what is important of educational psychology

What Is Educational Psychology? 6 Examples and Theories

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, this signature collection contains 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.

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 have learned more about the rich field of educational psychology from this brief article and will find the resources it contains useful. Don’t forget to download our free Positive Psychology Exercises .

• 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 and Why Is It Important

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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What Is Educational Psychology?

Learning is a highly individualized process. What proves effective for one person might not work for another. Most of us have experienced this at one point — struggling with concepts presented through one medium but understanding them when taught in a different way. To improve the process of education, psychology professionals are working to understand exactly how people learn and retain information.

“Educational psychology is the field that explores our psychological processes, theories, and principles that influence learning and development within an educational environment,” says Kristina Noriega , EdD, MSIDT, MSCP, psychology faculty member at Purdue Global. “It examines how students of all ages — from early childhood to adulthood — acquire knowledge, develop skills, and adapt to different learning environments.”

In this article, Noriega shares insights and potential career paths within this rewarding and challenging field.

Understanding Educational Psychology

Learning is a unique journey for every individual. Educational psychology delves into the cognitive, behavioral, and developmental aspects of this journey. The goal, according to the American Psychological Association , is to better understand how students learn and develop in an educational setting.

Those who study educational psychology learn topics such as student motivation, student assessment, instructional techniques, and classroom management.

“Once they become working educational psychology professionals, they can then apply all of this knowledge into real-world scenarios and situations in support of the field of learning,” Noriega says.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Educational Psychology?

A master’s degree in educational psychology can open doors to a range of roles within the educational sector. Potential career paths include:

1. Educational Researcher

An educational researcher focuses on the intricacies of the learning process to understand and improve educational practices and outcomes. They employ various methodologies, from qualitative interviews to quantitative data analysis, to study topics such as teaching methods, learning styles, curriculum effectiveness, and educational policies.

“As an educational researcher, you can study educational interventions, learning processes, or even policy,” Noriega explains. “This research often informs educators, policymakers, and institutions, providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance the quality of education and promote effective learning environments.”

Educational researchers work in many settings, from academia and government agencies to private and nonprofit research organizations. You can even apply educational psychology to understand behavior, preferences, and pain points as you design and develop products and learning material.

“I’ve been a user experience researcher,” she says. “This role helps ensure that services and products are designed with the needs and preferences of the users or learners in mind.”

2. Educational Program Director

An educational program director leads and enhances the quality of education within schools. Their responsibilities encompass a broad range of tasks including curriculum planning, textbook selection, and teacher training.

“Additionally, they are involved in devising and implementing programs for extracurricular activities, ensuring a holistic educational experience for students,” Noriega says. Educational program directors work in school districts, higher education institutions, government educational departments, private educational consultancies, and nonprofit organizations focused on education.

3. Education Administrator, Kindergarten Through Secondary

An education administrator, kindergarten through secondary, ensures that schools operate efficiently and provide high-quality educational experiences to students. According to O*NET OnLine , they are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the academic, administrative, and auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Education administrators play an important role in the educational landscape. These roles typically work within public and private school systems, charter schools, school district offices, and sometimes at state or federal educational departments. Licensing and certification requirements may apply.

4. Instructional Coordinator

An instructional coordinator, often referred to as a curriculum specialist, plays a crucial role in shaping the educational content delivered to students. According to O*NET OnLine , these professionals oversee school curriculum and teaching standards, taking charge of developing and implementing instructional materials, and subsequently assessing their effectiveness.

They typically find employment in public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and school district offices. They might also work within educational consultancies and state or federal educational agencies. Their expertise ensures that educational content aligns with set standards and effectively meets the learning needs of students.

Earn a Master of Science in Educational Psychology With Purdue Global

The field of educational psychology plays a key part in shaping the educational process. For individuals considering advanced roles in educational administration, program evaluation, or operations research, a master's degree in this discipline can offer a solid foundation for your career.

Employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree because it provides a deeper understanding of psychology principles and research methods. “Earning a master’s degree can give candidates extra leverage in the job market,” Noriega says.

Learn more about Purdue Global's  online master's in educational psychology and request more information today.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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Learn more about online programs at Purdue Global and download our program guide.

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Additional training or certification may be required.

Certification and Professional Licensure: This program is not focused on the clinical practice of school psychologists and was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements of this program do not guarantee or prepare students for licensure in any state upon graduation.

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What is educational psychology and its importance?

Each individual has different characteristics and no two persons are the same. That is why is it important to identify this fact and to work according to each personality. Each person has his own way of understanding and doing things. Adaptability is key when dealing with people in general. In this context, the ability and variation each individual has when it comes to learning and understanding, differs greatly and involves a whole new level of educational psychology.

What is educational psychology?

Educational psychology focuses on how people learn, which includes ordinary learners as well as gifted learners. It involves the learning process, teaching procedures, results of students, differences in individual learning procedures, individual learning disabilities and gifted learners. Psychologists working in this branch of psychology are keen on finding out how people grasp and retain new information. There are many psychology courses online that can help you to learn in detail about this branch of psychology

Educational psychology process involves early childhood and adolescent learning. However, it also includes emotional, social and cognitive processes that are involved in the learning process throughout life.

Choose from the many psychology course bundles online in UK to be qualified in this field and work as an education psychologist anywhere in the world.

Methods of educational psychology

Educational psychology involves several techniques of collecting data which is an important step in the entire process. These are as follows;

• Introspection – This is the method of self-observation. In this method the individual observes and analyses his own feelings and thoughts.
• Observation – This is one of the most popular methods used. In this method the individual is compared with another person other than himself.
• Clinical method – This method, which is also known as the case method, is used to understand the reason for anxieties, fears, obsessions and worries etc. of individuals.
• Development method – This method focuses on the development of behaviours of an individual, right from the beginning of it.
• Experimental method – This method focuses on various methods of memorisation, imagination and level of attention etc. It analyses the effect an independent variable has on a dependent variable.

You can learn more about these methods by following a course in this subject area. A psychology course bundle will give you an in depth knowledge which you require in order to work in this field of psychology.

The importance of educational psychology

Educational psychology is a vital part of the learning process, especially in this era. It is important for both educators and students. Let’s look at some of the benefits educational psychology has on educators.

• It helps the teacher to get to know his potential to teach and the abilities of the learners.
• It assists the teacher in the identifying the learning process.
• It helps the teacher to asses each student and to know where he stands and how he has grown.
• It helps the teacher to adjust his method of learning to the demand of the learner.
• It helps the teacher to solve the learning problems of each student.
• It helps the teacher to motivate the student to learn and to increase his ability in memorising.
• It helps to teacher to identify the differences each student has according to his or her own limits.
• It helps the teacher to channel the students’ abilities in the right direction

These are just a few of the reasons why you should follow a psychology course bundle which can help you in your journey towards becoming a qualified and skilled educational psychologist.

Apart from the importance educational psychology has on teachers, there are also many benefits it has on education itself. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages.

• As a learner, it enables him to get to know about himself and identify his behaviour.
• It facilitates the learning process by determining factors of the classroom environment and how discipline should be maintained.
• It helps curriculum generators to identify what needs to be added to the curriculum to support the teachers and students with the learning process to transfer to the next generation.
• It helps to identify how to evaluate students in order to test to what extend the information and concepts taught have been transferred.

All of these benefits only tell you how important educational psychology is. This means that it is the right time for you to consider following one of the psychology courses online so that you get to master the above techniques.

Scope of educational psychology

Educational psychology focuses on two important aspects, which are education and psychology. Both of these aspects are equally crucial in building a society with great future prospects. The scope of educational psychology covers several aspect as below. They are;

• Growth and development of a child.
• The study of human behaviour.
• How learning can take place in the most efficient manner.
• The nature of an individual’s personality.
• The differences of every individual.
• To what extent the environment contributes towards the development and growth of a person.

This scope shows how greatly educational psychology can impact society. It should be noted that following an adequate psychology course bundle is crucial in getting the proper knowledge and skills in this subject.

Psychology Course Bundle

There are so many psychology course bundles online in UK that can help you gain the knowledge and skills you require. Our psychology course features Mastering Psychology and Educational Psychology which are two excellent courses to follow to those who aspire to follow this career path. Key features of our courses are the personalized learning experience, accredited UK qualification, access to study materials, up to a year’s access to the course material and support over the phone, chat and email.

Learners of the psychology course bundle should be above 16 years of age with a basic understanding and skills in English and ICT. The course is recommended for psychology students, aspiring psychologists, counsellors, social workers and anyone who is interested in studying humans and their behaviours. Upon successful completion of the psychology course bundle and the online test, learners will be awarded the Certificates for Mastering Psychology and Educational Psychology. Log into our website to find out more information on the courses that are available.

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educational psychology

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• WebMD - What is Educational Psychology?
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educational psychology , theoretical and research branch of modern psychology , concerned with the learning processes and psychological problems associated with the teaching and training of students. The educational psychologist studies the cognitive development of students and the various factors involved in learning, including aptitude and learning measurement, the creative process, and the motivational forces that influence dynamics between students and teachers. Educational psychology is a partly experimental and partly applied branch of psychology, concerned with the optimization of learning. It differs from school psychology , which is an applied field that deals largely with problems in elementary and secondary school systems.

Educational psychology traces its origins to the experimental and empirical work on association and sensory activity by the English anthropologist Sir Francis Galton , and the American psychologist G. Stanley Hall , who wrote The Contents of Children’s Minds (1883). The major leader in the field of educational psychology, however, was the American educator and psychologist Edward Lee Thorndike , who designed methods to measure and test children’s intelligence and their ability to learn. Thorndike proposed the transfer-of-training theory, which states that “what is learned in one sphere of activity ‘transfers’ to another sphere only when the two spheres share common ‘elements.’ ”

What Is Educational Psychology? Theories, Degrees And Careers

Updated: Jan 4, 2024, 1:20am

If you’re interested in how people learn and process information, you might consider a career in educational psychology. This field sits at the intersection of education and psychology, which may be appealing to individuals who do not want to become teachers but aspire to counsel students in educational settings. Career options include school counselor, educational consultant and research-based roles.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the unique field of educational psychology, including common careers, requirements and earning potential.

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What Does Educational Psychology Study?

Educational psychology professionals focus on the ways people absorb and retain information. These professionals study various theories of educational development, all of which inform teaching styles employed in classrooms across the world.

Educational psychologists work with teachers and school administrators to put in place sound educational practices that benefit most of the student body. These psychologists may also help with more difficult issues, such as learning disabilities or students with low academic performance.

While most of an educational psychologist’s work takes place at the K-12 level, some also work with adults who have learning disabilities.

Educational Psychology Theories

The field of educational psychology is built on several theories regarding how people learn.

John Watson developed the behavioral theory of educational psychology in 1913. This theory states that people are born with minds that are essentially blank, and people’s behavior is a result of their surrounding environment. Behavioral theory places little focus on the idea of innate or inherited knowledge, focusing instead on how individuals gain knowledge through learning and conditioning.

Behavioral theory uses a system of rewards and punishments to change behavior. A good example of this is giving students points for good behavior and rewarding the class once they’ve accumulated enough points.

Developmental

Psychologist Jean Piaget was a popular adherent to the developmental theory of educational psychology. This perspective asserts that people learn skills and concepts along a well-defined continuum involving growth and maturation. It examines how nature and nurture work together to shape a person’s development.

By understanding how children think as they move from one stage of life to the next, educational psychologists can build a better understanding of children’s development.

Cognitivism was developed in response to the theory of behaviorism, asserting that learners process information through the filter of what they already know. This theory emphasizes memory and organization. Classroom examples of cognitivism can include memorization, concept mapping and the use of analogies and metaphors to help with memory.

Constructivist

This perspective focuses on how students are constantly evolving and gaining knowledge during their learning journey. The theory places importance on real-world scenarios and using critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Psychologist Lev Vygotsky was a pioneer of constructivist theory. His research on the zone of proximal development, which separates tasks into three main categories based on skill level, is the main tenet of the cognitive theory of educational psychology.

