Developmental and Educational Psychology for Teachers: An Applied Approach

Developmental and Educational Psychology for Teachers brings together a range of evidence drawn from psychology to answer a number of critical educational questions, from basic questions of readiness – for example, when is a child ready for school, through to more complex matters, such as how does a teacher understand and promote good peer relationships in their classroom? The answers to these and other questions discussed draw here on the interplay between a teachers’ craft expertise and their knowledge of evidence and theory from developmental and educational psychology.

Presenting a range of classic theories and contemporary research to help readers understand what the key issues are for teachers and other professionals, this book aides informed educational decisions in situations such as:

• inclusion,
• ability grouping,
• sex differences,
• developing creativity,
• home and peer influences on learning,
• and developing effective learners.

Teachers in early years, primary and secondary settings are routinely faced with questions regarding the development of children. This not only relates to the planning and delivery of lessons, but also to the mental and physical wellbeing of the children and adolescents that they teach. The pedagogical features of this book are accessible and clearly presented, including focus questions that direct the reader’s attention to key issues, activity posts that point the reader to meaningful and relevant research and show the practical applications of material covered, and extension material that gives depth to many of the topics covered.

This book aims to inform the practice of both in-service and trainee teachers, addressing issues that are relevant to their practice. With no other detailed and accessible text presenting this evidence and theory specifically for an audience of practicing and trainee teachers currently on the market, this book will be of essential reading to practicing and trainee teachers for early years, primary and secondary education and other related educational contexts such as educational psychologists, counsellors, paediatric and child doctors and nurses.

Dennis M. McInerney is honorary professor at the Australian Catholic University and the Education University of Hong Kong. He is a veteran academic who has been a primary teacher, secondary teacher, teacher trainer, as well as professor specializing in educational and developmental psychology.

David W. Putwain is Professor of Education and Early Childhood at Liverpool John Moores University. He started his career as a teacher in secondary schools and 6th form colleges before moving into academia. His research focuses on the psychological factor factors that influence learning and achievement.