Education Care

Educational/School Psychology in the Pursuit of Human Well-Being

 

 

Introduction

 

            Now we are living in the technological modern world. With the help of science and technology we have developed in all fields. India is a developing country. We have lot of human resources after China. But the literacy rate is very low when compared to other developed and developing countries in the world. India is a rich country, but Indians are poor. With the help of science and technology and by utilizing all sources in the proper way it is possible to India to become a developed country in the world. In the modern world people living with high tension. The student in schools and colleges are also living with high tension because of heavy competitions. It is necessary to introduce psychology as a general subject in all the classes both at school and college levels. Yoga and meditation is also necessary for each and every one in the world.

Definition of Education

Ø      Education is the learning of human souls to what is best, and making what is best out of them?

–        John Ruskin

Ø      Education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it is his hands and at whom it is aimed.

                                                                                                    – Joseph Stalin

The word education is derived from the Latin educare, meaning “to raise”, “to bring up”, “to train”, “to rear”. Education means the gradual process of acquiring knowledge. Education is a preparation for life. Education is also defined as the profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university).

Importance of Education

India is a union comprised of twenty eight states and seven Territories. The Constitution provides directives regarding the development of education throughout the country. The areas in which the respective central and state governments have domain have been identified in the Constitution as the central list, state list and concurrent list. Until the late 1970s, school education had been on the state list, which meant that states had the final say in the management of their respective school systems. However, in 1976, education was transferred to the concurrent list through a constitutional amendment, the objective being to promote meaningful educational partnerships between the central and state governments. Today, the central government establishes broad education policies for school curricula development and management practices. These serve as guidelines for the states.

 

Generally, at the start of a very young age, children learn to develop and use their mental, moral and physical powers, which they acquire through various types of education. Education is commonly referred to as the process of learning and obtaining knowledge at school, in a form of formal education. However, the process of education does not only start when a child first attends school. Education begins at home. One does not only acquire knowledge from a teacher; one can learn and receive knowledge from a parent, family member and even an acquaintance. In almost all societies, attending school and receiving an education is extremely vital and necessary if one wants to achieve success.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is the study of how humans learn in educational settings, the effectiveness of educational interventions, the psychology of teaching, and the social psychology of schools as organizations. Although the terms “educational psychology” and “school psychology” are often used interchangeably, researchers and theorists are likely to be identified as educational psychologists, whereas practitioners in schools or school-related settings are identified as school psychologists. Educational psychology is concerned with the processes of educational attainment among the general population and sub-populations such as gifted children and those subject to specific disabilities

            Educational psychology can in part be understood through its relationship with other disciplines. It is informed primarily by psychology, bearing a relationship to that discipline analogous to the relationship between medicine and biology. Educational psychology in turn informs a wide range of specialities within educational studies, including instructional design, educational technology, curriculum development, organizational learning, special education and classroom management. Educational psychology both draws from and contributes to cognitive science and the learning sciences. In universities, departments of educational psychology are usually housed within faculties of education, possibly accounting for the lack of representation of educational psychology content in introductory psychology textbooks.

Uses of Educational Psychology

For finding Individual differences and Disabilities

            Each person has an individual profile of characteristics, abilities and challenges that result from learning and development. These manifest as individual differences in intelligence, creativity, cognitive style, motivation, and the capacity to process information, communicate, and relate to others. The most prevalent disabilities found among school age children are attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disability, dyslexia, and speech disorder. Less common disabilities include mental retardation, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and blindness.

Although theories of intelligence have been discussed by philosophers since Plato, intelligence testing is an invention of educational psychology, and is coincident with the development of that discipline. Continuing debates about the nature of intelligence revolve on whether intelligence can be characterized by a single, scalar factor (Spearman’s general intelligence), multiple factors (as in Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence and Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences), or whether it can be measured at all. In practice, standardized instruments such as the Stanford-Binet IQ test and the WISC are widely used in economically developed countries to identify children in need of individualized educational treatment. Children classified as gifted are often provided with accelerated or enriched programs. Children with identified deficits may be provided with enhanced education in specific skills such as phonological awareness.

 For Social, Moral and Cognitive Developemnt      

To understand the characteristics of learners in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, educational psychology develops and applies theories of human development. Often cast as stages through which people pass as they mature, developmental theories describe changes in mental abilities (cognition), social roles, moral reasoning, and beliefs about the nature of knowledge.