Experiential

This theory of educational psychology emphasizes how a person’s life experience can influence their understanding and processing of new information. Similar to both the constructivist and cognitive perspectives, this theory considers factors like the learner’s thoughts, feelings and personal experiences more heavily than other theories.

What Degrees Can You Get in Educational Psychology?

If you’re wondering how to become a psychologist in the education space, you can start by pursuing an undergraduate degree in just about any field. Specific bachelor’s degrees in educational psychology are rare, so prospective educational psychologists might instead pursue undergraduate degrees in history, business, general psychology or education.

Do you plan to start with a general psychology bachelor’s degree? Consider our list of the best online psychology degrees .

Master’s in Educational Psychology

At the master’s level, educational psychology learners complete both core curricula and elective courses. Typical master’s in psychology programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission and take two years of study to complete.

Most master’s programs in educational psychology combine core and elective courses, allowing students to choose their desired path within the field of educational psychology. Common coursework for a master’s in educational psychology includes human development, research and analysis, applied learning behaviors, consultation in special education, learning across the lifespan and qualitative approaches to education.

To learn more, check out our list of the best online psychology master’s degrees .

Doctorate in Educational Psychology

For many individuals pursuing careers in psychology , a doctoral degree is necessary. After completing a Ph.D. in educational psychology, students are prepared for careers as college professors, researchers or educational consultants.

Doctoral programs in educational psychology result in Ph.D., Ed.D. or Psy.D. degrees. Ph.D. graduates tend to pursue careers in research, while Ed.D. and Psy.D. graduates typically practice psychology in educational settings. Doctoral programs in psychology typically require either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree for admission and take between three and five years to complete.

Careers in Educational Psychology

Are you wondering what you can do with a degree in educational psychology? Below, we’ve outlined some popular career paths for students who pursue this degree.

We sourced the below salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale .

Educational Psychologist

Median Annual Salary: $85,330 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6% Job Description: Educational psychologists study the ways people learn and process information. They often work in school settings but can also perform counseling services or conduct research in their field.

Educational Researcher

Average Annual Salary: Around $67,000 Job Description: Education researchers often work at colleges or universities. These professionals are tasked with analyzing academic departments to ensure they are using the most effective curriculum.

School Psychologist

Median Annual Salary: $81,500 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +1% Job Description: School psychologists perform a variety of counseling and psychological services in schools. They develop and implement strategies to help schools address students’ educational or behavioral issues. School psychologists often work with at-risk or learning-disabled students to develop strategies to ensure academic success. We explore this position in detail in our guide on how to become a school psychologist .

College Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $60,140 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +5% Job Description: School and college counselors work in educational settings to help students develop their paths to academic success. These counselors assist students with selecting majors or career paths.

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Christin Perry is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets, including WeddingWire, The Knot, Parents and Verywell Family. When she's not working, Christin enjoys reading, gardening and hanging out with her husband and four young kids. She also loves to do small home improvement projects any chance she gets.

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The importance of Educational Psychology

It’s possible to improve our functionality by taking just a quick look at the theories used in Educational Psychology. Here, we’re going to look at one of the gateway theories that can help us to improve our performance in almost any educational situation.

Take the classic story of a seven year old pupil in 1880s America, who overheard a teacher saying that his learning abilities were ‘addled’. The child was obviously upset at this, and even though the teacher was having genuine difficulties in teaching the boy, we can all recognise the inappropriate way this opinion was expressed.

That boy grew up to become Thomas Edison. The inventor reflected on this moment later in his life, when he was interviewed by a local newspaper.

Even though the world of education has advanced immeasurably since this era, it’s still interesting to ask: would Edison’s type of intelligence have been easier to understand if they knew back then what we do now regarding Educational Psychology ?

Multiple intelligence types

One of the many fascinating facets of psychology degrees are personality and intelligence modules. Developmental psychologist Howard Gardner was the first to publish the seven main types of intelligence in 1983, and since then several more have been added to the roster. Here, we give you an overview these intelligence types.

1) Visual-Spatial

We’ve all met people with the uncanny ability to visualise the world around them to an above average level. Their minds are able to create three-dimensional psychological constructs, which they can then relay back to the physical world. The way it’s relayed can vary from high level navigational skills, to creating architectural designs that show an impressive spatial awareness.

This particular type of intelligence is often linked to creative abilities where a person is able to modify and transform their own perceptions to re-create aspects of their visual experience. The true sign of someone who has high levels of this intelligence type is when they can perform this re-creation without the presence of any physical stimuli to guide them.

2) Linguistic-Verbal

Someone who rates high with this intelligence type has a natural gift for communication. These are the writers, story tellers, and high level speakers, who have an understanding of sounds and word patterns that allows them to express themselves in a way that sets them apart.

This is the most widespread intelligence type, as most individuals use these skills every day. The difference with people who have this type at unusually high levels is that they employ meta-skills when they communicate, and are able to convey complex meanings and ideas using particular hybrids of written/verbal mediums.

3) Logical–Mathematical

Each type of intelligence is a hybrid of types that refers to more than just ‘being good with numbers or words’ etc. People with high levels logical-mathematical intelligence are often able to see beyond the surface levels of perceived data, identify overall patterns, and also relate their perceptions to abstract thinking.

This type of intelligence is not limited to mathematics alone, but to the overall ability to reason and create hypotheses which one can relay in a rational way. The main way in which an Educational Psychologist uses these theories initially is by analysing which intelligence type is dominant. Of course, there may be more than one – in the case of a genius for example – but they offer a good starting point in understanding talents and natural skill levels.

4) Interpersonal

From the very beginning, no matter who they meet, some people are consistently able to get along with almost anyone. The functionality of a person with high levels of interpersonal intelligence works in a specific way, since their ability to read, relay, understand and communicate is naturally advanced.

People that are high on this spectrum are able to sense things like temperament and non-verbal signals particularly well. These individuals are often suited to professions like politics, teaching, and any roles that are heavily dependent on social abilities.

5) Intrapersonal

With this intelligence type, the person has the ability to understand themselves in a particularly in-depth manner, to the extent that they can even contribute to our knowledge of the overall human experience by sharing their insights. There is often a link between introversion and intrapersonal intelligence, although it also depends on which of their other intelligence types are most salient.

When this intelligence type is highly evident, individuals often find themselves drawn to areas like psychology, philosophy, writing, and spirituality related endeavours. Also, they can often be very good at planning and organising their lives, since they have an in-depth understanding of themselves, and how to apply this knowledge to their daily routine.

6) Bodily Kinaesthetic

We find this intelligence type in our natural athletes. Of course, we can all practice and improve our abilities in different areas, but some people have that additional element that is hard to teach. Normally, they’ll have excellent hand-to-eye coordination skills, and can often be highly proficient in more than one particular physical discipline.

Another interesting trait of people imbued with this intelligence is that they will often remember having ‘done’ things, as supposed to having ‘heard’ or ‘seen’. There are common traits like this with all the intelligence types, where an individual is likely to express themselves in a particular manner depending on their intelligence mix.

Not only are people with dominant musical intelligence drawn to the appreciation, composition, and performance of music, but they also think in the types of patterns related to sound and rhythm. These characteristics often have a direct connection to how they remember things, giving them the ability to understand complex musical arrangements.

There is often a connection between the mathematical and musical intelligences, as there are between many of them. This is how the theory is best used, as the focus is not on pigeonholing a person with one or two intelligence types, but in understanding the unique hybrid that they have resulting from their relationships.

8) Naturalistic

This newer addition relates to people who are so in-tune with their surroundings, that they not only have a strong affinity for natural environments, but are often able to pick-up on even the most subtle of changes to it. This intelligence type relates to people with a high sensitivity for detecting, understanding, and exploring these changes, whereby they are well suited to vocations directly linked to the environment.

At the most basic level, this type of intelligence helps us to discriminate between the living and the inanimate. Then at the higher levels, some are able to read and understand configurations (e.g. environmental forecasting) in the natural world that others less sensitive to similar stimuli would be less likely to detect.

9) One for the road: Existential

As well as the addition of Naturalistic Intelligence, another addition to Gardener’s list is Existential Intelligence. It is exactly how it sounds: a high level of ability to explore existential ideas. This type of intelligence lends itself naturally to developing philosophic ideas, and the ability to contribute to their progression.

A good Educational Psychologist is in-touch with the overall educational continuum, and they are crucial to its development. This specialisation offers the privilege of being able to alter the nature of how we understand education itself, and is broad in its responsibility spectrum. If you’re interested in studying Psychology at BSc level, and want to get an idea of how to enter the world of Educational Psychology, take a look at this course outline today.

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Educational Psychology

Developments and Contestations

• Reference work entry
• First Online: 04 April 2020
• Cite this reference work entry

• Katie Wright 2 &
• Emma Buchanan 3  

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE))

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Educational psychology is a multifaceted and contested domain of knowledges and practices that resists simple definition. Its forms and foci have varied across time and place, and strands of knowledge and practice that have travelled under this disciplinary descriptor have been shaped by, and contributed to, shifting understandings of the problems and promises of education. Concepts of individual differences and forms of mental measurement are readily associated with the emergence of educational psychology. Yet, its history is broad in scope, including concerns with child development, adjustment, learning, and behavior. This chapter focuses on two major strands of historical studies of educational psychology: key figures and disciplinary developments; and critical analyses of its knowledges, practices, and impact. A concise overview of the history of educational psychology from the late nineteenth to the late twentieth century is provided. The chapter considers major strands of thought, contexts of emergence, and sites of development, as documented by historians. This includes exploration of foundational influences and examination of the role that various waves of psychological thought have played in shaping policy and in forming understandings about best practice in education, from compulsory schooling spaces to more informal educational sites such as child guidance clinics and preschools. Alongside this mapping of the historiography, central debates about the scope, promise, dangers, and effects of psychology as a foundational knowledge for education are outlined. Here, consideration is given to discussions in the past as well as more recent interpretations and critical angles.

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Wright, K., Buchanan, E. (2020). Educational Psychology. In: Fitzgerald, T. (eds) Handbook of Historical Studies in Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2362-0_32

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(Educational Psychology)

Educational Psychology, Definition, Meaning, Scope and Career

What is psychology .

The Greek terms “psyche” and “logos” are the roots of the word “psychology.” The words “psyche” and “logos” refer to the soul. So, the original definition of psychology was “the science of the soul.”

According to older psychologists, the purpose of psychology was to investigate the make-up, history, and destiny of the human soul. However, the soul is a metaphysical concept. We cannot do scientific studies on the soul since it cannot be seen, observed, or touched.

‘Science of Mind’ was how psychology was referred to in the 18th century. Psychology, according to William James (1892), is the study of mental processes. But because there was a misunderstanding about the make-up and purposes of the mind, the name “mind” is also highly confusing.

Thus, psychology first loses its soul, then its mind, and finally its consciousness; at this point, only its behavior remains. William McDugall (1905), W.B. Pillsbury (1911), and J.B. Watson (1912) also defined psychology as the “science of behavior.”. Behavior generally refers to overt activities that can be observed and measured scientifically. However, one’s behavior is always influenced by his or her experiences. Therefore, when we study one’s behavior, we are actually

So, according to B.F. Skinner, psychology should be defined as the “science of behavior and experiences in human beings.”

Psychology is the study of human behavior and interpersonal relationships, claim Crow & Crow.

What is educational psychology?

Educational psychology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on understanding how individuals learn and develop within educational settings. It delves into the cognitive, emotional, and social processes that influence learning and educational experiences. Educational psychologists study factors such as motivation, learning styles, memory, and problem-solving skills to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

This field also addresses issues related to educational assessment, special educational needs, and the development of instructional strategies tailored to diverse learning abilities and styles. Educational psychologists collaborate with educators, students, parents, and administrators to create inclusive learning environments that optimize academic achievement and personal growth.

