Cognitive and Educational Psychology for TESOL Practitioners: An Introduction

Sharon McCulloch, Andrzej Cirocki, Bimali Indrarathne

Research output: Contribution to Book/Report typesChapterpeer-review

Abstract (may include machine translation)

This chapter sets the stage for the entire volume. Its purpose is to ensure that TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) practitioners are cognizant that education and psychology are impossible to separate. Education aims to change human behaviour, whereas psychology aims to study human behaviour. Therefore, there is a pressing need for twenty-first century teachers to become educational psychologists who demonstrate a heightened awareness of psychological factors that can affect student learning and ensure that their teaching accommodates their students’ learning needs, preferences, and expectations in an optimal fashion. Against this background, this chapter begins with a general introduction to English language education in the twenty-first century, highlighting the importance of teachers’ professional competences and defining their psychological and research competences. Following this, the core concepts of cognitive and educational psychology are presented, along with their links to English language learning and teaching, thus broadening TESOL practitioners’ thinking with respect to their professional practice. The chapter also discusses the concept of action research. It encourages English language teachers to investigate various aspects of cognitive and educational psychology in order to reflect professionally on their pedagogical practice. The chapter closes with a brief explanation of the purpose, structure, and readership of the book.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCognitive and Educational Psychology for TESOL Practitioners
Subtitle of host publicationA Guide for Practitioners
EditorsSharon McCulloch, Andrzej Cirocki, Bimali Indrarathne
PublisherSpringer Cham
Pages1-13
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9783031665325
ISBN (Print)9783031665318
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Publication series

NameSpringer Texts in Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cognitive and Educational Psychology for TESOL Practitioners: An Introduction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this