The University of

ChoicePsychology in

Education

by by Shabina RehmanShabina Rehman

The University of

Choice

C H A P T E R 1

Educational Psychology: A Tool for Effective Teaching

2

The University of

ChoiceLearning Goals

1. Describe some basic ideas about the field of educational psychology.

2. Identify the attitudes and skills of an effective teacher.

3. Discuss why research is important to effective teaching and how educational psychologists and teachers can conduct and evaluate research.

The University of

ChoiceEducational Psychology:

A Tool for Effective Teaching

Exploring Educational Psychology

Teaching: Art and Science

Historical Background

The University of

ChoiceEducational Psychology…

is a branch of psychology that specializes in

understanding teaching and learning in

educational settings.

The University of

ChoiceHistorical Background of Ed Psych

1850 1875 195019251900

William James

John Dewey

E. L. Thorndike

The University of

ChoiceWilliam James (1842-1910)

Emphasized the importance of observing teaching and learning in

the classroom for improving education

The University of

ChoiceJohn Dewey (1859-1952)

• Viewed the child as an active learner

• Emphasized the child’s adaptation to the environment

• Pushed for competent education for all children

The University of

ChoiceE. L. Thorndike (1874-1949)• Initiated an emphasis on

assessment and measurement of learning

• Promoted the idea that educational psychology must have a scientific base and that measurement should be a central focus

The University of

ChoiceEducational Psychology’sHistorical Background

Leta Hollingworth (1916) - First to use the term gifted to describe students who scored exceptionally high on IQ tests.

George Sanchez (1932) - Researcher who demonstrated that intelligence tests were culturally biased against minority children.

Mamie and Kenneth Clark (1939) - Pioneering researchers who studied African American children’s self-conceptions and identity.

The University of

ChoiceTeaching as Art & Science• How is teaching both art and science?

The University of

ChoiceEducational Psychology:

A Tool for Effective Teaching

Effective Teaching

Commitment andMotivation

ProfessionalKnowledge and

Skills

The University of

ChoiceEffective TeachingProfessional Knowledge and Skills

Effective Teachers: Exhibit subject matter competence Implement appropriate instructional

strategies(constructivist & direct instruction approach)

Set high goals for themselves and students and plan for instruction

Create developmentally appropriate instructional materials and activities

Manage classrooms for optimal learning Cont…

The University of

ChoiceEffective Teaching

Professional Knowledge and Skills

Effective Teachers: Use effective strategies to promote students’

motivation to learn Communicate well with students and parents Pay more than lip service to individual

variations(differentiated instruction) Work effectively with students from culturally

diverse backgrounds Have good assessment skills Integrate technology into the curriculum

The University of

ChoiceEffective Teaching

Commitment and Motivation

Effective Teachers: Have a good attitude Care about students Invest time and effort Bring a positive attitude and enthusiasm

to the classroom

The University of

ChoiceCharacteristics of Best Teachers

The University of

ChoiceCharacteristics of Worst Teachers

The University of

ChoiceReflection & ObservationReflection:• What were the characteristics

of the most effective teachers in your educational experience?

The University of

ChoiceEducational Psychology:

A Tool for Effective Teaching

Research in Educational Psychology

Why Research Is Important

Research Methods

The University of

ChoiceThe Scientific Research Approach

The scientific research approach is objective, systematic, and testable.

STEP 1Conceptualize the Problem

STEP 2Collect Information

STEP 3Draw Conclusions

STEP 4Revise Research

Conclusions & Theory

The University of

ChoiceResearch Methods• Descriptive Research• Correlational Research• Experimental Research

The University of

ChoiceResearch MethodsDescriptive Research

Observations-should be scientific; unbiased;

accurate recording; categorize what you see;

Cont…

The University of

ChoiceLaboratory-in controlled settingNaturalistic observation-in real worldParticipant observation-observer/researcher is

actively involved in activityInterviews and questionnairesStandardized tests

The University of

ChoiceResearch Methods

Descriptive ResearchCase studies-in-depth look at one

individualEthnographic Studies-in depth

description & interpretation of behavior in an ethnic or cultural group

The University of

ChoiceFocus Groups-interviewing people in a group to

obtain info about a particular topic/issue-eg, to assess a newly developed program

Personal Journals and Diaries-indls can be asked to keep diaries to document quantitative or qualitative aspects of their lives- eg, attitudes & beliefs about a particular topic

The University of

ChoiceResearch Methods

Correlational Research

• Measures the strength of a relation between two variables

• Does NOT establish causal relation

Experimental Research

• Experimental vs. control groups

• Independent vs. dependent variables

The University of

ChoicePossible Explanations of

Correlational Data

Observed correlation Possible explanations for this correlation

As permissiveteaching increases,children’s

level of disciplinedecreases

Permissiveteaching

Children’s level Of discipline

Children’s levelof discipline

Permissiveteaching

causes

causes

Other factors,such as genetic

tendencies,poverty, or

sociohistoricalcircumstances

Permissiveteaching

cause

both Children’s levelof discipline

and

The University of

ChoiceA study of the effects of time management on

students’ gradesParticipants randomly assigned

to experimental and control groups

Students’grades in school

ExperimentalGroup

(time managementprogram)

Control Group(no time management

program)

Experimental Research

The University of

ChoiceExperimental Research

Independent variable: The manipulated, influential experimental factor.

Dependent variable: The factor that is measured in an experiment.

Control group: A comparison group, no manipulation.

Experimental group: The group whose experience is manipulated.

Random assignment: Participants are assigned by chance.

The University of

Choice

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