In essence, educational psychology plays a crucial role in shaping educational practices and policies, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of education and the overall learning experience for individuals of all ages.

What is the relationship between education and psychology ?

The relationship between education and psychology is deeply intertwined and mutually beneficial. Psychology provides valuable insights and principles that inform effective educational practices, while education offers a practical platform for psychologists to apply and test their theories in real-world settings.

Psychology contributes to education by offering a scientific understanding of how individuals learn, develop, and acquire knowledge. This encompasses areas such as cognitive processes, motivation, memory retention, and the impact of socio-emotional factors on learning. By studying these psychological aspects, educators can tailor teaching methods and instructional materials to cater to different learning styles and needs. For example, knowing about the varying ways in which individuals process information allows educators to implement diverse teaching strategies that accommodate a broader range of students.

Conversely, education provides psychologists with a unique environment to conduct research and observe human behavior in action. It offers a controlled setting where theories and interventions can be tested, refined, and validated. Educational institutions serve as living laboratories for psychologists to study topics like child development, learning disabilities, and the effectiveness of educational interventions.

In essence, the relationship between education and psychology is symbiotic. Psychology equips educators with evidence-based practices to enhance learning outcomes, while education serves as a practical context for psychologists to advance their understanding of human behavior and cognition. This synergy ultimately leads to developing more effective teaching methods and educational policies that benefit learners of all ages.

What is the meaning of educational psychology?

Educational psychologists aim to identify effective strategies for teaching and learning as well as ways to support the development of cognitive skills, motivation, and emotional well-being within educational contexts. They also address issues related to educational assessment, special educational needs, and the creation of inclusive learning environments.

In summary, educational psychology combines principles of psychology with the specific challenges and dynamics of educational settings, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of education and maximizing individual learning potential.

The primary aim of educational psychology is to enhance the educational experience for individuals of all ages. It seeks to improve learning outcomes, foster personal development, and create inclusive environments that facilitate effective learning.

Objectives:

• Identifying Effective Teaching Strategies: Educational psychology aims to research and identify teaching methods that are most conducive to learning. This involves understanding how different instructional approaches impact student engagement and comprehension.
• Assessing Learning Difficulties: One of the key objectives is to recognize and address learning challenges that individuals may face. This involves the development of assessment tools to identify areas where students may need additional support.
• Promoting Inclusive Education: Educational psychology seeks to create environments that cater to diverse learning needs. This objective focuses on designing inclusive educational practices that accommodate various learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Understanding Cognitive Development: This objective involves studying how cognitive processes evolve over time, from childhood through adulthood. It aims to gain insights into how thinking, problem-solving, and memory function at different stages of development.
• Enhancing Motivation and Engagement: Educational Psychology aims to discover strategies that stimulate and sustain student motivation and engagement in educational activities. This includes identifying factors that positively influence a learner’s desire to participate and excel.
• Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Another crucial objective is to address the emotional and social aspects of learning. This involves strategies to foster a positive emotional climate in educational environments and provide support for students’ social and emotional development.
• Optimizing Assessment and Evaluation: Educational psychologists work towards developing effective assessment tools and techniques that accurately measure learning outcomes. This objective is vital for evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions.
• Providing Guidance and Counseling: Educational psychology aims to offer guidance and counseling to individuals regarding educational and career-related decisions. This includes providing resources and support for academic and personal development.
• Informing Educational Policy and Practice: Educational psychologists contribute valuable insights and research findings to inform educational policies, curriculum design, and program implementation. They play a role in shaping the overall educational landscape.
• Advancing Research in Education: Educational Psychology is dedicated to conducting research studies that contribute to a broader understanding of learning and development. This involves investigating various aspects of educational psychology through empirical studies and theoretical frameworks.

What is the nature of educational psychology?

The nature of educational psychology encompasses a comprehensive understanding of how individuals learn and develop within educational environments. It seeks to explore the psychological processes that underlie learning as well as the factors that influence educational experiences.

• Scientific Study: At its core, educational psychology is a scientific discipline. It employs rigorous research methodologies to investigate learning processes, cognitive development, and the impact of various educational interventions.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: It draws upon knowledge from various fields, including psychology, education, neuroscience, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive examination of the complex interactions between individuals and their educational environments.
• Focus on Individual Differences: Educational psychology recognizes and addresses the diverse needs and abilities of learners. It takes into account factors such as cognitive styles, motivation levels, and socio-emotional characteristics, aiming to provide tailored approaches to education.
• Application-Oriented: One of the key features of educational psychology is its practical application. It seeks to translate theoretical insights into actionable strategies for educators, parents, and policymakers. This includes designing effective teaching methods, creating inclusive learning environments, and developing appropriate assessment tools.
• Problem-Solving Orientation: Educational psychologists often work to identify and address challenges within the educational system. This may involve developing interventions for students with learning difficulties, designing programs to enhance motivation, or improving instructional techniques.
• Developmental Perspective: It considers the entire span of human development, from early childhood through adulthood. This perspective allows for an understanding of how learning processes evolve and change over time.
• Ethical Considerations: Educational psychology places a strong emphasis on ethical practices, particularly in research involving human participants. It prioritizes the well-being and rights of individuals, ensuring that studies are conducted with integrity and respect.
• Influences on Educational Policy: Educational psychology has a significant impact on educational policy and practice. Research findings and recommendations from educational psychologists often inform decisions related to curriculum development, assessment policies, and the implementation of support services.

What are the perspectives of educational psychology?

Educational psychology encompasses several key perspectives that provide different lenses through which to understand and address educational phenomena. These perspectives offer unique insights into the complex interplay of psychological factors within educational settings. Here are some of the primary perspectives of educational psychology:

• Cognitive Perspective: It focuses on mental processes such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and information processing. It explores how learners acquire, retain, and use knowledge.
• Behavioral Perspective: Emphasizes observable behaviors and the influence of environmental stimuli on learning. It examines how reinforcement, punishment, and conditioning shape behavior in educational contexts.
• Developmental Perspective: Considers how psychological processes change and evolve over the lifespan. It examines the stages of cognitive, social, and emotional development that influence learning. Explores the impact of social, cultural, and historical contexts on learning. It emphasizes the role of cultural practices, social interactions, and societal influences in shaping educational experiences.
• Constructivist Perspective: Focuses on the active construction of knowledge by learners. It suggests that individuals build their understanding through interactions with their environment rather than passively receiving information.
• Humanistic Perspective: Centers on individual potential, self-actualization, and personal growth. It emphasizes the importance of a positive and supportive learning environment in facilitating optimal learning outcomes.
• Information Processing Perspective: Examines how individuals acquire, store, and retrieve information. It draws parallels between the mind and a computer, exploring processes like encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.
• Ecological Systems Perspective: Considers the various systems (microsystems, mesosystems, ecosystems, and macrosystems) that influence an individual’s learning and development. It looks at the broader ecological context in which education takes place.
• Motivational Perspective: Focuses on the factors that drive and sustain learning behaviors.
• Emotional and Social Perspective: Addresses the role of emotions, social interactions, and relationships in the learning process. It considers how emotional well-being and social dynamics impact cognitive functioning and academic achievement.
• Neuropsychological Perspective: Investigates the neurological and biological processes that underlie learning and cognitive functions. It explores how brain structures and functions contribute to educational experiences.
• Critical Perspective: Examines education through a critical lens, considering issues of power, social justice, and equity.

What is the scope of educational psychology?

The scope of educational psychology is expansive and encompasses a wide range of areas related to learning, development, and educational practices. Here are some key components that fall within the scope of educational psychology:

• Learning Processes: This includes the study of how individuals acquire, retain, and apply knowledge and skills. 
• Cognitive Development: Understanding the cognitive development of learners from early childhood through adulthood is a vital aspect. This involves examining how thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities evolve over time.
• Motivation and Engagement: Educational psychologists explore the factors that drive and sustain learners’ motivation and engagement in educational activities.
• Individual Differences: Recognizing and addressing the diverse needs and abilities of learners is a crucial component. This involves understanding different learning styles, strengths, and areas where students need additional support.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Educational psychologists develop and analyze assessment tools and techniques to measure learning outcomes, evaluate educational programs, and identify areas for improvement.
• Special Education and Remedial Interventions: Educational psychologists work with individuals who have special educational needs, designing interventions and support plans to facilitate their learning and development.
• Behavioral Interventions: Addressing behavioral challenges in educational settings, including strategies to manage disruptive behavior, promote positive classroom environments, and support students with behavioral difficulties
• Parent and Teacher Training: Providing guidance and training for parents and educators on effective teaching methods, behavior management, and strategies to support student learning and well-being
• Educational Policy and Program Development: Contributing to the development of educational policies, curriculum design, and program implementation based on research findings and best practices
• Career Guidance and Counseling: Offering support to individuals in making educational and career-related decisions This may include assessments of interests, aptitudes, and personality traits.
• Technology in Education: Exploring the use of technology and digital resources to enhance learning experiences and educational outcomes
• Research and Publication: Conducting research studies in various aspects of educational psychology and disseminating findings through academic publications and presentations

A career in educational psychology offers a fulfilling and impactful opportunity to make a positive difference in the field of education. Here are key aspects to consider for those interested in pursuing a career in educational psychology:

• Role and responsibilities: Educational psychologists must understand and address the psychological aspects of learning and development. They assess individual learning needs, provide interventions, and offer guidance to students, educators, and parents.
• Educational Requirements: To become an educational psychologist, one typically needs a graduate degree in educational psychology or a related field, such as school psychology or counseling psychology. Many positions may require a Ph.D. or Psy.D. for advanced research or clinical roles.
• Assessment and Intervention: Educational psychologists conduct assessments to identify learning difficulties, disabilities, or psychological challenges that may impact a student’s educational progress. They design and implement interventions to address these issues.
• Consultation and Collaboration: They often work closely with educators, school administrators, parents, and other professionals to develop strategies and interventions that support the academic and emotional well-being of students.
• Career Opportunities: Educational psychologists can find employment in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, universities, research institutions, educational consultancies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• School-Based Roles: In schools, educational psychologists may serve as consultants to teachers and administrators, conduct assessments for special education services, and provide counseling and support for students facing academic or behavioral challenges.
• Private Practice: Some educational psychologists choose to work in private practice, offering assessment, counseling, and intervention services to individuals and families.
• Research and Academia: Those with advanced degrees may pursue careers in research, contributing to the field’s knowledge base and training future generations of educational psychologists in academic settings.
• Advocacy and Policy: Educational psychologists may work in advocacy roles, influencing educational policies and practices to ensure the well-being and success of all students.
• Professional Development: Continuing education and professional development are important for staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field.
• Rewarding Impact: A career in educational psychology offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential in an educational setting.

How can one pursue a career in educational psychology?

Pursuing a career in educational psychology involves a series of educational and practical steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to embark on this fulfilling career path:

• Undergraduate Education: Begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, educational psychology, or a related field. This provides a foundational understanding of psychological principles.
• Gain relevant experience: Seek opportunities for hands-on experience in educational settings. This could include volunteering, internships, or part-time positions in schools, educational programs, or counseling centers.
• Graduate Education: Pursue a graduate degree in educational psychology or a closely related field. 
• Specialization: Consider specializing in an area of educational psychology that aligns with your interests and career goals. This could be in areas like special education, assessment and testing, counseling, or research.
• Research Opportunities: Engage in research projects and publish academic papers if you’re pursuing a Ph.D. This helps build a strong foundation in research methodologies and contributes to the knowledge base of the field.
• Obtain Licensure or Certification: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain licensure or certification to practice as an educational psychologist. This typically involves meeting specific education and experience requirements and passing an exam.
• Network and Join Professional Organizations: Connect with professionals in the field by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. Joining organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) can provide valuable networking opportunities.
• Complete Supervised Practice: If required in your jurisdiction, complete supervised practice hours under the guidance of a licensed educational psychologist. This hands-on experience is crucial for gaining practical skills and applying theoretical knowledge.
• Seek Employment: Look for job opportunities in educational settings, such as schools, colleges, universities, or educational consultancies. Positions may include school psychologist, educational consultant, or research analyst.
• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest research, interventions, and best practices in educational psychology through workshops, seminars, conferences, and online courses.
• Consider Additional Certifications: Pursue additional certifications or specialized training in areas like behavior analysis, psychoeducational assessment, or counseling, depending on your specific career interests.
• Engage in Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences related to educational psychology. This keeps you informed about emerging trends, research findings, and best practices in the field.
• Contribute to the Field: Consider publishing research, presenting at conferences, and actively participating in professional organizations. 