For example, educational psychologists have researched the instructional applicability of Jean Piaget’s theory of development, according to which children mature through four stages of cognitive capability. Piaget hypothesized that children are not capable of abstract logical thought until they are older than about 11 years, and therefore younger children need to be taught using concrete objects and examples. Researchers have found that transitions, such as from concrete to abstract logical thought, do not occur at the same time in all domains. A child may be able to think abstractly about mathematics, but remain limited to concrete thought when reasoning about human relationships. Perhaps Piaget’s most enduring contribution is his insight that people actively construct their understanding through a self-regulatory process.

Piaget proposed a developmental theory of moral reasoning in which children progress from a naive understanding of morality based on behavior and outcomes to a more advanced understanding based on intentions. Piaget’s views of moral development were elaborated by Kohlberg into a stage theory of moral development. There is evidence that the moral reasoning described in stage theories is not sufficient to account for moral behavior. For example, other factors such as modeling (as described by the social cognitive theory of morality) are required to explain bullying.

Developmental theories are sometimes presented not as shifts between qualitatively different stages, but as gradual increments on separate dimensions. Development of epistemological beliefs (beliefs about knowledge) have been described in terms of gradual changes in people’s belief in: certainty and permanence of knowledge, fixedness of ability, and credibility of authorities such as teachers and experts. People develop more sophisticated beliefs about knowledge as they gain in education and maturity.

Psychology and Teacher

            Teacher is a national builder. He has a power to change the world through education. According to our Indians teacher is a third god. Teacher plays a prominet role in the development of society. Educational Psychology is a main subject in  teacher education at D.Ed., B.Ed., and M.Ed. levels. It is necessary for each and every teacher to know about psychology. Becausse it is necessary to know the behaviour of the students in the class. Teacher has different roles  like father, advisor, councellor, administrator and well wisher. The future of any country is in the hands of teachers. So it is necessary to give importance for teacher education. So our government introduced psychology subject in teacher education curriculum.

After undergoing the course, the student teacher

1)      Explains psychology and its relationship with Education.

2)      Classifies different branches of psychology and explains their significance.

3)      Explains the importance of heredity and environment and its influences in educational process.

4)      Explains the different aspects of the development of the child.

5)      Explains the growth and human beings and their behaviour.

6)      Describes the individual aspects of the development of the child.

7)      Explains the primary needs of the children.

8)      Explains the secondary needs of the children.

9)      Explains the theories of learning and the factors influencing learning.

10)  Explains the concept of socialization.

11)  Explains the different types of learning.

12)  Understands the concept of motivation and the steps to be taken to motivate the children.

13)  Explains attention and its uses.

14)  Develops skill of observation, listening, responding and understanding.

15)  Describes memory, remembering and forgetting and identifies conditions of good memory.

16)  Describes the effects of different methods used for learning process.

17)  Explains thinking process and its uses-perception, conception, apperception for different ages.

18)  Explains the role of creativity and its development.

19)  Explains the meaning of intelligence and understands the changing concept of intelligence.

20)  Enhances personality development of pupils.

21)  Describes the mental hygiene and mental health.

22)  Understands exceptional children and their significance.

23)  Practices guidance and counseling for school pupils.

Conclusion

          Educational psychology is an application of the principles of psychology for effective learning and modification of behaviour on desirable dimensions.  Knowledge of educational psychology makes a teacher effective in motivating the pupils in their learning.  In short it is an inseparable part of strategy in education. Education gives knowledge, wealth and health. Education is a solution for all types of problems in the society. Through education only it is possible overall development of a person in the society. Through education it is easy to know about behavour of the students and persons in the society with the help of psychology. So it is necessary to study psychology all persons in the society in the modern world. Educational Psychology helps the overall development of the student.

References

1. Educational psychology a cognitive view by Asubel, D.P. 

2..Element of educational psychology by Bhatia, H.R. 

3. Psychology applied to teaching by Bichler, R.F. 

4. Educational psychology by Cole, E.C. and Bruce, W.F.

5. http:/ www.google.com

 

 

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Raising a confident child is key to ensuring a successful transition into adulthood. Enhancing a child’s self confidence is undoubtedly tantamount to creating healthy, stable adults. The experiences and lessons of childhood stay with us into adulthood. A confident child who is valued will feel valued throughout life. A child who feels bad and incompetent will continue to live with those feelings as an adult.

