Educational Psychology: Top 10 Best Books

Author: Dr. Elaine Hartfield
Dr. Elaine Hartfield is a seasoned educator and researcher in the field of educational psychology. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and a passion for cognitive development, she has authored several academic papers and books on learning strategies and student engagement.


Why Educational Psychology Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, understanding how students learn and develop is more critical than ever. Educational psychology is the key to unlocking the potential within each student, whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or an academic. By diving deep into this field, you’ll discover how to create effective learning environments, understand the cognitive processes behind learning, and apply this knowledge to enhance educational outcomes. If you’re eager to explore the best resources in educational psychology, you’re in the right place. Below are the top 10 books that will equip you with the insights needed to make a lasting impact in education.


10. How the Brain Learns

Author: David A. Sousa
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7 out of 5 stars (69 ratings)

How the Brain Learns

Category: Educational Psychology

David A. Sousa’s How the Brain Learns is an essential read for anyone interested in the neurological foundations of learning. This book delves into how the brain processes information, retains it, and recalls it when necessary.

Why You’ll Love It: Sousa’s writing is accessible, making complex neuroscience understandable for educators without a background in the subject. His practical strategies for applying brain research in the classroom are invaluable for improving teaching effectiveness.

Fun Fact: Sousa emphasizes the importance of sleep in memory consolidation—a reminder that good education extends beyond the classroom.


9. Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn

Author: Barbara Oakley, PhD
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (402 ratings)

Uncommon Sense Teaching

Category: Educational Psychology

Uncommon Sense Teaching brings together practical insights from brain science to enhance student learning. Barbara Oakley and her co-authors provide strategies that teachers can implement immediately to make learning more effective and enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love It: The book bridges the gap between research and practice, offering real-world applications that make complex theories accessible and usable in everyday teaching.

Fun Fact: Oakley is known for her MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), which have reached millions of students globally, revolutionizing online education.


8. Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky (NONE)

Author: Carol Garhart Mooney
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7 out of 5 stars (803 ratings)

Theories of Childhood

Category: Educational Psychology

Carol Garhart Mooney’s book is an excellent primer on the foundational theories in educational psychology. It introduces readers to the ideas of Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky, providing a solid understanding of each theorist’s contributions.

Why You’ll Love It: This book is perfect for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of educational psychology. It’s a great resource for connecting theory to practice.

Fun Fact: Mooney’s book is often used in teacher education programs, making it a staple for aspiring educators.


7. Child and Adolescent Development in Your Classroom, Topical Approach

Author: Christi Crosby Bergin
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7 out of 5 stars (195 ratings)

Child and Adolescent Development

Category: Educational Psychology

This book offers a comprehensive look at the stages of development from childhood through adolescence, focusing on how these stages affect learning and classroom dynamics.

Why You’ll Love It: Bergin provides practical strategies for applying developmental psychology in the classroom, making it easier for teachers to tailor their approaches to different age groups.

Fun Fact: The book includes case studies that illustrate real-world applications of developmental theories, making it a practical guide for educators.


6. Growth Mindset Workbook for Kids: 55 Fun Activities to Think Creatively, Solve Problems, and Love Learning (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids)

Author: Peyton Curley
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,060 ratings)

Growth Mindset Workbook for Kids

Category: Educational Psychology

Peyton Curley’s workbook is designed to help children develop a growth mindset, an essential aspect of educational psychology that focuses on the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance.

Why You’ll Love It: The workbook is filled with fun, engaging activities that help children learn while reinforcing positive psychological principles.

Fun Fact: The concept of a growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is now a staple in educational psychology and is applied in classrooms worldwide.


5. The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control over Their Lives

Author: William Stixrud PhD
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,296 ratings)

The Self-Driven Child

Category: Educational Psychology

The Self-Driven Child explores the importance of autonomy in children’s development and how it influences their ability to thrive in educational settings.

Why You’ll Love It: Stixrud provides actionable advice for parents and educators on how to foster independence in children, leading to more motivated and successful learners.

Fun Fact: The book emphasizes the role of stress in learning and how managing it effectively can lead to better educational outcomes.


4. Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive

Author: Marc Brackett
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,466 ratings)

Permission to Feel

Category: Educational Psychology

Marc Brackett’s Permission to Feel highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in education. The book provides tools and strategies to help educators and parents support the emotional well-being of children.

Why You’ll Love It: This book is a powerful reminder of the importance of emotions in learning. Brackett’s practical advice helps create emotionally intelligent environments that foster better learning outcomes.

Fun Fact: Brackett is the director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, a leading institution in the research and application of emotional intelligence.


3. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Author: Howard E. Gardner
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (415 ratings)

Frames of Mind

Category: Educational Psychology

Howard Gardner’s Frames of Mind is a groundbreaking work that introduced the theory of multiple intelligences. This book challenges the traditional notion of intelligence, proposing that there are several distinct types of intelligence.

Why You’ll Love It: Gardner’s theory has revolutionized the field of educational psychology, encouraging educators to recognize and nurture different types of intelligence in their students.

Fun Fact: Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is widely applied in education systems worldwide, influencing curriculum design and teaching strategies.


2. Groups: Process and Practice

Author: Marianne Schneider Corey
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,005 ratings)

Groups: Process and Practice

Category: Educational Psychology

This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding group dynamics and processes, crucial for educators and psychologists working with groups in educational settings.

Why You’ll Love It: Corey offers practical advice and strategies for managing and facilitating groups, making this an indispensable resource for professionals in educational psychology.

Fun Fact: The book is widely used in counseling programs and has been a staple in educational psychology courses for decades.


1. Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Author: Peter C. Brown
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,230 ratings)

Make It Stick

Category: Educational Psychology

Make It Stick is a must-read for anyone interested in the science of learning. The authors combine insights from cognitive psychology to offer practical strategies that can improve learning and retention.

Why You’ll Love It: This book is packed with evidence-based techniques that challenge traditional learning methods, making it an essential resource for educators and students alike.

Fun Fact: The book debunks common myths about learning, such as the effectiveness of re-reading and highlighting, and instead promotes practices like spaced repetition and retrieval practice.


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