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Home   >   blogs   >   Unlocking Educational Psychology’s Role

Unlocking Educational Psychology’s Role

February 5,2024

Educational Psychology's Role  

The cornerstone of learning and development .

Indeed, the importance of educational psychology in shaping the future of learning cannot be overstated. At its core, this discipline offers invaluable insights into how individuals acquire knowledge and skills, thereby informing teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning needs. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing learning difficulties, ensuring that education is accessible and effective for all students. 

Moreover, educational psychology extends its benefits beyond the classroom, significantly influencing society. By fostering a deeper understanding of developmental stages and learning styles, it empowers educators to craft learning environments that nurture not only academic success but also social and emotional growth. This holistic approach to education cultivates well-rounded individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to their communities. 

The role of educational psychology in education is evident in its contribution to curriculum design and assessment methods. Through evidence-based research, educational psychologists develop and refine educational materials and teaching strategies, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students. This dynamic process underscores the discipline's commitment to enhancing educational quality and effectiveness. 

Nurturing Inclusive Educational Environments 

The impact of educational psychological research in practice is particularly notable in the creation of inclusive educational settings. By understanding the unique challenges faced by learners with special needs, educational psychologists guide the development of tailored interventions. These strategies not only support individual learning objectives but also promote an inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among all students. 

The importance of educational psychology is highlighted in its approach to student motivation and engagement. By unraveling the complex factors that influence motivation, educational psychologists provide teachers with strategies to engage students actively in their learning journey. This focus on motivation is crucial, as it directly affects learning outcomes and students' overall educational experience. 

In addition, the discipline's emphasis on emotional and psychological well-being is instrumental in addressing issues such as anxiety and stress among students. By equipping educators with strategies to create supportive and empathetic learning environments, educational psychology contributes to the overall well-being of students, enhancing their ability to learn and thrive. 

Advancing Through Research 

The importance of research in educational psychology cannot be understated. It is through rigorous investigation that the field continues to evolve, shedding light on new teaching methodologies, learning technologies, and psychological interventions that can enhance educational outcomes. This commitment to research ensures that educational psychology remains responsive to the changing landscape of education, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. 

Research in educational psychology plays a crucial role in debunking myths and challenging outdated educational practices. By grounding educational theories in empirical evidence, the field promotes practices that are proven to be effective, thereby enhancing the quality of education provided to learners. 

Enhancing Teacher Effectiveness through Educational Psychology 

In the journey to elevate educational standards, the role of educational psychology in education emerges as a beacon guiding the professional development of teachers . By arming educators with a deep understanding of cognitive processes and learning theories, this field equips them to tailor their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students. Moreover, educational psychology offers strategies for classroom management, fostering an environment conducive to learning for all. 

Furthermore, the importance of educational psychology shines through in its application to educational technology. As digital tools become increasingly integral to teaching and learning, understanding how students interact with these technologies is crucial. Educational psychologists delve into the cognitive and emotional aspects of learning with technology, ensuring that digital tools enhance rather than hinder the learning experience. 

The impact of educational psychological research in practice is evident in the field's contributions to special education. By developing and applying research-based interventions, educational psychologists ensure that students with learning disabilities receive the support they need to succeed academically. This commitment to inclusivity underscores the discipline's role in promoting equity in education. 

Fostering Resilience and Mental Well-being in Students 

The importance of educational psychology extends to its focus on students' mental health and resilience. In an era where young people face numerous pressures, from academic stress to social challenges, educational psychology provides insights into fostering resilience. By integrating strategies that promote mental well-being into the curriculum, educators can help students develop coping mechanisms that will serve them well beyond the classroom. 

The role of educational psychology in education is pivotal in addressing the emotional aspects of learning. Understanding the emotional barriers to learning, such as anxiety and lack of confidence, allows educators to create supportive environments that encourage students to embrace challenges and engage in the learning process wholeheartedly. 

Additionally, the discipline's focus on social-emotional learning highlights the importance of educational psychology. By teaching students essential skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication, educational psychology contributes to the development of emotionally intelligent individuals who can navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships and societal expectations. 

Navigating the Future of Education 

As we look to the future, the importance of research in educational psychology becomes increasingly apparent. With the educational landscape constantly evolving, ongoing research is essential to keep pace with emerging challenges and opportunities. From understanding the implications of artificial intelligence in education to exploring the potential of personalized learning, educational psychology research drives innovation and ensures that educational practices are grounded in scientific evidence. 

Moreover, the impact of educational psychological research in practice is critical in shaping policies and practices that affect education at all levels. By providing empirical evidence on what works in education, educational psychologists influence decision-making processes, ensuring that policies are informed by solid research rather than anecdotal evidence or passing trends. 

Cultivating a Culture of Lifelong Learning 

The importance of educational psychology is profoundly reflected in its contribution to lifelong learning. By understanding how learning occurs throughout life, educational psychologists advocate for strategies that encourage continuous education beyond formal schooling. This perspective helps individuals adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the workforce and society, emphasizing the value of adaptability and continuous personal development. 

Moreover, the role of educational psychology in education is critical in the context of adult education. Adults returning to education face unique challenges, and educational psychology provides insights into adult learning theories that can make this transition more effective and fulfilling. By applying these principles, educators can create more engaging and relevant learning experiences for adult learners, fostering a culture where education is a continuous journey rather than a destination. 

Additionally, the importance of educational psychology in society extends to its role in community education and outreach programs. Educational psychologists work to design programs that address the educational needs of diverse communities, ensuring that learning opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. This inclusive approach not only enriches individual lives but also strengthens communities by promoting knowledge, skills, and social cohesion. 

Embracing Diversity and Equity in Education 

The impact of educational psychological research in practice is particularly significant in promoting diversity and equity in educational settings. By examining how factors such as culture, language, and socio-economic status affect learning, educational psychologists develop strategies to mitigate educational disparities. This research informs practices that ensure all students have the support they need to succeed, highlighting the discipline's commitment to social justice in education. 

Furthermore, the importance of educational psychology is evident in its efforts to dismantle barriers to education for marginalized groups. Through advocacy and research, educational psychologists work to change policies and practices that perpetuate inequality, championing a more inclusive and equitable education system. 

In addition, educational psychology's focus on multicultural education enriches learning environments by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences. This approach not only enhances learning for students from all backgrounds but also prepares students to thrive in a globalized world, fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse populations. 

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Learning 

In an era dominated by digital innovation, the importance of research in educational psychology is crucial in understanding the implications of technology in education. Educational psychologists explore how digital tools can be used to enhance learning, examining the effects of multimedia, virtual reality, and online learning platforms on cognitive processes and educational outcomes. 

The role of educational psychology in education in the digital age involves guiding the ethical and effective use of technology in the classroom. By balancing technological opportunities with potential drawbacks, educational psychologists help educators integrate digital tools in ways that enrich learning without compromising students' well-being or privacy. 

The impact of educational psychological research in practice is seen in the development of adaptive learning technologies. These systems use data to personalize learning experiences, adjusting to individual learners' needs and pace. This personalized approach, informed by educational psychology, has the potential to revolutionize education by making learning more engaging, efficient, and effective for students of all ages and backgrounds. 

Envisioning the Future of Educational Psychology 

As we look towards the future, the importance of educational psychology in shaping next-generation education is both exciting and paramount. By continuously exploring how learning occurs across different stages of life and within various social contexts, educational psychology remains at the forefront of educational innovation. This dynamic field adapts to the evolving educational landscape, ensuring that teaching methods stay relevant, engaging, and effective for diverse learner populations. 

The importance of research in educational psychology is critical in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into education, research in educational psychology will guide the development of digital learning tools that are pedagogically sound and aligned with human cognitive processes. This research ensures that technology enhances rather than detracts from the learning experience, facilitating a harmonious blend of traditional and digital educational practices. 

The role of educational psychology in education is expanding to encompass global challenges such as sustainability, global citizenship, and digital literacy. By addressing these topics within the educational curriculum, educational psychology contributes to the development of informed, responsible, and proactive global citizens. This broader perspective prepares students not only for personal success but also for active participation in addressing global issues. 

Empowering Change Through Educational Psychology 

The impact of educational psychological research in practice cannot be overstated. As educational psychologists uncover new insights into human learning and development, these findings translate into practical applications that transform educational environments. From individual classrooms to entire educational systems, the principles of educational psychology inform policies, curricula, and teaching practices that cater to the holistic development of learners. 

Furthermore, the importance of educational psychology in society extends to its role in fostering inclusive education. By advocating for educational practices that accommodate diversity in all its forms, educational psychology promotes a more equitable and just educational landscape. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that every student, regardless of background, ability, or learning style, has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

The discipline's focus on lifelong learning underscores the importance of educational psychology. In a world where change is the only constant, fostering a love for learning and an ability to adapt is crucial. Educational psychology supports the development of these competencies, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and resilience. 

Conclusion: Unlocking the Full Potential of Education 

In conclusion, the importance of educational psychology in unlocking the full potential of education cannot be understated. Through its comprehensive understanding of how individuals learn and develop, educational psychology provides the foundation for educational practices that are innovative, inclusive, and effective. As we reflect on the insights gained from this exploration, it is clear that educational psychology holds the key to addressing current and future educational challenges. 

The role of educational psychology in education is multifaceted, extending from the micro-level of individual learning processes to the macro-level of global educational trends. By embracing the principles of educational psychology, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders can create learning environments that not only impart knowledge but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. 

As we move forward, the importance of research in educational psychology will continue to drive progress in education, ensuring that teaching methods and educational policies are grounded in empirical evidence. This commitment to evidence-based practice is essential for the continuous improvement of education, ensuring that it evolves to meet the needs of future generations. 

In essence, educational psychology serves as a beacon, guiding the way towards a more enlightened, inclusive, and dynamic educational future. By harnessing the power of this discipline, we can unlock the full potential of education, transforming it into a force that not only educates but also empowers individuals and societies alike. 

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What Is Educational Psychology?

We know not everyone learns and retains information the same way, so what can we do to make sure that everyone benefits from their education? The aim of research in educational psychology is to optimize learning, and educational psychologists study and identify new educational methods to benefit teachers, students, and anyone trying to learn a new skill.  You can apply educational psychology to any human learning, not just to formal learning in a classroom. Educational psychology examples include:

• Studying the most effective methods for teaching people with specific learning challenges like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , dyscalculia , or dyslexia
• Researching how well people learn in different settings
• Evaluating and analyzing teaching methods and addressing barriers to learning
• Studying how factors like genetics, environment, socio-economic class, and culture affect learning

What Are the Theories of Educational Psychology?

Behaviorism

Behaviorism in educational psychology is the idea that all human behaviors stem from interactions with the environment, and modifying the environment will result in different behaviors. Behaviorism typically uses positive and negative stimuli — rewards and punishments — to influence behavior. For example, rewarding a student who does well on a test would be an attempt to use behaviorism to encourage a student to study.

Cognitivism

Cognitivism in educational psychology encourages learners to "think about thinking" and understand their strengths and barriers in their education. Cognitivism can help promote student engagement and gives students more authority over their education. Students can learn to better understand their cognitive process and how it can be affected by internal and external factors.

