Educational Psychology:
Effective Teaching,
Effective Learning
3^rd Edition
Elliott, et. al.

Chapter One Outline

Introduction

It's an exciting time to teach and be involved in the development of students. Good teachers are needed in every classroom to improve the quality of education for a diverse population of students in our schools. Much is expected of our schools-and teachers-and, despite dramatic headlines that may claim otherwise, much has been accomplished. For example, the 27th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll of the public's attitudes toward the public schools clearly indicated that parents rated the school in their community much higher than they rated the nation's schools. Thus, it seems parents were quite satisfied with the teachers and schools they knew. Nevertheless, much remains to be done, and you may soon be in a position-as a teacher, an administrator, or a psychologist-to advance these positive feelings. We believe that knowledge central to the discipline of educational psychology can be a major contributor to your success as an educator.

In this first chapter, we'll begin by defining educational psychology and introducing you to five major themes that characterize educational psychology research and practice. Then we will examine characteristics of effective teaching: what it is, how to achieve it, how to maintain it. Good teaching doesn't just happen; you must be part artist and part scientist. But you'll be happy to know that your efforts will be well worth it. All the research we have reviewed points to one inescapable conclusion: Effective teachers can, indeed, make a difference in their students' lives!

Aside from the personal and professional knowledge that you need to be a successful teacher, issues arise that you'll have to address as an educator. For example, how should I best meet the diverse needs of my class? What does the new research on motivation say that can guide me in thinking about instructional and assessment strategies? We'll present several of these issues and ask you to examine their possible meaning for both you and your students. Finally, we'd like to suggest ways and means for you to use the ever-expanding knowledge base of educational psychology as a tool for improving your effectiveness as a teacher, a parent, or an administrator.