To boost a child’s confidence, it is important that they receive constant positive feedback. A few simple words such as, “That’s a lovely drawing” go far in raising self esteem. A child hearing positive reinforcement will keep trying harder. A confident child who doesn’t receive positive feedback will soon wonder if it can do anything right and if any effort is really worth it.

Children thrive on encouragement. The world is filled with so many things that to a child seem impossible to accomplish or understand. Encouraging a youngster leads to the realization that he or she can do things and solve problems. Such a realization is a tremendous confidence-enhancer.

Confident children are permitted to stretch their limits. If a parent rigidly chooses what a child wears every day, the child will reach the conclusion that it is incapable of making such a decision. A child that is allowed to make some of its own choices learns that it can be in control of its life. With a growing sense of control the child learns to rely on itself rather than an adult world.

Mistakes are a part of life. Children who are taught to be ashamed of their mistakes will stop trying. Everyone makes mistakes. What’s important to a child’s psychology is to never give up. Such a child will soon be driven by the need to “keep doing” rather than the need to “not fail.” A desire not to fail leads to not trying. A child who is afraid to try will never know its true potential.

The world can sometimes be an unpleasant place, and parents rightfully want to protect their children. Yet over-zealous parents sometimes believe that shielding an offspring from anything disagreeable will result in a happy, contented child. That is not the case. As a fact of life, adults must face unpleasantness in many forms, from a nasty boss to a rude neighbor. Learning to deal with such frustrations is an important builder of self-confidence. Children who get everything they demand never learn to handle normal levels of frustrations.

They learn that a temper tantrum will bring about the desired results. When those children grow up, they continue to act as if nothing should thwart their every desire. These adults function with a child-like coping mechanism. It is important for children to experience a certain amount of frustration in order to learn how to deal with it. Not everyone will like them. They will not succeed at everything.

Sometimes life is unfair. A child who understands these facts and uses them as an opportunity to learn and grow faces life with an abundance of self-esteem. Such children develop confidence in their ability to cope with life’s adversities instead of becoming one of life’s victims.

Bulimia is a psychological disorder that is caused by a skewed body image .Two forms of bulimia are recognized by the American Psychological Association, both of which can be devastating to a person’s health and after prolonged practice, may even cause death. An alarming rate of people suffer from the disease, many of them younger than 30. Peer pressure, the media and other mental factors may have an influence on adolescents who suffer from the disease. Other factors such as family and home life may play a role as well.

Symptoms of bulimia include a negative body and self image, binging and purging, which is the act of eating to the point where the stomach cannot handle anymore and forcing oneself to vomit, or the use of excessive amounts of laxatives to rid the body of food. Many of the foods that individuals with bulimia consume are high in fat and calories.

In many cases, people with bulimia start out with a diet and exercise program that is rather innocent and healthy for their bodies. The problem begins when the individual cheats on his or her diet, and then experiences a feeling of guilt or failure afterwards. This escalates the feeling of low self esteem and increases the severity of the situation, until it escalates to bulimia where the binge-purge behavior is exerted.Diagnosis of this disorder involves a psychological evaluation to determine if an individual exhibits traits of the disease. This involves asking rigorous questions about self and body image and getting a history of the individual’s weight issues, and any other family or home issues present. According to the American Psychiatric Association, the criteria for diagnosing a patient with bulimia includes binging and purging at least twice a week for three consecutive months, negative or unrealistic body image and weight loss attitudes, and the absence of anorexia.Individual and group therapy is a widely used treatment for bulimia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used to try and change a patient’s perception to foster a more positive body image. Family therapy is one way to help bulimic individuals cope with their illness and change their behavior patterns. A solid, stable support system is important for any person suffering from a disease.Since bulimia is a psychological disorder, it is very important for family members to be supportive and help the individual using positive feedback. It is also important that family members talk about their problems together. Sometimes, people use this disease as a way to cope with other issues in their lives. Bulimia is a very serious psychological disorder that demands prompt treatment from both a psychologist and medical doctor.