Social Cognitive Theory 

The social cognitive theory is the theory that learning happens in a social context. This theory asserts that learning is influenced by both internal factors, like individual thoughts, and external factors, like social interactions, which can impact learning outcomes.

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

The cognitive behavioral theory asserts that our thoughts determine our feelings and behavior. For example, a student who believes that they're bad at math could feel inadequate about their abilities and have more difficulty learning math because of this thought process.

What Does an Educational Psychologist Do?

Educational psychologists strive to understand how social, emotional, and cognitive processes affect learning. Educational psychologists study how people learn and retain information in a wide variety of fields, including:

Curriculum Design

Curriculum designers work with schools, organizations, and individuals to create effective learning systems. Educational psychologists can contribute to curriculum design by analyzing existing educational programs to determine where a new curriculum can improve the old one.

Standardized Testing

Educational psychologists can assess institutions that are struggling with test scores and help them improve their educational programs, identifying any gaps that they need to address to improve test scores. 

Educational psychologists can help develop practical standardized tests and research-related subjects like how to reduce student anxiety around standardized testing.

Teacher Training

Educational psychologists can conduct teacher training to help teachers improve their skills, understand why some learning methods are more effective, provide individualized instruction, and set appropriate goals for their students. 

How Do You Become an Educational Psychologist?

Educational psychologists typically obtain a master's degree in educational psychology or teaching and learning psychology, though a doctorate can open more career opportunities, like government and university positions.  

Educational psychologists generally work in academic environments like schools, universities, research laboratories, or testing companies. Private firms and businesses also employ educational psychologists. What Does an Educational Psychologist Make?

The median wage for school psychologists in 2021 is $78,780 annually. 

Employment for psychologists is expected to grow at a rate of 8%, which is average.

Educational Psychology History

Educational psychology is a modern field of formal study, but scholars have been fascinated with how people learn for a very long time. Democritus wrote about the influence of a person's home life on learning in the 5th century B.C., and Plato and Aristotle discussed educational psychology topics like:

• Individualized education
• The effects of arts education on human development
• The role of a teacher
• Different methods of teaching
• Self-education without a teacher

Quintilian argued in favor of public education over private education almost 2,000 years ago, an academic argument that is still controversial today.

Edward Lee Thorndike is widely credited with creating educational psychology as a distinct field by publishing his 1903 book Educational Psychology . Thorndike performed experiments to study how animals learned in hopes that he could discover "laws of learning" that could improve human education.

Thorndike's work was primarily based on behaviorism — the idea that conditioning determines human behavior and rewarded behaviors will continue while punished behaviors will diminish. Modern educational psychology has evolved away from behaviorism. Educational psychology theories based on cognitivism are favored today, which focus on internal mental processes instead of observable behavior.

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Why is Educational Psychology Important for the Teacher?

Educational psychology enables a teacher to know how to initiate the learning process, how to inspire, how to remember or how to learn.  Educational psychology helps the teacher to know how the teaching process takes place. Educational psychology helps teachers guide students in the right way in order to improve student capabilities in the right direction.

Let's understand why educational psychology is important for a teacher and how educational psychology helps teachers in effective teaching and learning.

How Does Educational Psychology Help Teachers in Effective Teaching and Learning?

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8 Benefits of Educational Psychology to the Teacher

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Education is more than just delivering knowledge; it is also about understanding how students learn and meet their specific needs. This is where educational psychology comes into play. Educational Psychology is an important branch of Psychology that focuses on the development of children and adolescents. It studies the factors that affect the growth and development of individuals.

Classplus, an innovative learning management system, offers educators with a powerful tool to help them succeed in their teaching endeavors by incorporating educational psychology principles. 

In this article, we will look at the benefits of educational psychology and how it can help educators succeed.

What is Educational Psychology?

Educational Psychology is an important branch of Psychology that focuses on the development of children and adolescents. It studies the factors that affect the growth and development of individuals. It helps educators understand what students need to succeed at school and at home. They also help teachers plan lessons and evaluate student progress.

Teachers are experts in the subject matter and know what works best for each student. They also understand the student’s personality and behavior. The teacher helps the students understand concepts and ideas through lectures, discussions, assignments, tests, projects, etc.

Benefits of Educational Psychology

What is educational psychology ? It is an important tool for teachers that helps them understand what students need to succeed in school and in life. It also helps them to teach effectively in the classroom. Teachers can help students by using teaching methods and strategies according to the behavior and understanding of the students.

• Educational psychology focuses on identifying and addressing central problems in education.
• It clearly depends on understanding the student’s behavior and individual differences.
• Educational psychology helps teachers gain insights into students’ needs, strengths, and challenges.
• It helps to curate the solution according to the students.
• Helps teachers understand students’ cognitive capacity and information retention abilities.
• By applying it’s principles, teachers can enhance their instructional strategies and promote student success.

1. Implementing Effective Strategies

It utilizes psychological principles, concepts, theories, and models in growth and development, motivation, intelligence, working memory, thinking, and problem-solving . These topics allow them to select an application of psychological principles that suitably match the school environment and the characteristics of the teacher and learners.

As a result, teachers will be able to identify the main factors that influence the quality of teaching and learning and thus plan and implement effective strategies to solve problems.

With Classplus, educators can get their own app where they can create effective learning strategies for their students. The platform offers features like student analytics, performance tracking, and adaptive learning modules, enabling educators to identify each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. To know more, take a FREE demo now!

2. Selection of Learning Methods

Learning methods are based on the needs of the student. Educational psychology can help teachers determine the best strategy or method of teaching and learning proper and appropriate, as well as relating to the characteristics and uniqueness’s of the individual student.

The types of learning and learning styles, and the level of development being experienced by the students. Having a proper understanding of students helps curate the best learning methods and strategies.

3. Understanding the Individual Differences

Understanding individual differences is an important aspect of education. Teachers need to understand students’ different characteristics and needs at various levels to effectively teach them. In addition, understanding students’ different characteristics help teachers create an environment conducive to learning.

It can help teachers and prospective educators understand the different characteristics of children at various levels of growth and make teaching strategies accordingly. Using strategies that suit the differences of students will help the teachers to improve their students’ grades.

4. Knowing What is Important

Educational Psychology excludes anything that isn’t true about the process of education and learning. It focuses on what is important when we talk about learning and teaching. It provides the most important information and skills to teachers.

These exclude all theories and views that rely on personal opinions and inaccurate and subjective observations about students. It also helps teachers understand the needs of each student and what kind of education will benefit them best.

5. Building a Conducive Learning Environment

It plays an important role in helping teachers design a suitable learning environment. Teachers need to know how to create a positive emotional climate in the classroom, so the learning process can be effective. A teacher should understand the classroom environment and its characteristics. Teachers need to know what kind of learning climate they want to create in class.

Teachers need to know the principles of education and learning and a different approach to the learning process. It plays an important role in helping teachers design a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.

6. Design, Organize and Evaluate

Time tables should be designed based on the needs of the learners. For example, which subject is considered difficult, where the conditions and mood of the students were still very fresh in receiving course materials? It plays an important role in helping teachers design, organize and evaluate school teaching activities.

It provides teachers with the skills necessary to teach effectively. They gain an understanding of the role of the teacher in the classroom and the different types of teaching strategies available. They also learn about the characteristics of effective teachers and how to identify them. 

7. Providing Proper Guidance

Teachers need to understand each student’s needs and help them succeed. Teachers should guide students through the learning process, helping them overcome obstacles and difficulties. Educational and vocational guidance is necessary for students at different stages of life.

It helps teachers understand what students need to learn and how best to teach them. It also helps teachers identify and address any issues that may interfere with learning. 

8. Evaluation of Learning Outcomes

Evaluation is a complex task because many factors influence the student’s success. In order to measure student learning, it helps teachers study the relationship between teacher behavior and student achievement.

It helps them identify the best ways to assess student learning and then design tests that will accurately reflect the knowledge and skills that students should possess after completing a course. It helps teachers design lessons, assess student progress, and evaluate teaching effectiveness. 

Final Thoughts

Educational Psychology helps teachers identify strengths and weaknesses in the process and the outcome of the education process. With Classplus as your trusted partner, you may harness the power of educational psychology to maximize the effectiveness of your instruction.

Personalized learning, active engagement, metacognition, and data-driven decision-making become available success tools. Accept the power of educational psychology and Classplus to embark on an educational excellence journey. Connect with us now to know more!

Benefits of Educational Psychology to the Teacher FAQs

A1. Educational Psychology plays an important role in assessing the student’s educational and psychological development with the help of specialist skills. This helps teachers to understand a student’s needs to develop and can make proper teaching strategies accordingly.

A2. The two types of educational psychology are behaviorism and cognitivism. 

A3. Educational psychology is the study of how people tend to learn and retain information.

A4. Characteristics of educational psychology are : Good Listening skills Problem-solving skills Empathy Good with Children Ethical

A5. Educational psychology helps teachers to know how a learning process takes place. It helps them to guide the students in the right direction.

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What is Educational Psychology?

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

Definition of Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how people learn and the best practices to teach them.

This field involves understanding the methods and techniques to optimize learning in various educational settings, ranging from traditional classrooms to online learning environments.

Educational psychologists study the interactions between learning and environment, including social, emotional, and cognitive processes that influence learning outcomes.

Six Key Foci

1. instructional methods.

One of the key areas of focus in educational psychology is the development of instructional methods that enhance learning.

Research shows that tailored instruction based on individual learning styles can significantly impact a student’s ability to absorb and retain information.

For instance, some students learn best through visual means, such as charts and videos, while others might benefit more from hands-on activities or written materials.

Understanding these differences allows educators to design more effective teaching strategies that cater to the diverse needs of their students.

2. Role of Motivation in Learning

Another important aspect of educational psychology is the role of motivation in learning. Motivation can be intrinsic, originating within the student, such as a personal interest in a subject matter, or extrinsic, driven by external rewards like grades or praise.

Educational psychologists study techniques to foster both types of motivation to enhance engagement and educational achievement.

For example, goal-setting, self-assessment, and providing meaningful feedback are strategies that have been proven to increase intrinsic motivation and encourage continuous engagement in learning activities.

Read More: 31 Theories of Motivation

3. Behavior Management

Behavior management in the classroom is also a critical area of study within educational psychology.

Effective behavior management strategies help create a supportive learning environment that minimizes disruptions and promotes respectful and constructive interactions among students.

Techniques such as positive reinforcement, clear classroom rules, and conflict resolution are essential tools for teachers to maintain order and respect in the classroom.

4. Social and Emotional Learning

Educational psychologists also explore the impact of emotional and social factors on learning.

Emotional well-being is crucial for cognitive development and learning. Students who experience emotional difficulties may find it hard to concentrate and stay motivated.

Therefore, providing emotional support through counseling, peer mentoring, and other therapeutic interventions can be vital in helping students overcome personal challenges that affect their learning.

Read about Social-Emotional Learning Here

5. Examining Cognitive Development (Cognitive Psychology)

Cognitive development theories are central to educational psychology. These theories guide understanding of how thinking processes evolve and how these processes influence learning.

Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, for example, provides insights into how children perceive the world at different stages of their development and how these perceptions influence their learning process.

According to Piaget, children move through four stages of cognitive development, each characterized by changes in understanding and abilities.

Teachers can use this knowledge to create age-appropriate learning experiences that align with the cognitive abilities of their students.

Chart: Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

6. Assessment and Evaluation of Learning

Lastly, educational psychology pays close attention to assessments and evaluations. These tools are not only used to measure students’ knowledge and skills but also to inform ongoing instructional strategies.

Effective assessment helps identify areas where students are struggling and where they excel, allowing for targeted interventions that support learning and growth.

Moreover, assessments can be used to evaluate the efficacy of educational programs and interventions, providing feedback that can lead to curriculum improvements and enhanced teaching methods.

