The Psychology of Education 2nd Edition

Written in an accessible and engaging style, this second edition of The Psychology of Education addresses key concepts from psychology which relate to education. Throughout the text the author team emphasise an evidence-based approach, providing practical suggestions to improve learning outcomes, while fictional case studies are used in this new edition to provide students with a sense of what psychological issues can look like in the classroom. Activities around these case studies give students the chance to think about how to apply their theoretical knowledge to these real-world contexts.

‘Key implications’ are drawn out at appropriate points, and throughout the book students are provided with strategies for interrogating evidence. Key terms are glossed throughout the book and chapters are summarised and followed by suggestions for further reading.

A chapter on Learning interactions and social worlds is new to this edition. The following chapters have all been extensively updated:



* Learning
* Assessment
* Individual differences and achievement
* Student engagement and motivation
* The educational context
* Society and culture
* Language
* Literacy
* Inclusive education and special educational needs
* Behaviour problems
* Dealing with behaviour problems.


This book is essential reading for undergraduate students of Education Studies and Psychology as well as trainee teachers on BA, BEd and PGCE courses. It will also be of use to postgraduates training to be educational psychologists.

Martyn Long has taught in secondary schools and further education institutions. He is currently an educational psychologist in Cambridgeshire.

Clare Wood is Reader in Developmental Psychology at Coventry University, and a chartered psychologist.

Karen Littleton is Professor of Psychology in Education at the Open University.

Terri Passenger is a chartered educational psychologist working in schools and at the Nuffield Hospital, Cheltenham.

Kieron Sheehy is Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Childhood, Development and Learning at the Open University.

1. Introduction to Psychology and Education: Some essential background

2. Learning


3. Assessment


4. Individual differences and achievement

5. Student engagement and motivation

6. The Educational context

7. Society and culture


8. Learning interactions and social worlds

9. Language

10. Literacy

11. Inclusive education and Special Educational Needs

12. Behaviour problems

13. Dealing with behaviour problems