Introduction to Educational Psychology

Educational Psychology studies how people learn.
Educational Psychologists are interested in how people acquire and retain new information.
Educational Psychologists work in various fields such as educational technology, instructional design, special education, curriculum development, organizational learning, and gifted learners.

Millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) are the 21st century student cohort.
Millennials are digital technology users who value control, choices, sociality, inclusivity, and time off.
Millennials are more comfortable with technology, but can be easily distracted.
Teaching in the digital age is crucial and presents challenges such as distractions and cost.

Good teaching involves encouraging communication and interaction, providing opportunities for active participation and emphasizing time on task.
Good teachers encourage active learning by communicating expectations and providing timely and appropriate feedback.
Respecting diverse talents and learning styles is essential for good teaching.

Teacher self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to reach and help students learn.
High teacher self-efficacy is a predictor of student achievement, leads to persistence with difficult students, and reduces teacher burnout.

Educational psychology applies psychological science to improve the learning process and promote educational success for all students.
Educational psychology helps understand individual differences in intelligence, cognitive development, affect, motivation, self-regulation, and self-concept in relation to learning.

Educational Psychology utilizes research to improve learning and teaching.
Descriptive research provides detailed information on specific situations.
Correlational studies describe statistical relationships between two variables.
Correlation does not equal causation.
Experimental studies examine cause and effect, where variables are manipulated and their effects are recorded.
Quasi-experimental studies use existing groups, rather than random assignment.
Single-subject designs are used to determine the effects of a therapy, teaching method, or intervention.

ABAB Designs are used to study the effect of an intervention, teaching method, or therapy through multiple stages:
- Establishing a baseline (A)
- Introducing the intervention and observing results (B)
- Removing the intervention (A)
- Reinserting the intervention and noting the results (B)

Clinical interviews, pioneered by Jean Piaget, involve open-ended questioning to understand responses and follow up on answers.
Case studies are in-depth examinations of one person or situation and often involve extensive interviewing.
Ethnography is a descriptive research method that studies life within a group to understand the meaning of events within that group.
- Participant observation involves becoming part of the group being studied.

Longitudinal studies observe subjects over months or years to track changes over time.
Cross-sectional studies compare groups at different ages rather than following the same group for years.
Microgenetic studies observe and analyze changes in cognitive processes as they occur, focusing on short time periods (days or weeks).

Quantitative research relies on measurements and calculations using statistics to assess relationships and measure differences objectively.
Qualitative research uses words, dialogue, events, and images as data to explore specific situations and people in depth.
Qualitative research focuses on interpreting subjective and socially constructed meanings and is used in case studies and ethnographies.
Quantitative research aims for generalizable results applicable to similar situations and people while Qualitative research focuses on specific contexts.

Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to address questions broadly and deeply using different approaches:
- Collecting both types of data and merging it in analyses
- Collecting quantitative data and then conducting in-depth qualitative interviews
- Conducting qualitative procedures and then gathering quantitative data

Scientifically based research is rigorous and uses reliable methods to provide valid data and a basis for evidence-based practices.
Evidence-based interventions are programs and practices consistent with scientifically based research and are required by law in failing schools.

Teachers can use research to improve their teaching practices.
Teachers can observe, gather data, and analyze results to address specific questions about teaching practices.
This type of problem-solving investigation is called action research.

Principles are established relationships between factors.
Theories are integrated statements of principles that attempt to explain phenomena and make predictions. They are the foundation for research and help develop hypotheses.
Hypotheses are predictions based on existing theories and research.

Student personal factors:
- Student engagement: Minds, motivations, and behaviors
- Learning strategies: Cognitive, metacognitive, and behavioral
School and social-contextual factors:
- School climate: Academic emphasis, positive climate, and teacher qualities
- Social-familial influences: Parental involvement and positive peer influences
Educational Psychology addresses all these factors to support student learning.