Examples of Educational Psychology

• Cognitive Development : Observing how students’ cognitive abilities affect their learning to adapt teaching methods. Educational psychologists study developmental stages to optimize how content is delivered based on age and cognitive readiness.
• Behaviorism : Using reward systems in classrooms to reinforce desirable behavior and learning outcomes. This stems from behaviorist theories in educational psychology that emphasize the use of positive reinforcement to shape behavior.
• Assessment : Creating and analyzing tests to measure student learning and performance. Educational psychologists apply theories of measurement and assessment to ensure that tests are valid and reliable reflections of what students have learned.
• Goal Setting Theory : Assisting students in setting specific educational goals, which helps increase their motivation and performance. Educational psychologists use goal-setting theory to teach students how to effectively set and pursue goals, enhancing their academic achievement.
• Classroom Management : Implementing strategies for managing classroom behavior, which involves understanding group dynamics and individual behaviors. Educational psychologists study these dynamics to develop techniques that maintain a productive learning environment.
• Technology in Education : Integrating digital tools and resources to enhance learning. Educational psychologists explore how technological tools can support various learning styles and improve educational outcomes.
• Emotional and Social Learning : Understanding the impact of emotions and social interactions on learning. Educational psychologists apply theories of emotional intelligence and social learning to help students develop these essential skills for academic and personal success.

Educational psychology provides critical insights that help shape effective teaching and learning practices. By understanding the various factors that influence learning, from cognitive development to emotional support, educational psychologists play a vital role in enhancing educational experiences and outcomes. This field continues to evolve, incorporating new research findings to better understand and respond to the educational needs of students in an ever-changing world.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Number Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Word Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Outdoor Games for Kids
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 50 Incentives to Give to Students

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Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology

Earn your education specialist degree in school psychology at UW-Eau Claire. Become prepared for a successful career with our accredited program.

Grow Your Confidence, Skills, and Experience

Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists, our well-respected graduate program will prepare you to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Through rigorous coursework and real-world training, you'll become a problem solver, critical thinker and effective collaborator, working to help children and youth thrive behaviorally, emotionally and academically. Courses are taught by expert faculty and licensed school psychologists, as well as those who have backgrounds in clinical psychology, counseling psychology and applied behavior analysis.

To support your professional development and cultural competence, our all-encompassing degree provides a sequence of field experiences. During the program, you'll gain real-world, professional experience by participating in a multicultural practicum, providing school psychological services in culturally diverse settings such as the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation or the Milwaukee Public School District. School-based practica will give you invaluable experience with placements in both rural and urban school settings. And while working as a graduate clinician in the Human Development Center , you'll gain critical interprofessional collaboration skills.

Students earn an M.S.E. degree in route to completion of the Specialist in Education (EdS) degree.

With our comprehensive curriculum and expansive opportunities for experiential learning, you can make important contributions to help change the lives of students, families, communities and beyond. Are you ready to take the next step in your career? 

Program Details

Accreditation information.

The school psychology educational specialist degree is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Licensure Information

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.  

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: N/A

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alaska, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia

Gain valuable clinical training in our Human Development Center, where six different disciplines come together to provide services for children and families. As a first-year student, you’ll practice assessment and intervention skills with actual clients. The following year, you’ll take on a leadership role as well as increase your experience in interdisciplinary practice, gaining skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Courses are taught by passionate, enthusiastic professors who know and love their fields. Their varied backgrounds provide incredible insights into the world of psychology and education. Small class sizes help you form relationships and gain an even more personalized education.

Blugold Stories

Blugolds in the school psychology program have the first-hand field experience they need to excel in their field straight out of graduation. These students work on real cases — not simulations or case studies. Partnerships and collaboration between the hard-working faculty supervisors and students are valued as a one-of-a-kind experience at UW-Eau Claire.

Just the facts

1,200 Hours of Experience Before You Graduate Our program is intentionally designed so you gain professional work experience before you enter the field.

100% Employed or Continuing Education Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.

Where can the education specialist degree in school psychology program lead me after graduation?

Our graduates go on to make a positive impact across the globe — from Montana to the U.K. By earning your master of science in education and education specialist degrees, you are eligible for licensure or certification as a school psychologist in most states. You are also eligible for National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP). Some graduates choose to take their education a step further by pursuing their doctorate or seeking additional certification as directors of special education or pupils services.

Recent Graduates

School Psychologist Milwaukee Public Schools Wisconsin

School Psychologist Polzin School District Montana

School Psychologist Somerset School District England

School Psychologist Green Bay Public Schools Wisconsin

Director of Special Education Oostburg School District Wisconsin

School Psychologist Richfield Public Schools Minnesota

Our program provides the extensive education needed to help children and youth succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Curriculum is structured so you can gain knowledge of applied research, educational foundations and methods, and the delivery of school psychological services. Your capstone works as an internship — typically salaried — during which you'll work full time in a supervised, professional role, accumulating more than 1,200 hours of experience prior to graduation. 

Here are a few courses in Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology at UW-Eau Claire.

Counseling I

Introduction to fundamental counseling and consultation techniques.

Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive Practices in Schools

Students complete part of their Practicum in a diverse school setting under the supervision of a school psychologist. Students observe and participate in community orientation, professional development in culturally responsive practices, assessment, intervention, and classroom consultation activities. Students engage in readings and discussions.

Evidence-based Intervention in School Psychology

This course will expose students to individual and systems-level academic, behavioral, emotional, and social interventions used in school-based settings. All interventions will be discussed within the context of evidence-based practice as well as direct and indirect service delivery.

Meet the Faculty

Related Programs

Thinking about studying education specialist degree in school psychology? You might also be interested in exploring these related programs.

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715-836-4636

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Narrative Summary of The Contribution of Psychology to Education

Overview:  

This text is a powerful argument for the essential role of psychology in shaping effective educational practices. Thorndike emphasizes that psychology can improve education by defining and clarifying its aims, suggesting new features for those aims, and measuring their attainability. He goes on to explain how psychology can contribute to understanding the materials of education, the means by which education is achieved, and the methods of teaching. The article provides a detailed exploration of the ways psychology can be used to improve education.

Main Parts:

• Introduction:  The article begins by defining psychology as the science of intellect, character, and behavior, and education as the process of changing these aspects in humans.
• Aims of Education:  Thorndike argues that psychology clarifies educational aims by defining them in terms of specific changes in human beings, and by measuring the attainability of those aims. He gives the example of the inheritance of mental and moral traits, highlighting how psychology can help us understand if certain aims, like the improvement of the human race through direct transfer of acquired traits, are feasible.
• Materials of Education:  Thorndike emphasizes that psychology is the chief contributor to understanding the materials of education, comparable to how chemistry and botany are essential to agriculture. He states that a complete science of psychology would enable us to control human nature with the same precision we now have in manipulating physical phenomena.
• Means of Education:  He explains how psychology contributes to understanding the means of education by examining the influence of parents, teachers, friends, and other external factors on a person’s intellectual and character development.
• Deduction of methods from the laws of human nature.
• Explanation of why certain methods succeed based on experience.
• Measurement and verification of the effectiveness of methods.
• Measurement of Intellectual and Moral Functions
• Race, Sex, Age, and Individual Differences
• Inheritance of Mental and Moral Traits
• Influences on Human Development
• Instincts and Capacity
• The Learning Process
• Education’s Contribution to Psychology:  Thorndike concludes by arguing that the science of education itself can contribute significantly to psychology. He compares classrooms to laboratories where thousands of experiments on the mind can be observed and studied.

View on Life:  The text reflects a belief in the power of science to improve human life and society. Thorndike presents a view that by understanding the principles of psychology, we can better control and change human nature for the benefit of all. He sees the study of human behavior as a way to move towards a more rational and effective world.

Scenarios:  The text doesn’t contain specific scenarios or situations, but it does refer to the importance of studying the effects of various factors on human development, such as the influence of climate, food, city life, family structure, and the state. These can be considered as general scenarios relevant to the broader theme of education.

Challenges:  The text doesn’t explicitly discuss challenges, but it does acknowledge the complexity of human nature and the difficulties in studying and measuring mental and moral traits. This complexity itself can be seen as a challenge that psychology seeks to overcome.

Conflict:  The article doesn’t portray any direct conflict. However, it implicitly addresses the conflict between traditional approaches to education and those informed by scientific psychology. Thorndike argues for the superiority of the latter.

Plot:  The text does not have a plot in the traditional narrative sense. It is an essay that presents a series of arguments and explanations, rather than a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Point of View:  The article is written from a first-person perspective, reflecting the author’s own beliefs and ideas about the relationship between psychology and education. However, Thorndike uses a tone that attempts to be objective and scientific, appealing to evidence and reason to support his claims.

How it’s Written:  Thorndike writes in a formal and academic style, using precise language and detailed explanations. His arguments are well-structured and logical, making use of examples and analogies to illustrate his points. For example, his comparison of a complete science of psychology to the mastery of heat and light exemplifies his writing style.

Tone:  The overall tone of the article is persuasive and informative. Thorndike uses a confident and authoritative voice, striving to convince the reader of the importance of psychology in education. He employs a balanced approach, acknowledging both the challenges and the potential benefits of applying psychology to education.

Life Choices:  The text doesn’t specifically address life choices, but it emphasizes the importance of understanding the processes of learning and development, which can inform individuals’ choices regarding education and personal growth.

Lessons:  Some key lessons shared in the article include:

• The value of scientific inquiry:  Thorndike stresses the importance of applying scientific methods and principles to the study of human nature and behavior.
• The interconnectedness of mind and body:  He highlights the importance of physical health as a crucial element of mental and moral well-being.
• The impact of environment:  The article emphasizes the significant role played by environment and external factors in shaping a person’s intellect and character.
• The importance of understanding individual differences:  Thorndike stresses the need to recognize and cater to the unique needs and abilities of each individual.
• The potential of education for positive change:  The text expresses a strong belief in the transformative power of education and its potential to improve human lives and society.

Characters:  There are no characters in this text in the traditional sense. The focus is on the relationship between psychology and education, rather than individual characters.

Themes:  Some of the important themes in the article include:

• The role of science in education:  Thorndike argues that psychology should be used as a tool to improve educational practices and guide decisions about curriculum, teaching methods, and student assessment.
• The importance of individual development:  He emphasizes the need to understand and nurture the unique abilities and characteristics of each student.
• The power of learning:  Thorndike believes that education has the potential to transform lives and build a better future for society.

Principles:  The text is built upon the principle that education should be grounded in a scientific understanding of human nature. Thorndike emphasizes the importance of applying scientific methods and evidence to improve education practices.

Intentions of the characters in the text or the reader of the text:  The text doesn’t focus on the intentions of specific characters, but it aims to persuade the reader, likely educators and other individuals interested in improving educational practices, of the essential role of psychology in shaping effective education.

Unique Vocabulary:  Some remarkable words used in the text include:

• “Eminence” : This word is used to describe the importance of bodily health as an aim of education.
• “Co-worker” : Thorndike uses this term to describe the relationship between the mind and body, emphasizing their mutual dependence and collaboration.
• “Sagacity” : This word signifies common sense and good judgment, which Thorndike argues is insufficient on its own and needs to be complemented by scientific research.
• “Trivial” : Thorndike uses this word to describe maxims that lack scientific foundation and are therefore unreliable.

Anecdotes:  The text doesn’t contain specific anecdotes, but it does refer to the importance of studying the effects of various factors on human development, such as the influence of climate, food, city life, family structure, and the state. These can be considered as general scenarios relevant to the broader theme of education.

Ideas:  The primary idea presented is the essential contribution of psychology to the improvement of educational practices. Thorndike argues that by understanding the principles of psychology, we can better design curricula, choose effective teaching methods, and assess student learning.

Facts and Findings:  The text doesn’t contain specific facts and findings in the sense of empirical data, but it does refer to research and findings in psychology, including the study of individual differences, the inheritance of mental and moral traits, and the learning process.

Statistics:  The text does not include specific statistics.

Points of view:  The article is written from a first-person perspective, reflecting the author’s own beliefs and ideas about the relationship between psychology and education. However, Thorndike uses a tone that attempts to be objective and scientific, appealing to evidence and reason to support his claims.

