The Psychology of Education

On the need for an individualistic educational psychology emphasizing on the central role of the learner

Education and psychology are related in more than just one way and the psychology of education could be related to educational principles in psychology or how education as a discipline is taught within psychology as a subject and how these two disciplines merge. This is primarily the focus of educational psychology which studies how human learning occurs, what ways of teaching are most effective, what different methods should be used to teach gifted or disabled children and how principles of psychology could help in the study of schools as social systems.

Psychological education would be completely focused on learning methods as structured or imparted according to psychological and individual needs of the students. Education would differ according to culture, values, attitudes, social systems, mindset and all these factors are important in the study of education in psychology.

Educational psychology is the application of psychological objectives within educational systems and psychological education as I distinguish here is application of educational objectives in psychological processes. The first focus of using psychology in education is more general and the second approach of using education in psychology is more individualistic. However as far as present study of educational approach to psychology is concerned, there is no difference between individualistic educational psychology and general educational psychology and all interrelationships between psychology and education are considered within the broad discipline of educational psychology.

However a distinction between the more general educational psychology and more specific psychological or individualistic education could help in understanding the nuances of individualistic study and give a subjective dimension to the study of psychology in education. This could also help in making learning systems more student based and according to the needs of culture, society, individual or personal factors. This sort of study with a focus on personal/psychological aspects of learning is not just about social objectives and objectives within educational systems but also about personal goals and objectives and the psychological processes involved in learning. There has to be a clearer demarcation between education in psychology as a general study and individualistic education in psychology as a more specific and subjective discipline.

As of now educational psychology encompasses a wide range of issues and topics including the use of technology and its relation to psychology, learning techniques and instructional design. It also considers the social, cognitive, behavioural dimensions of learning but it would be necessary to make education more personal and individualistic through a special branch with a psychological focus on education so that individual needs are considered. There could be two ways in which this branch of knowledge could evolve – either by strengthening psychological education or individualistic approach to the psychology of education or by having two distinct branches of general educational psychology and individualistic educational psychology.

As in client centered approach to psychology, a psychology of education should also include further research that would highlight the need for individualistic dimensions in learning. Learning psychology is the use of psychological theories for example that of Jean Piaget and Kohler in the study of learning techniques, especially among children. I have already discussed Piaget but briefly Piaget’s theory higlights different stages of learning in children and Kohler suggested that learning occurs by sudden comprehension or understanding, however I will not go further into learning theories here. Whereas the focus of educational psychology is on learning techniques per se and the role of the learner is considered only secondary, a branch of individualistic psychology in education could help in emphasizing the role of the learner considering not just their disabilities or giftedness but also their personality patterns. This focus on personality patterns brings out the central role of understanding psychology in educational systems.

Educational psychology studies both the personal approaches to education as in giftedness, disability, learning theories applied to children and adults, and the more general objective approaches to learning as the role of schools as social or cultural systems.

The psychology of education could include the following branches:

General Educational Psychology

1. Learning Systems – As studied from individualistic learning perspectives and generalized learning perspectives, a discussion of the different theories, practices and systems or techniques of learning is an integral part of educational psychology and especially central to general educational psychology.

2. Social Systems – The use of education in social, cultural and economic systems could be considered within the psychological context and this relates to the role of education in society.

Individualistic Educational Psychology

1. Learning Systems – Learning techniques and systems or methods will have to be in accordance with the needs of the children or adult participants and according to skills of the teachers. Needs vary according to personal traits and abilities and individual needs will have to be considered during the learning process.

2. Social Systems – Individual learning psychology will have to be studied according to specific social and cultural backgrounds of the learners and thus a more subjective study of learning approaches and centralized role of the individual in the learning process considering their social, cultural or intellectual background will have to be considered.

