Educational, School and Developmental Psychology

Educational, School and Developmental Psychology

1.

The question we ask when dealing with educational psychology is, what the interaction between learning and teaching is? In order to answer the question, psychologists in the educational field apply psychological methods to study factors which influence learning and teaching, namely- the theories relate to human development, learning, motivation, instruction, behavior management and assessment and other factors (Elliott, 2000). Moreover, these factors shape the field of education psychology and help teachers and leaders in the education sector (Meece, 2009). Education psychology not only focuses on the learning of the population in general but also, among small group of "gifted" children and those with learning disabilities. Such psychologists are employed in colleges and universities where there could lecture and carry out research, in high schools where the psychologists work directly with the children, or as consultants who prepares instructional material and assists with the development of the classroom, review educational policies and standards (Coomarsingh, 2012).

2.

School psychology deals with students (children and adolescents), their families, educators, and the schooling system. Through the use of scientific practices, school psychologists work to improve student's academics, social lifestyle and emotions. There are around 25,000 school psychologists in the US whose main goal is to standardize the education system, provide opportunities for minority groups and increase their participation, and uplift the field it's self (http://www.apadivisions.org/division-16/about/index.aspx, 2012). Apart from working in schools, such psychologists work in settings such as universities, juvenile justice centers and school based mental health clinics.

When working with students the psychologist acts as a counselor or mentor to students who face various social pressures, stressors and anxiety which has impeded their academic achievement. Moreover, the psychologist helps promote a multicultural learning environment by promoting acceptance in schools and quality communication and social skills. When the psychologists work with the families of students they teach parental skills, address the behavior problems which gets in the way with academic achievement and help coordinate community support services. School psychologists work with teachers to help all students participate actively in class, plan and execute student's progress, and to create a positive classroom environment. Finally school psychologists work with the leaders in the education sector to improve the system by reducing violence and discrimination, conduction prevention programs and, sponsor mental health programs (http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/whatis.aspx, n.d).