theories

There are many theories in educational psychology. Some theories say that learning is a result of conditioning. Others believe it is because of how we think. Understanding these theories can help teachers create better lessons.

Educational psychology is important because it helps teachers and students. Teachers can use it to create lessons that help students learn. Students can use it to understand how they learn best. It can also help identify students who need extra help.

In conclusion, educational psychology is a vital field that helps improve teaching and learning. It uses research and theories to understand how we learn. This understanding can then be used to make education better for everyone.

500 Words Essay on Educational Psychology

Educational psychology plays a crucial role in the learning process. It helps teachers understand how students learn. With this knowledge, teachers can create lesson plans that meet the needs of all students. For example, some students may learn better through visual aids, while others may prefer auditory or hands-on learning. By understanding these differences, teachers can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Theories in Educational Psychology

There are many theories in educational psychology that help us understand how learning takes place. One popular theory is the cognitive development theory by Jean Piaget. This theory suggests that children go through different stages of learning as they grow. These stages include the sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage. Each stage has unique characteristics that affect how children understand the world around them.

Impact of Educational Psychology on Teaching

Educational psychology has a big impact on teaching. It allows teachers to understand the individual needs of each student. This understanding helps teachers to create a supportive learning environment. For example, if a teacher knows that a student struggles with reading, they can use strategies to help improve the student’s reading skills.

Educational psychology also helps teachers understand how to motivate students. Motivation is crucial in learning because it drives students to work hard and achieve their goals. By understanding what motivates students, teachers can create lessons that are engaging and exciting.

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    John Dewey (1859—1952) was a psychologist, philosopher, and educator who made contributions to numerous topics in philosophy and psychology. His work continues to inform modern philosophy and educational practice today. Dewey was an influential pragmatist, a movement that rejected most philosophy at the time in favor of the belief that things ...

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    Frequently Asked Questions. Educational psychology is the study of how people learn and retain information. It mainly focuses on the learning process of early childhood and adolescence; however, learning is a lifelong endeavor. People don't only learn at school; rather, they learn through all of their life experiences, including at home, with ...

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    Reflecting on the Education Approaches of Paulo Freire and Reimers. 5. The Models of Class Reflection and Its Role in Education. 6. Modern Psychology in Today's Scientific and Religious Mindsets. 7. My Decision to Pursue Psychology: A Journey of Understanding and Compassion. 8. Impact of Psychology on the Nutritional Health of People. 9.

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    Essays on Educational Psychology. Essay examples. Essay topics. 12 essay samples found. Sort & filter. 1 The Role of Paraprofessionals: a Reflective Analysis . 1 page / 650 words . ... Write my essay. 7 Two Theories on The Nature of Intelligence . 5 pages / 2348 words .

  21. Essay on Educational Psychology

    High-quality essay on the topic of "Educational Psychology" for students in schools and colleges. Skip to content Home ... Blog; Tools / Essays / Essay on Educational Psychology. February 18, 2024. Students are often asked to write an essay on Educational Psychology in their schools and colleges. And if you're also looking for the same, we ...