Reflections in Psychology – Part II – Saberi Roy (2010)

An Introduction to Yoga Psychology

One of the more beautifully developed sciences of spiritual-based psychology is yoga psychology, the study of human psyche in relation to life and the larger dimensions of existence. This science, matriculated from the ancient tradition of yoga, seeks to explain and explore the potentials of the human life, uncovering the hidden mysteries behind life’s purpose, existence, and relationship to the world in which we live. While there are many systems of psychology available to modern man, yoga psychology is unique in that is seeks to merge modern science with ancient philosophy. Through its distinct methods of treating and transforming the mind to its open and holistic approach to life, yoga psychology is an effective science for providing a healthy, balanced, and individually sensitive approach the mental health and wellness.

The Philosophy of Psychology

Generally, the philosophy of psychology has pursued two outlets. The first that suggests that life is empirical and can be measured and observed on a material level. This philosophy maintains that all system are composed of matter which can be seen through physical observation and observed through the senses. Therefore, everything that exists within the human being can be measured on a physical level accounts for all aspects of the human existence. One important point of this philosophical ideology is that everything is based off of experience, external input, and genetic disposition. These together form the entire foundation for the psyche. Therefore, elements that appear to extend beyond the confines of the physical and observable level of existence are either imagined or yet to be proven through empirical observation.

Contrary to the empirical belief is the philosophy that human beings are composed of elements that are beyond the confines of the physical structure of the human being. Although material components contribute to our existence, there are many features of the human being that cannot be measured with a microscope or electromagnetic scans. Although these features are not composed of the same material as the human body, they existence in their own dimension and retain their own qualities that allow them to exist. One of the primary examples of an element that exists in its own form is consciousness. Under the definition of the non-empirical philosophy, consciousness is a part of human life, but is not contained solely within the human being, nor can it be found within the structures of the brain. Rather it is a field of existence that permeates all of creation, but takes the appearance of separate entities when filtered through the structure of the individual entities such as a human being. Therefore it is part of the human being, but not limited to the human structure in and of itself.

For the most part, empirical based psychology believes that consciousness is a component of the brain, and a spirit, or some entity that is connected to a higher source, does not exist. All that is experienced and seen within the individual can be explained within the physical content of the human being. Therefore, the pursuit of understanding and comprehension of the functions of the human psyche are mostly undertaken within the study of brain through the sciences such as neuropsychology. This forms the foundation for the more extended studies of behavioral, developmental, and cognitive psychology.

Non-empirical psychology, on the other hand, accepts the soul, or something existing with the human being that extends beyond the limits of the perishable body, as an additional entity contributing to the human existence. While the human body contains part of the material necessary to form life, it does not make up the whole system. Non empirical psychology maintains the belief that individual consciousness is a component of a large system that has been referred to as cosmic, universal, or collective consciousness. With this understanding in mind, non-empirical psychology pursues the study of the human psyche through the components of consciousness, soul/spirit, and other elements beyond the physical body.

While not every psychology conforms to these boundaries, most of the applied practices of psychology conform themselves to the outline of one of these ideology; either the mind is in the body and the brain, or it is part of something larger and beyond the limits of the body. As a social practice, western psychology usually follows the path of the empirical study where as eastern psychology has been that of the metaphysical and spiritualistic. Yet there are modern schools of thought, researchers and psychologists that are extending beyond these boundaries and seeking to reform psychology into a complete science of the human mind. Indeed, the human brain does show significant contributions to the functions of thought, perception, and behavior, but at the same time there has been no substantial evidence that self-awareness or consciousness can be contained within the functions of the brain. Together, both of these insights have proven to be significant challenges to the modern day research of the psychology of human beings.

Yoga Psychology, as a conventional practice, has evolved to embody both the empirical and non-empirical perspective of psychology. Although it could generally be considered a non-empirical philosophy, yoga psychology has also greatly accepted the influences of the anatomical structure in developing, shaping, and creating the psychology of a human being; yet the physical body does not contain all of the elements necessary to form the complexity of the human mind and consciousness. Through the philosophy and spiritual-inquisition of yoga, yoga psychology maintains the belief that the human psychology is shaped by factors from various sphere of life, starting from the most material physical body and working through to the subtle elements of the spirit. Each layer is not an independent system, nor is it contained within one single structure. Rather, there are several sheaths that co-exist and work seamlessly between one another to form the complete structure, form, and existence of the human being.

