This text has been devised to assist the teacher needing to apply psychology in the education of their pupils. It includes details of key studies in the field which are intended to aid the application of psychology in education and combines a gentle humour with a sound academic writing style. The book covers areas such as gender, ethnicity, language, literacy and special needs. This book should be of great interest and practical use to practising teachers, trainee teachers on PGCE, MA and ITT (initial teacher training) courses as well as CPD (continuing professional development) courses and those working in areas such as caring and nursing.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction. Why Do We Need Pschology? What Is Educational Psychology? the Evidence From Psychology. 2. Learning Basic Principles of Learning. Theories of Learning. Cognitive Processes and Learning. Memory. Integrated views of Learning. Cognitive Development and Learning. Optimising Learning. Connectionism: The Promise of Information and Communications Technology. 3. Assessment Why Assess? What Can We Assess? Functions of Assessment. Types of Tests. Test Content and Structure. Intelligence Testing. Other Forms of Assessment. National Curriculum Assessments. 4. Individual Differences and Achievement The Importance of Differences in Intelligence. Home Background. Gifted children. Creativity. Thinking Skills. Cognitive Style. Personality. 5. Involving Students Motivation. Attributional Processes. Task Involvement and Cognitive Development. Teacher Expectations. 6. The Educational Context The Importance of Context. School Effectiveness. The Physical Environment. Organisation of Pupils and Teaching. Teaching Effects 7. Society and Culture

Author Biography

Martyn Long has taught in both secondary and further education. He is currently an educational psychologist in Cambridgeshire.