Perspective:  Thorndike presents a perspective that emphasizes the importance of applying scientific methods and principles to the study of human nature and behavior, particularly in the context of education. He believes that by understanding the principles of psychology, we can create more effective and equitable educational systems.

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What Is Extrinsic Motivation?

Do You Need Rewards, Prizes, and Praise to Stay Motivated?

• How to Use It
• Potential Pitfalls

What Are The Rewards That Motivate You?

Extrinsic motivation is a catalyst for action that is driven by external rewards. These can be tangible, such as money or grades, or intangible, such as praise or fame . Unlike intrinsic motivation , which arises from within the individual, extrinsic motivation focuses purely on outside rewards.

People who are extrinsically motivated will continue to perform a task even though it might not be in and of itself rewarding. For example, they will do something at their job that they don't find enjoyable in order to earn a wage .

Extrinsic motivation can be understood through the lens of operant conditioning , which is when someone or something is conditioned to behave a certain way due to a reward or consequence.

Is It Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation?

Examples of extrinsic motivation.

Think about your motivation for reading this article. Are you trying to learn the material so that you can do well in your psychology class? If so, this is extrinsic motivation because a good grade is an external reinforcement.

If, on the other hand, you are interested in learning more about human behavior, then you are intrinsically motivated. Your curiosity and desire to learn are the driving forces of your motivation.

Here are some other examples of extrinsic motivation:

• Competing for a trophy or prize, such as in a sporting event
• Doing schoolwork to earn a good grade
• Working hard at a task or project to receive praise and recognition
• Shopping with a store loyalty card to gain points, discounts, and prizes
• Doing homework to earn a reward such as a special treat or toy
• Performing tasks at work that you dislike in order to keep getting a steady paycheck
• Using a particular credit card to receive airline miles

Sometimes, the external reward may be avoiding punishment or a negative outcome. For example, someone may engage in a behavior to avoid being shamed, judged, or assessed a fine.

Impact of Extrinsic Motivation

This type of motivation can be highly effective. Just think of all the examples in your life of things you do to gain some kind of external reward.

Extrinsic motivation is not a bad thing. External rewards can be a useful and effective tool for helping children learn new skills (or be on their best behavior) and for keeping people motivated and on task. This can be particularly important when people need to complete something that they find difficult or uninteresting, such as a boring homework assignment or a tedious work-related project.

How to Use Extrinsic Motivation

It's important to look at the specific situation to determine if extrinsic rewards might help motivate behavior. Below are some example scenarios when extrinsic rewards may be most effective:

• When people have little interest in the activity
• When people lack the skills to get started
• When a short-term motivator for a specific purpose is needed
• When people are working on a long-term project and need small incentives to keep them going

In these situations, the rewards should be kept small and tied directly to performing a specific behavior.

Once some intrinsic interest has been generated and some essential skills have been established, the external motivators should be slowly phased out.

In the Workplace, Parenting, and Education

Extrinsic motivation can play a role across many areas of life. For example, your boss might hold an ad design competition in which the winner earns a prize. Parents might offer their children special treats or outings to complete all their chores for the week. In education, the Dean's List recognizes students who attain high grades.

In all of these situations, some external factor serves as a force that drives positive behavior. With careful application, extrinsic motivation can result in intrinsic motivation—in which a person performs a task well simply because they enjoy it, find it fulfilling, or feel a sense of pride.

Potential Pitfalls of Extrinsic Motivation

While offering rewards can increase motivation in some cases, researchers have also found that this is not always the case. In fact, offering excessive rewards can actually lead to a  decrease  in motivation.

The tendency of extrinsic motivation to interfere with intrinsic motivation is known as the  overjustification effect . For example, if someone is already intrinsically motivated to read books, and then you provide an external reward for reading, you might notice a decrease in the joy they once experienced in grabbing a good book on their own accord after the action has been extrinsically rewarded.

In a classic experiment by Lepper, Greene, and Nisbett, children were rewarded lavishly for drawing with felt-tip pens, an activity that they had previously enjoyed doing on their own during playtime.

When the children were later offered the chance to play with the pens during playtime, the children who had been rewarded for using them previously showed little interest in playing with the pens again. The kids who had not been rewarded, however, continued to play with the pens.

Why would rewarding an already intrinsically rewarding behavior lead to this sudden disinterest? One reason is that people tend to analyze their own motivations for engaging in an activity. Once they have been externally rewarded for performing an action, they assign too much importance to the role of the reinforcement in their behavior.

Another possible reason is that activities that initially feel like play or fun can be transformed into work or obligations when tied to an external reward. Extrinsic rewards can be an important tool in motivating behavior, but experts warn that they should be used with caution, especially with children.

A 2014 review from Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences examined research on motivation for learning and suggested that extrinsic rewards can actually be mostly effective and not harmful.

However, more research is needed on this topic to determine exactly how and when external rewards may undermine intrinsic motivation.

Final Thoughts

Extrinsic motivation can exert a powerful influence on human behavior, but it has its limits. You might find it helpful to consider whether you are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated in certain situations.

Are you looking forward to your workout because you have a bet with a friend about who can lose the most weight? Then, you are extrinsically motivated. If you are eager to work out because you find exercise fun and satisfying, then you are intrinsically motivated.

Extrinsic motivation has pros and cons. Whether external rewards will be beneficial in the long run depends on the person and situation.

American Psychological Association. Operant conditioning . APA Dictionary of Psychology .

Tranquillo J, Stecker M. Using intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in continuing professional education . Surg Neurol Int . 2016;7(Suppl 7):S197-S199. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.179231

Lepper MR, Greene D, Nisbett RE. Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the "overjustification" hypothesis .  J Pers Soc Psychol. 1973;28(1):129-137. doi:10.1037/h0035519

Lepper MR, Greene D. The Hidden Costs of Reward: New Perspectives on the Psychology of Human Motivation .  Psychology Press; 2015. doi:10.4324/9781315666983

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

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What Is Developmental Psychology?

Conditions treated, training and certifications.

Developmental psychology is the study of how humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives. Developmental psychologists research the stages of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development from the prenatal stage through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

This article covers developmental psychology, including the definition, types, life stages, and how to seek treatment when necessary.

seksan Mongkhonkhamsao / Getty Images

Defining Developmental Psychology

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how human beings grow, change, adapt, and mature across various life stages. Developmental psychology is also known as human development or lifespan psychology.

In each of the life stages of developmental psychology, people generally meet certain physical, emotional, and social milestones. These are the major life stages, according to developmental psychologists:

• Prenatal development: Developmental psychologists are interested in diagnoses, such as Down syndrome, that might be noticed during the prenatal (before birth) stage. They also investigate how maternal behaviors (behaviors of the pregnant parent), such as nutrition and drug use, could affect the developing fetus.
• Early childhood: Developmental psychologists are interested in whether young children are meeting key milestones, such as walking, talking, and developing fine motor skills (coordination in the hands, fingers, and wrists). They might also be interested in a child’s attachment to their parents and other caregivers.
• Middle childhood: In this stage, children learn about the world and acquire knowledge through experimentation, questioning, and observation. They begin to develop logical and moral reasoning skills.
• Adolescence: Adolescence is a time of major strides in terms of personal development and identity formation. Teens and young adults might experiment with various identities, career choices, or areas of interest.
• Early adulthood: During early adulthood, most people are focused on preparing for the rest of their lives through a focus on education, career, and financial independence. Romantic relationships, marriage, family-building, setting down “roots,” and child-rearing are often a focus of this life stage.
• Middle adulthood: Middle-aged adults are often focused on helping the next generation, whether in their own family or their community. They are also often interested in the legacy they’ll leave behind.
• Older adulthood: In addition to physical health challenges, older people might face issues like dementia or cognitive decline (decline in thinking, remembering, and reasoning). Older adults also often need to reflect on their lives, tell their stories, and find meaning and peace within the aging process.

The Origins of Developmental Psychology

During its early development as a branch of psychology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developmental psychology focused on infant and child development. As the field grew, so did its focus. Today, developmental psychologists focus on all stages of the human lifespan.  

Theories of Developmental Psychology

As developmental psychology grew over time, various researchers proposed theories about how to understand the process of human development. Depending on their training, a developmental psychologist might focus on a specific theory or approach within the field. 

These are a few of the major branches of developmental psychology.

Psychosocial Developmental Theory

Building on Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual development , psychologist Erik Erikson proposed a lifespan theory that included eight stages of psychosocial development .

Each of the stages corresponds to both an age range and a core “crisis” (such as trust vs. mistrust in infancy) that must be resolved before someone can move on to the next.

Cognitive Developmental Theory

Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development focuses on how children and youth gradually become able to think logically and scientifically. Piaget proposed that cognition develops through four distinct stages of intellectual development, beginning at birth and ending at age 12.

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory , originally developed by psychoanalyst John Bowlby, establishes the importance of a supportive, steady, and loving caregiver in infant and child development. If a child doesn’t establish such a connection, or if they experience parental separation or loss, they might continue to struggle with healthy attachments as they get older.

Sociocultural Developmental Theory

While Bowlby considered the importance of the immediate family in child development, psychologist Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural developmental theory looks at the role of society. Cultural influences and beliefs can have a profound impact on how a person views their own identity and relates to others.

Developmental psychologists can help people address developmental issues in order to reach their full potential. 

Some of the conditions a developmental psychologist might treat include:

• Learning disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Developmental delays
• Motor skill delays
• Issues with social and emotional development
• Auditory processing (hearing) disorder
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Speech and language delays
• Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, especially related to life stages

The training required to become a developmental psychologist is similar to that in other subfields of psychology. Most developmental psychologists start with an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a master’s degree and a doctoral degree (PhD). 

There are many master’s, graduate certificate, and PhD programs in developmental psychology in the United States. Some focus on a certain part of a person's lifespan, such as child and adolescent development. In addition to research and teaching, graduates may participate in a practicum or internship to pursue licensing as a therapist. 

When to Seek Treatment

If you're concerned that your child is facing a developmental delay, a developmental psychologist can assess them to ensure that they are meeting their milestones. It's best to seek an assessment, diagnosis, and treatment early, so intervention can begin as soon as possible.

Examples of when to see a developmental psychologist may include:

• An infant is struggling to bond with their parents.
• A toddler is missing milestones, such as walking or developing speech.
• A school-aged child is not progressing appropriately in reading or writing.
• An adolescent is facing challenges related to social and/or emotional development.

A developmental psychologist might perform physical and/or cognitive testing to diagnose your child or refer them to another specialist, including the following:

• Physical therapist (helps people improve movement and manage pain)
• Occupational therapist (helps people adjust to everyday activities after injury, illness, or disability)
• Speech-language pathologist (treats speech, language, and social and cognitive communication)
• Psychotherapist (uses talk therapy to treat mental health conditions)
• Neurologist (medical doctor who treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves)
• Psychiatrist (medical doctor specializing in mental health conditions)

A developmental psychologist will also likely ask you and your child questions about issues in areas of their life such as friends, behavior, or school performance.

In addition to working with infants and children, developmental psychologists can also help people at any stage of life. In particular, many older adults benefit from working with a developmental psychologist if they're experiencing symptoms of dementia, ill health, or cognitive decline.

Developmental psychology is the study of how human beings grow and change throughout their lives. Many developmental psychologists focus on the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of infants, children, and adolescents. Others treat and assess people of all ages. 

Developmental psychologists can treat issues such as developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, speech and language delays, motor skill delays, dementia, anxiety, depression, auditory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and more. They also make referrals to other specialists, such as physical therapists, psychiatrists, and speech-language pathologists. 

American Psychological Association. Developmental psychology .

Maryville University. What is human development and why is it important ?

American Psychological Association. Developmental psychology studies human development across the lifespan .

Oklahoma State University Library.  Social development: Erikson’s eight psychosocial crises .

