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Schools and classrooms

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Psychology has much to contribute to enhancing teaching and learning in the classroom. Teaching and learning are also linked to social and behavioral factors of human development, including cognition, motivation, social interaction, and communication.

Psychological science provides key insights on effective instruction, classroom environments that promote learning, classroom management, appropriate use of assessment, and more.

Adapted from Top 20 Principles for Pre-K to 12 Education

Resources from APA

African American female college professor points towards chalkboard in classroom.

APA’s new Quality Principles for Undergraduate Education in Psychology: How to use them for quality teaching

An important set of goals and recommendations for psychology faculty, departments, and programs to promote quality in undergraduate education

Reimagining the classroom

Psychologists have the research and expertise that schools critically need right now

children sitting around a classroom table

Science-backed ways to improve schools

Psychologists are taking on the challenges facing many schools, using research to transform education and support students and teachers.

There’s a strong push for more school psychologists

A combination of pre-existing shortages and a rise in school stressors has led to a major effort to train and hire more school psychologists.

More resources about schools and classrooms

What APA is doing

Advocacy

Pre-K to 12 education

APA Services works with policymakers to ensure that education policies are driven by the latest advances in psychological science, and that schools are safe environments for all students, irrespective of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

educational psychologist talking to teen girl

Divisions

Educational Psychology

APA’s Division 15 provides a collegial environment for psychologists with interest in research, teaching, or practice in educational settings at all levels to present and publish papers about their work.

elementary school students reading together in classroom

Divisions

School Psychology

APA’s Division 16 is composed of scientific-practitioner psychologists whose major professional interests lie with children, families, and the schooling process.

Directorate

Education directorate

APA’s Education Directorate advances the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the public through accreditation, educational institutions, programs, graduate and postgraduate specialization, continuing education and special initiatives.