Educational Psychology: A Developmental Approach

This revision continues a tradition started in the early 1970s as the only work of its kind on the market. The text provides all the tools for educational practice in a carefully constructed theoretical tool box. Nearly all current educational psychology texts fail in this regard, as so many are either litanies of research studies more or less pedantically recited, or superficially attractive bits and pieces of educational practice surrounded by eclecticism. This text is written in a lively, readable style and with appropriate humor in places. Also, with the special features of in-depth human interest biographies, carefully developed contemporary issues, theory into practice chapter exercises, and a glossary of key terms for each chapter, the work is never boring. Even more important is the developmental framework itself. For an introductory student, the work provides a comprehensive, often chapter length, analysis of the major developmental theorists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Kohlberg with clear connections to practice. Also, the more traditional theories such as Gestalt, Skinner, Bruner, Rogers, and information processing, can be integrated within a developmental framework. The traditional behavioral science theories are incorporated into a meaningfiul basis for teaching and learning. New sections include cognitive learning theory, multicultural influences on learning and development, inclusion of exceptional children, and language development.