Patricia Alexander (2018) provides a thought-provoking analysis of the past and future of educational psychology. Based on the themes in Alexander's paper, the present paper explores the past and future of educational psychology's contributions to: (a) the science of learning, corresponding to Alexander's theme of "a focus on learning as a…

The studies in this special section of the "Journal of Educational Psychology" present a variety of social-psychological interventions across large numbers of classrooms and populations. They show notable benefits for many students at risk for low performance. This is the glass half-full interpretation, and we consider the strengths of…

Investigates readers' ability to identify main ideas in narrative texts and the development of this ability. Results reveal that even the youngest students were able to identify the main ideas, but they did so less consistently than did older students. Findings have implications for theories of text comprehension development and for educational…

Directions for future research on goal theory are suggested. The need for greater specificity in construct definition and the possible contributions of constructivist perspectives on learning and instruction are considered. An investigation is proposed of the way social goals interact with mastery and performance goals. (Author/SLD)

The classroom learning environment is examined in relation to achievement goal theory of motivation. A perspective is presented that argues for identification and analysis of classroom structures that can contribute to a mastery orientation. With such an orientation, the focus will be on effort rather than ability. (SLD)

The history of motivational research in education is traced through the "Encyclopedia of Educational Research." Major trends are documented, including (1) the drive concept; (2) the motivation-learning distinction; (3) individual differences; and (4) the emergence of cognitive concerns and the self. Current and future trends are…

The history of educational psychology is traced from its beginnings after 1800. The major function of the field has been to serve as a conduit between the academic disciplines of psychology and the applied field of education. The discipline has great potential to contribute to educational policy formation. (SLD)