In a month dedicated to all things lovely and beautiful, the last thing you need is to be suffering from beaucoup amounts of stress. Stress can put a damper on your love life, not to mention your health and career. Stress embodies both psychological and physical ailments and can be treated using a variety of tried and true psychotherapy techniques.Everyone knows that working is stressful and probably the number one source of worry in life, especially with the current state of things. Economic downturn anyone? Remember that learning to prioritize your deadlines and work load can drastically relieve some pressure. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also a viable treatment for work stress as it solves problems concerning negative emotions, thoughts and behavior patterns using a goal-oriented process.  A psychologist, for example, may implement time-management training to help you more effectively manage your work flow, which he or she may then combine with mental relaxation techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven effective in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders on a grand scale, so a little work stress is nothing to stress about. Pun intended.Now moving on to the next most stressful life occurrence, which is relationships, big shock, especially those involving the opposite sex. Most of the time your happiness hinges on what those close to you are saying and doing. Have a spat with your honey one morning? More than likely your whole day is shot. Despite the stigma surrounding this time-honored stress management technique, couples therapy is a great way to learn how to relate to your loved one. But people hear the word therapy and immediately think “only crazy people need therapy.” Not true. Couples therapy involves solving the problems between two people by identifying the conflict in a relationship. A series of discussion questions will likely be asked by a licensed counselor or psychologist aimed at starting a dialogue to help you determine what changes are needed.Not all stress is attributed to a specific source; some people experience stress all the time for no discernable reason. In cases such as these, people have been shown to benefit from a technique called biofeedback. Even though it sounds like something from a science fiction movie, biofeedback encompasses an assortment of techniques that are designed to help people gain control over various body functions including heart rate and breathing patterns. Patients are hooked up to machines that monitor body function, while a biofeedback therapist assists them with a series of mental exercises geared toward learning to control the body from within. According to The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, it is “a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance.”Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over every waking moment. Learning to deal with stress using psychological techniques versus medication or other harmful substances is more effective in the long run.

Interview tips may relieve recent psychology graduates that are anxious about interviewing for jobs. While a student’s grades may be stellar and extra-curricular activities may be numerous, the market can be tough and a successful interview is the one conduit to getting an actual job. But it is possible to have a leg-up on other candidates in the psychology field by preparing for the interview in advance, utilizing interview tips and learning how to shine on a job interview.Rehearsing for the InterviewConsider some of the questions an interviewer may ask before heading off to an interview. Research the hiring association and jot down some helpful reminders in case one of the questions asked regards the organization. Rehearse answers to some of the more frequently asked interview questions as well. Questions often asked of candidates include:• What are the candidate’s strengths?• What are the candidate’s goals?• Why did this person leave their former organization?Answer Questions IntelligentlyWhile this may be a no-brainer, candidates can often come across poorly by answering questions improperly. Practice answering questions to some of the above questions and perhaps even ask a friend or family member to listen and evaluate the answers. Speak slowly and make eye contact with the interviewer. Take a breath (or two) before answering the question and think about the answer before blurting it out. Watch out for body language in an interview. Slouching in a chair, leaning on the desk, shoving one’s hands in their pockets or fidgeting with clothing may be construed erroneously.Dress for SuccessKeep the trendy clothes on the closet hanger when heading out on an interview. The key, when trying to fit in at most organizations, is to focus on dressing conservative. If possible, try to discern the dress code at the organization, possibly by driving by before the interview or even calling the receptionist and asking. When in doubt, wear a suit – either navy or gray. Make sure the suit is clean and pressed as is the shirt or blouse underneath. Keep accessories to a minimum – no big jewelry, especially items that make noise such as clanging bracelets or tons of necklaces or chains.Here is a common sense interview tip. Grooming is crucial before an interview. It is unlikely that candidates who appear slovenly will be asked back. Keep finger nails short and clean and keep hairstyles conservative. Be careful with perfume or cologne as well – don’t spray on too much. Pop in a breath mint right before walking into the interview.CommunicationAlways bring the most up-to-date resume to the interview. Even if one was mailed to the organization prior to the interview, it shows professionalism to have an additional copy on-hand in case the interviewer doesn’t. After the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is an acceptable and necessary practice that also serves as a reminder to the interviewer as to who the candidate was.

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