Includes Index

Geared specifically to future teachers, this practical new introduction clearly recognizes that an understanding of how children learn and think, how they grow and develop, why they do what they do, and how they differ from one another has innumerable profound implications for effective classroom practice. Therefore, rather than superficially explore every aspect of Educational Psychology, this text focuses on offering in-depth treatment of the fundamental principles and theories that are of particular educational significance. Coverage addresses learning and cognition, development, motivation, group and individual differences, classroom management, and assessment in light of their implications for instruction in grades K-12...noting key applications as theories and principles are discussed. Throughout the material, the author models the kind of meaningful learning experiences teachers must create for their students by beginning with the knowledge base future teachers are likely to have, asking them to reflect on their past experience, and making ideas concrete through the use of examples and discussion of applications.