This is an educational psychology book that focuses on human development, the human being, teaching, and learning. It is appropriate for preservice teachers who are seeking to comprehend essential theories and concepts in educational psychology. It is also appropriate for practicing teachers who want to understand and apply these theories and concepts at increasingly higher levels. As well, it can be used by decision-makers or anybody else who wants to better understand human development, human beings, human learning, and educational processes. Besides the traditional topics related to human development and learning found in most educational psychology textbooks, this book describes topics that are typically not addressed. These topics include mental health for children and adolescents, intuition, an evolutionary perspective on emotions, poverty, disability and race, systemic racism, critical race theory, culturally responsive teaching, teacher reflection, language learning and reading instruction, and a complete discussion of teacher professionalism, dispositions, and attributes. These are topics that are worthy of our attention, and they will move you forward in your understanding of the human beings whom you teach.
Andrew P. Johnson is Professor of Literacy and Distinguished Faculty Scholar at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has written 15 books and published over 50 book chapters and articles related to literacy, learning, and the human condition.
Introduction: Being and Becoming Human I. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Chapter 1: Development of the Human Brain Chapter 2: Cognitive Development - Jean Piaget Chapter 3: Lev Vygotsky - From Outside to In Chapter 4: Language Acquisition and Development Chapter 5: Toward a Psychology of Being - Abraham Maslow Chapter 6: Being and Becoming a Person - Carl Rogers Chapter 7: Sigmund Freud - A Pioneer of Modern Psychology Chapter 8: Psychosocial Theory of Personal Development - Erik Erikson and James Marcia Chapter 9: Moral Development - Lawrence Kohlberg and Carol Gilligan II. HUMAN CAPACITY Chapter 10: Intelligence Chapter 11: Creativity Chapter 12: Intuition Chapter 13: Emotions III. COMPLEX THINKING Chapter 14: Thinking Levels and Skills Chapter 15: Problem Solving Chapter 16: Metacognition, Study Skills Strategies, Comprehension Skills, and Note-Taking Chapter 17: Conceptual Understanding and Transfer IV. HUMAN DIVERSITY Chapter 18: Poverty Chapter 19: Disability and Race Chapter 20: Systemic Racism and Critical Race Theory Chapter 21: Culturally Responsive Teaching Chapter 22: Mental Health for Children and Adolescents V. HUMAN MOTIVATION Chapter 23: Motivating Factors Chapter 24: perspectives on Motivation V. THE HUMAN TEACHER Chapter 25: Teacher as Reflective Practitioner Chapter 26: Professionalism, Dispositions, and Attributes APPENDIX A: Maslow's 15 Traits of Self-Actualizing Persons APPENDIX B: Activities to Develop Moral Reasoning
I highly recommend Dr. Andrew Johnson's educational psychology book. In this book, Dr. Johnson breaks down the different educational psychology concepts and theorists in an understandable way through his "Big Ideas." The big ideas highlighted each chapter's basic concepts, which makes it more relatable to teachers' experiences and how they can solve different issues faced in the classroom. Additionally, I appreciate how Dr. Johnson positively incorporates strategies for parents and teachers to assist "today's learners - tomorrow's leaders." I am optimistic that all readers and specifically undergraduates, will appreciate this educational psychology book. -- Stephanie Williams-Britton, EdD, Assistant Professor, Midland College, Midland, Texas Dr. Andrew Johnson's new book, Essential Learning Theories: How the Human Dimension Impacts Teaching and Learning is a must have for those of us in the field of education or preparing to be. Rarely can an author take the works of psychology greats such as Freud, Piaget, and Erikson, disseminating the concepts, making truly meaningful connections. This book oozes with practical wisdom in how to run a classroom that takes into account how humans learn, making a classroom that is both inclusive and full of hope. Most importantly, Dr. Johnson's book understands the main tenet, that above all else, teaching is heart work. -- Amy Erbeck Stone, Special Education Teacher This book explores the human dimension of teaching and learning. It enhances our understanding of human beings and provides a practical guide for designing authentic, person-centered learning experiences that meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This book is a companion Dr. Johnson's other book, Essential Learning Theories. It is a powerful resource for any Intro to Ed or Educational Psychology course. Backed by current research, it provides a reader-friendly and reliable perspective that will empower emerging educators as well as experienced teachers. -- Katie Archer Olson, MAT ECE, Associate Professor/Chair of Paraprofessional Education, Alaska Christian College