The Application of Psychology

Practically, psychology is designed to be applied as a functional means to provide people with a healthy mind. While the definition of what constitutes a health mind may vary between different philosophical beliefs, generally people want live a life that contains more happiness, a stronger self-concept, and a personality that is capable of handling the changes and evolving events in life. Psychology seeks to provide people with the tools necessary to create the proper circumstances for a health mind, using a variety of skills, perceptions, and methods to help form the desired results. Among some of the major components used by modern psychology to help people find a healthier mental construct include: medication, counseling, group therapy, psycho-analysis, environmental alterations, and mental conditioning. All of these methods seek to provide people with a stronger mental state with which they can approach life.

“Natural” forms of psychology usually avoid medication and evasive techniques that may cause unnecessary changes to the bio-chemical structure of the body. They also traditionally focus on approaching psychological complexes with a more holistic perspective which includes physical ailments and emotional disturbances. In contrast, a more “westernized” system of psychology usually treats patients based upon classified disorders or dysfunctions which are related to the mind or the brain. Treatment is provided based upon the symptoms of a patient in relationship to other classically defined cases. For many patients, medication is used in conjunction with counseling and therapy.

As a practice, yoga psychology usually addresses the psychological changes within a human being’s life with a wide variety of techniques, each designed to help regulate and modify a specific irregularity within the human system. Generally, yoga psychology follows the “natural” system of psychological healthcare as it typically treats each case independently, providing help to an individual after analysis of the physical, psychological, energetic, and spiritual elements of their life. For physical disturbances which are affecting the psychological state, exercise and movement known as the asanas (postures) are applied. These can also be used in conjunction with cleansing techniques which help to remove toxins from the body. For psychological disturbances, meditation, concentration, and self-observation are used. Generally, the body and the mind are viewed as interdependent entities, so specific physical activity or alterations can treat psychological disturbances as well. For energetic problems, breathing exercises are used to increase or decrease energy within the body. Diet can also be modified to help increase vitality. The health of the spiritual aspect of life is dependent on the state of the physical, mental, and energetic bodies, and therefore is typically cared for by treating these bodies first.

Although many systems of psychology exist, yoga psychology is one that can be applied for those who seek a better knowledge of themselves. While a belief in spiritual aspects of life will assist one who wishes to practice yoga psychology, it is not a necessity. Rather, yoga psychology should be viewed as a holistic system of psychology which works to create an equilibrium in the body and the mind so that optimum health and strength can be achieved. It also works to provide people with a greater understanding of life as the body, mind, and spirit are actively transformed to reach their fullest potentials.

Sarah Mhyers is a practicing psychologist and psychotherapist in the United States. After completing her MS in Clinical Psychology, Sarah spent much of her time continuing here studies of psychology fro

More Opportunities To Apply for Psychology Courses For You Today!

Today the field of psychology has become greatly popular among young people, however the elder category of people are also interested in it as well. But what makes psychology one of the most interesting and attractive academic sciences? As it is known, the science of psychology studies human mind and behavior making it the major focus of its subject. People have always interested in the inner stimuli of these or those actions or ways of behavior. Psychology is the area of knowledge which emphasizes on living up to its expectations concerning the course requirements which have to be followed by the students.

Besides, the field of psychology demands from its aspirants to work on improving their skills of critical thinking, as well as receiving the deepest understanding of its subject. By the way, developing research inclinations is another significant criterion which has to be followed by a willing student. So, if the students are really interested in this area of science they are offered a few psychology courses which will open the doors for them to making their dreams come true as soon as possible. In dependence on the appropriateness criteria which is extremely important for fulfilling the course requirements as well as the field of interest, the students have the right to choose the most suitable and desirable psychology courses in order to make a real success in their future career.

