Educational Psychology
How do attributions affect student motivation?
Students who attribute failure to lack of effort (internal, unstable, controllable) are more motivated than those who attribute it to lack of ability (internal, stable, uncontrollable).
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity levels , which can impair focus and academic performance.
Long-term memory is the relatively permanent storage of information with essentially unlimited capacity, organized into declarative (facts) and procedural (skills) knowledge.
SEL is the process through which students develop skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making .
Educational Psychology
Why is metacognition important for learners?
The term was introduced by Jerome Bruner , David Wood, and Gail Ross, inspired by Vygotsky's ZPD concept.
Metacognition helps learners become self-directed , enabling them to identify effective strategies, monitor comprehension, and adjust their approach when needed.
Relatedness is the need to feel connected to others , experiencing a sense of belonging and warm relationships with peers and teachers.
Spatial , Interpersonal , Intrapersonal , and Naturalistic intelligence.
Educational Psychology
What are the five core competencies of SEL according to CASEL?
Linguistic , Logical-Mathematical , Musical , and Bodily-Kinesthetic are four of Gardner's eight intelligences.
Attribution theory, notably developed by Bernard Weiner , examines how individuals explain the causes of success and failure and how these explanations affect motivation.
The five competencies are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills , and responsible decision-making .
In Montessori, the teacher acts as a guide or facilitator who observes children and prepares the environment rather than delivering direct instruction.
Educational Psychology
How can teachers apply multiple intelligences theory in the classroom?
B.F. Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning , showing that behavior can be shaped through reinforcement and punishment.
A schedule of reinforcement is a rule that determines when and how often a behavior is reinforced, such as fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, or variable-interval.
Bandura's social learning theory states that people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling , not just through direct reinforcement.
Teachers can design lessons that engage diverse modalities —such as music, movement, visuals, group work, and reflection—to reach learners with different intelligence strengths.
Educational Psychology
Which Erikson stage is most relevant to elementary-age children?
Growth mindset, proposed by Carol Dweck , is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort , learning, and persistence.
Teachers can foster intrinsic motivation by offering autonomy, relevance, choice , and optimal challenge while minimizing controlling external rewards.
The information processing model compares the mind to a computer, describing how information flows through sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory .
Industry vs. Inferiority (ages 6–12), where children develop a sense of competence through mastering skills and receiving encouragement.
Educational Psychology
What strategies support students with ADHD in the classroom?
Effective strategies include structured routines, frequent breaks, clear instructions, preferential seating , and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
Watching similar others succeed at a task raises the observer's belief that they too can succeed, especially when the model is perceived as similar in ability.
The Montessori method, developed by Maria Montessori , is a child-centered educational approach emphasizing self-directed activity, hands-on learning , and collaborative play.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (ages 12–18), where teenagers explore different roles and develop a sense of personal identity.