Educational psychology

Educational psychology or school psychology is the psychological science studying how children and adults learn, the effectiveness of various educational strategies and tactics, and how schools function as organizations. Educational psychologists work together with teachers and parents, to enhance children's learning and development, especially in cases of behavioural and learning difficulties. Educational psychologists also advise on the needs of individual children in the school environment.

Educational psychology focuses on the needs of children in the school environment, as well as how school experiences impact other areas of children's lives. School psychologists conduct evaluations of children to determine eligibility for special services and to identify children with problems such as learning disabilities, ADHD, emotion or mood disorders, and many other childhood psychological problems, especially as they relate to educational needs.

Training involves an initial degree in psychology, a teaching qualification (e.g., the PGCE) and at least 2 years experience of teaching in schools, before starting postgraduate training in educational psychology (there is no requirement to be a qualified teacher in Scotland).

School psychologists are trained at either the masters or doctoral (PhD or EdD) level. In addition to conducting assessments, provide services such as counseling, teacher consultation, and crisis intervention.

Educational psychology is closely allied to developmental psychology.

Major theorists of educational psychology:

Educational psychology

See also