Oklahoma State University Library. Cognitive development: the theory of Jean Piaget .

University of Illinois Psychology Department Labs. Adult attachment theory and research .

Oklahoma State University Library. Social theories of learning .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Healthy habits: child development .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC's developmental milestones .

By Laura Dorwart Dr. Dorwart has a Ph.D. from UC San Diego and is a health journalist interested in mental health, pregnancy, and disability rights.

Kids’ mental health is in crisis. Here’s what psychologists are doing to help

Research is focused on child and teen mental health, exploring why they are struggling and what can be done to help them

Vol. 54 No. 1 Print version: page 63

• Mental Health

[ This article is part of the 2023 Trends Report ]

The Covid -19 pandemic era ushered in a new set of challenges for youth in the United States, leading to a mental health crisis as declared by the United States surgeon general just over a year ago. But U.S. children and teens have been suffering for far longer.

In the 10 years leading up to the pandemic, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness—as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors—increased by about 40% among young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System .

“We’re seeing really high rates of suicide and depression, and this has been going on for a while,” said psychologist Kimberly Hoagwood, PhD, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. “It certainly got worse during the pandemic.”

In addition to the social isolation and academic disruption nearly all children and teens faced, many also lost caregivers to Covid -19, had a parent lose their job, or were victims of physical or emotional abuse at home.

All these difficulties, on top of growing concerns about social media, mass violence, natural disasters, climate change, and political polarization—not to mention the normal ups and downs of childhood and adolescence—can feel insurmountable for those who work with kids.

“The idea of a ‘mental health crisis’ is really broad. For providers and parents, the term can be anxiety-provoking,” said Melissa Brymer, PhD, who directs terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA–Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. “Part of our role is to highlight specific areas that are critical in this discussion.”

Across the field, psychologists are doing just that. In addition to studying the biological, social, and structural contributors to the current situation, they are developing and disseminating solutions to families, in schools, and at the state level. They’re exploring ways to improve clinical training and capacity and working to restructure policies to support the most vulnerable children and teens.

Psychologists were also behind new mental health recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group of volunteer health professionals who evaluate evidence on various preventive health services. The task force now recommends regular anxiety screenings for youth ages 8 to 18 and regular depression screenings for adolescents ages 12 to 18.

“I see these trends in children’s mental health problems as being critical, but there are solutions,” Hoagwood said. “If we refocus our efforts toward those solutions, we could see some of these tides turn.”

Sources of stress

Across the United States, more than 200,000 children lost a parent or primary caregiver to Covid -19 (“ Covid -19 Orphanhood,” Imperial College London, 2022). In the face of those losses, families had to curtail mourning rituals and goodbye traditions because of social distancing requirements and other public health measures, Brymer said. Many children are still grieving, sometimes while facing added challenges such as moving to a different home or transferring to a new school with unfamiliar peers.

The CDC also reports that during the pandemic, 29% of U.S. high school students had a parent or caregiver who lost their job, 55% were emotionally abused by a parent or caregiver, and 11% were physically abused ( Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey—United States, January–June 2021 , CDC ).

“Schools are crucial for keeping kids safe and connecting them with services, but the pandemic completely disrupted those kinds of supports,” Brymer said.

Those extreme disruptions didn’t affect all young people equally. Echoing pre- Covid -19 trends, the CDC also found that girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and those who have experienced racism were more likely to have poor mental health during the pandemic, said social psychologist Kathleen Ethier, PhD, director of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health.

Contributing factors likely include stigma, discrimination, and online bullying, Ethier said. Female students also report much higher levels of sexual violence than their male peers, which can further harm mental health.

As much hardship as Covid -19 wrought, it’s far from the only factor contributing to the current crisis. Biology also appears to play a role. The age of puberty has been dropping for decades, especially in girls, likely leading to difficulty processing complex feelings and knowing what to do about them ( Eckert-Lind, C., et al., JAMA Pediatrics , Vol. 174, No. 4, 2020 ). In early puberty, regions of the brain linked to emotions and social behavior are developing more quickly than regions responsible for the cognitive control of behavior, such as the prefrontal cortex, Ethier said.

Those developmental changes drive young people to seek attention and approval from their peers . For some, using social media fulfills that need in a healthy way, providing opportunities for connection and validation to youth who may be isolated from peers, geographically or otherwise.

For others, negative messages—including online bullying and unrealistic standards around physical appearance—appear to have a detrimental effect, but more research is needed to understand who is most at risk.

“There is clearly some aspect of young people’s online life that’s contributing [to the mental health crisis], we just don’t know exactly what that is,” said Ethier.

Finally, structural factors that affect millions of U.S. children, including poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and lack of access to health care and educational opportunities, can lead to stress-response patterns that are known to underlie mental health challenges.

“Even in very young children, prolonged stress can trigger a cycle of emotion-regulation problems, which can in turn lead to anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties,” Hoagwood said. “These things are well established, but we’re not doing enough as a field to address them.”

Building capacity in schools

The biggest challenge facing mental health care providers right now, experts say, is a shortage of providers trained to meet the mounting needs of children and adolescents.

“There’s a growing recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health in young people’s development, but that’s happening just as mental health services are under extreme strain,” said clinical psychologist Robin Gurwitch, PhD, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center.

Schools, for example, are a key way to reach and help children—but a 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that only about half of U.S. public schools offer mental health assessments and even fewer offer treatment services. Psychologists are now ramping up efforts to better equip schools to support student well-being onsite.

Much of that work involves changing policies at the school or district level to provide more support for all students. For example, school connectedness—the degree to which young people feel that adults and peers at school care about them and are invested in their success—is a key contributor to mental health. Youth who felt connected during middle and high school have fewer problems with substance use, mental health, suicidality, and risky sexual behavior as adults ( Steiner, R. J., et al., Pediatrics , Vol. 144, No. 1, 2019 ).

Through its What Works in Schools program , the CDC funds school districts to make changes that research shows foster school connectedness. Those include improving classroom management, implementing service-learning programs for students in their communities, bringing mentors from the community into schools, and making schools safer and more supportive for LGBTQ+ students.

Psychologists are also building training programs to help teachers and other school staff create supportive classrooms and aid students who are in distress. Classroom Wise (Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators), developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network and the University of Maryland’s National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH), is a free, flexible online course and resource library that draws on psychological research on social-emotional learning, behavioral regulation, mental health literacy, trauma, and more ( Evidence-Based Components of Classroom Wise (PDF, 205KB), NCSMH, 2021 ).

“We’re using evidence-based practices from child and adolescent mental health but making these strategies readily available for teachers to apply in the classroom,” said clinical psychologist Nancy Lever, PhD, codirector of NCSMH, who helped develop Classroom Wise .

The course incorporates the voices of students and educators and teaches actionable strategies such as how to create rules and routines that make classrooms feel safe and how to model emotional self-regulation. The strategies can be used by anyone who interacts with students, from teachers and administrators to school nurses, coaches, and bus drivers.

“What we need is to build capacity through all of the systems that are part of children’s lives—in families, in schools, in the education of everybody who interacts with children,” said psychologist Ann Masten, PhD, a professor of child development at the University of Minnesota.

Other training efforts focus on the students themselves. Given that preteens and teenagers tend to seek support from their peers before turning to adults, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) created conversation cards to equip kids with basic skills for talking about suicide. The advice, available in English and Spanish, includes how to ask about suicidal thoughts, how to listen without judgment, and when to seek guidance from an adult ( Talking About Suicide With Friends and Peers, NCTSN, 2021 ).

While training people across the school population to spot and address mental health concerns can help reduce the strain on mental health professionals, there will always be a subset of students who need more specialized support.

Telehealth, nearly ubiquitous these days, is one of the best ways to do that. In South Carolina, psychologist Regan Stewart, PhD, and her colleagues colaunched the Telehealth Outreach Program at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2015. Today, nearly every school in the state has telehealth equipment (Wi-Fi and tablets or laptops that kids can use at school or take home) and access to providers (psychology and social work graduate students and clinicians trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy). Students who need services, which are free thanks to grant funding or covered by Medicaid, meet one-on-one with their clinician during the school day or after hours ( American Psychologist , Vol. 75, No. 8, 2020 ).

“We learned a lot about the use of technology during the pandemic,” Ethier said. “At this point, it’s very much a matter of having sufficient resources so more school districts can access those sources of care.”

Expanding the workforce

Limited resources are leaving families low on options, with some young people making multiple trips to the emergency room for mental health-related concerns or spending more than six months on a waiting list for mental health support. That points to a need for more trained emergency responders and psychiatric beds, psychologists say, but also for better upstream screening and prevention to reduce the need for intensive care.

“Just as we need more capacity for psychiatric emergencies in kids, we also need an infusion of knowledge and ordinary strategies to support mental health on the positive side,” Masten said.

In New York, Hoagwood helped launch the state-funded Evidence Based Treatment Dissemination Center in 2006, which offers free training on evidence-based practices for trauma, behavioral and attention problems, anxiety, depression, and more to all mental health professionals who work with children in state-licensed programs, which include foster care, juvenile justice, and school settings, among others. The center provides training on a core set of tools known as PracticeWise ( Chorpita, B. F., & Daleiden E. L., Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , Vol. 77, No. 3, 2009 ). It also offers tailored training based on requests from community agency leaders and clinicians who provide services to children and their families.

Hoagwood, in collaboration with a consortium of family advocates, state officials, and researchers, also helped build and test a state-approved training model and credentialing program for family and youth peer advocates. The peer advocate programs help expand the mental health workforce while giving families access to peers who have similar lived experience ( Psychiatric Services , Vol. 71, No. 5, 2020).

Youth peer advocates are young adults who have personal experience with systems such as foster care, juvenile justice, or state psychiatric care. They work within care teams to provide basic education and emotional support to other youth, such as giving advice on what questions to ask a new mental health practitioner and explaining the differences between psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Youth peer advocates in New York can now receive college credit for their training in peer specialist work.

“Making community health work into a viable career can also increase diversity among mental health workers and help us address structural racism,” Hoagwood said.

Pediatricians are another group that can provide a first line of defense, drawing on their relationships with parents to destigmatize mental health care.

“Pediatricians are in many ways uniquely positioned to help address the mental health crisis in youth,” said Janine A. Rethy, MD, MPH, division chief of community pediatrics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and an associate professor of pediatrics at Georgetown University School of Medicine. “We have the privilege of building long-term relationships with children and their families over many years,” with at least 12 well-child checkups in just the first three years of a child’s life, followed by annual visits.

During these visits, they can watch for warning signs of social and behavioral problems and screen for maternal depression and other issues in parents, which is now recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (PDF, 660KB) . Several new resources provide guidance for integrating mental health care into pediatric practices, including the Behavioral Health Integration Compendium (PDF, 4.1MB) and the Healthy Steps program . But most pediatricians need more education on mental health issues in order to effectively respond, Rethy said—yet another area where psychologists may be able to help. Psychologists can provide direct consultations and training to pediatricians through the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access program.

“The more we can weave mental health knowledge, capacity, and checkpoints into places where parents feel comfortable—like the doctor’s office and at school—the better,” Masten said. “All professionals who work with young people really need the knowledge that’s being generated by psychologists.”

11 emerging trends for 2023

Scientists reach a wider audience

Psychologists take aim at misinformation

Psychological research becomes more inclusive

EDI roles expand

Worker well-being is in demand

Efforts to improve childrens’ mental health increase

Partnerships accelerate progress

Suicide prevention gets a new lifeline

Some faculty exit academia

Venture capitalists shift focus

Psychologists rebrand the field

Further reading

Science shows how to protect kids’ mental health, but it’s being ignored Prinstein, M., & Ethier, K. A., Scientific American , 2022

How pediatricians can help mitigate the mental health crisis Rethy, J. A., & Chawla, E. M., Contemporary Pediatrics , 2022

Review: Structural racism, children’s mental health service systems, and recommendations for policy and practice change Alvarez, K., et al., Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 2022

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