Major Segments of Psychology Courses

In order to choose a successful career path, it is important to make the right choice of the most suitable psychology courses in which you are interested to the fullest. If you decide to choose the field which offers many great professional opportunities, but you have little or even no interest in this very area, stop for a while and think whether you really want to burden your life with the profession you don’t have any inclinations for. Undoubtedly, this is will be a wrong decision. So, don’t be in a hurry and make your way to the job position of your dream. This is always better than ruining your life with the wrong career choice by choosing a course, which does not meet your inner desires.

In general, there are a few major psychology courses exist, which you are welcome to consider according to your area of personal interest and preferences. They are as follows:

General Psychology: General Psychology is the study of the human mind, as well as such aspects of human mind as perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior. General Psychology belongs to those psychology courses which offer the students mostly general knowledge on the science of psychology as a whole. This course gives the students basic knowledge about the science of psychology, suggests some facts from its history and acquaints students with its application.

Experimental Psychology: In general, Experimental psychology is a branch of psychology which studies scientific methods to investigate the human mind and behavior. It is known that students have to take experimental psychology courses while studying in an undergraduate and graduate school. It is important to realize that Experimental Psychology is a methodology rather than a singular area of psychology. Generally, Experimental Psychology studies the fundamental theories and experimental designs. In addition, this field of psychology teaches its students some primary research methods which may be discussed during the classes. After graduation from these psychology courses the students are demanded to present their own experiments which are used with the intention of testing their efficiency.

Physiological Psychology: No one can deny the fact that psychology is the study of human mind and behavior, nevertheless, any science about human organism is always connected with Physiology. Thus, there is a particular link of Psychology with physiological knowledge. This science is known as Physiological Psychology. If you really want to know the secret of the mental behavior of a human being, it is extremely necessary to learn about neural actions, the functions of the human brain, basics of neuroanatomy as well as many different physiological processes.

Cognitive Psychology: A variety of different aspects which create the fundament for human behavior are hidden inside such a mysterious psychology segment as Cognitive Psychology. In its broad sense, Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology which studies such mental processes as thinking, perceiving, remembering and learning. Being a part of cognitive science, Cognitive Psychology is closely connected with other disciplines, like philosophy, neuroscience, and linguistics. An individual who completes these psychology courses will receive an excellent opportunity to develop his or her problem-solving skills, the ability of decision-making as well as verbal reasoning and some other logical capabilities inside each human being.

Abnormal Psychology: Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology which has to do with psychopathology and abnormal human behavior. Abnormal Psychology courses emphasize the impact of environmental, biological as well as cultural factors on the behavior of a human being, thus, forming it. The term of Abnormal Psychology involves a great variety of psychological disorders, like depression, obsession-compulsion, sexual deviation and many others. After completing Abnormal Psychology courses graduates have an opportunity to get employment on such job positions as psychological Counselors, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists.

Personality Psychology: Personality is created from a variety of patterns of thoughts, feelings and manners of behavior which make a human being really individual and unique. As a rule, personality is developed from an individual and remains quite the same during the whole lifetime. The field of Personality Psychology embraces a great number of various psychological aspects beginning from the most difficult, but at the same time interesting Freudian theory ending with other simple psychological theories on personality analysis and development.

Nowadays, we live in the age of scientific and technological development. Probably, one of the most important inventions of the previous century was the personal computer and the Internet. Today, millions of people have an opportunity to receive education from their homes or other suitable for studying places with the help of distance learning. With the appearance of the distance learning courses, benefit from academic facilities has become much easier even for those career students who live in the farthest parts of the world. Online studying offers a great many advantages to millions of people. Thus, one may combine studying and working, spending more time with the family and leaving much time to personal interests and needs. The above-mentioned major divisions of psychology are just some of the most important ones. The other ones also include statistics, development psychology, social psychology, and many others which are greatly significant fields in the psychological arena.