The Psychology of Teaching and Learning in the Primary School

This book reviews recent work in psychology which sheds new light on important areas of concern to primary school teachers, providing clear guidelines for good practice. The Psychology of Teaching and Learning in the Primary School details the current controversies regarding the effective teaching of reading and numeracy, how to deal with emotional and behavioural difficulties, the best methods of assessing learning, as well as teaching children to think and develop their creativity.It is a useful text for tutors and students on initial teacher training courses, and to teachers involved in professional development.Each chapter contains an editor's summary, a list of further reading, a full list of references and activities to develop and deepen the readers' understanding in each area. At the same time, the book is written in an accessible style ideal for the non-psychologist and is well illustrated with practical classroom examples.

1.Introduction and Rationale: The Nature of Classroom Expertise Section A: Organising the Physical Environment of the Classroom 2.Organising the Physical Environment of the Classroom 3. Managing Social Relationships in the Classroom 4.Organising Activities to Promote Effective Learning 5.Communicating Well with Children 6.Making Learning Exciting and Successful Section B: Teaching the Curriculum 7.Teaching Children to Think, Reason and be Creative 8.Teaching Children to Become Confident Mathematicians 9.Teaching Children to Understand Science 10.Assessing Children's Learning Section C: Educating All the Children 11. Recognising and Providing for Individual Differences 12.Providing Equal Opportunities for Boys and Girls 13.Teachng Children with Learning Difficulties 14.Helping Children Develop Social Skills, Work in Groups and Make Friends 15.Educating Children with Behavioural Difficulties 16.Teaching Children with Emotional Difficulties Section D: Developing as a Professional 17.Working in Schools 18.Reflecting on Teaching: Becoming a Teacher 19.Doing Your Own Research and Solving Problems in the Classroom