Educational Psychology Review

Realist Position: Asserts that a single reality exists which can be comprehended through scientific inquiry.
- Example: The distinction between effective and ineffective educators can be evaluated through observable metrics.
Relativist Position: Argues that reality is constructed by individuals; each perspective is subjective and unique.
- Example: A teacher's competence may be perceived differently by each student, suggesting that no single understanding of competence exists.

Recognizes that a student’s learning, motivation, and attention can fluctuate greatly over time.
Societal expectations are also in constant flux, which impacts educational approaches and assessments.

Emphasis shifts from seeking empirical evidence for the most effective teaching methods to understanding diverse interpretations of educational situations.
Importance of qualitative data collected through interviews, observations, and personal reflections which form a deeper understanding of student experiences.
Practice-based evidence is emphasized, suggesting that if a child struggles with a concept (e.g., understanding 1 + 1 = 2), it’s more effective to adapt the teaching method rather than persist with the same approach, even if it’s typically evidence-based.

Reflect on your favorite teacher and consider what made them your favorite.
Analyze whether your favorite teachers adhered to a realist or relativist position in their teaching methodologies.
Identify teaching strategies that have not effectively worked for you, engaging in reflection about personal learning experiences.

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) represents both educational and school psychology at the national level. There are several relevant organizations, including:
- British Columbia Association of School Psychologists (BCASP)
- Canadian Association of Educational Psychology (CAEP)
- International School Psychology Association (ISPA)
- Others like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

School Psychologists contribute to both direct and indirect student services:
- Direct services: Provide assessments, recommendations, and counseling.
- Indirect services: Consultation with teachers, parents, and educational staff focused on student learning and intervention programs.
- They play a vital role in educational research, designing assessments, data collection, and knowledge translation strategies.

Realist Position on Assessments: Designed to objectively identify who is proficient in a subject area.
Relativist Position on Grades: Focuses on understanding an individual's unique strengths and weaknesses relevant to their performance.

Questions arose about the equivalence of grades across different courses:
- Does an “A” mean the same in all subjects?
- Should a student be graded solely on their knowledge, or should effort and improvement be factored?
- Consider the value of grades in professional contexts after years of experience in a field.

Learning is portrayed as a subjective experience with concrete outcomes in both academic and professional settings.
Reflecting on personal goals and learning objectives is crucial for personal and professional development, guiding educational trajectories.

The significance of reading and writing is emphasized, as effective communication can enhance or ruin educational experiences.
Students are encouraged to consider how poor communication has affected their learning experiences in the past.