Edited by Sue Duchesne & Anne McMaugh (Cengage)
As a practicing psychologist working in the education sector, I am constantly grappling with how to effectively and efficiently support teachers to apply the principles of psychology in a way that can best assist all of the students in their classrooms, especially those with the highest level of need. No simple task, I can assure you.
Educational Psychology for Learning and Teaching provides a holistic view of learning, behaviour and development as it relates to educational psychology in the school context and delivers it in a practical and user-friendly way.
“[The book] provides a holistic view of learning, behaviour and development as it relates to educational psychology in the school context”
While there’s no hiding that this is in fact a textbook intended predominantly for university students (there’s a study guide at the end of each chapter), there is extensive value in a book like this being in every school in the country. This book provides the key foundations for educators to understand the diverse learners in their classrooms and how best to hone their teaching practice for maximum effect.
Although predominantly an Australian text, there are some strong links to the New Zealand context. As such, it’s impressive to have te ao Māori and indigenous perspectives and theories woven throughout, ensuring culturally responsive supports for tamariki Māori.
This book is full and comprehensive, and so it should be with 700 pages. It may be unlikely to make it onto a summer reading list for any of you. However, I certainly recommend it as a one-stop-shop for educators seeking ideas of how to support diverse learnings in their classrooms. – Byron Sanders
