What is School Psychology?

“What is School Psychology?” and “What is Educational Psychology or Educational Psychology?”

Well, confusion between Educational and School Psychology is common. We will now try to differentiate them and show why they should be considered distinct psychologies despite sharing some common characteristics.

Psychology is the science that studies various aspects of human behavior. Among such areas, there is education. Educational Psychology is a more general nomenclature for the theoretical study of psychology in relation to the teaching-learning process and the processes that can hinder this learning. As examples of possible difficulties encountered in the learning process there are dyslexia and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

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In this educational area, developmental theories are widely used in order to understand the different stages of individuals’ lives, from children to learning in adulthood or in old age. Among development theorists, emphasis is given to Jean Piaget and his theory of genetic epistemology, Lev Vygotsky and the theory of socio-interactionism, Skinner and behaviorism, among others.

As for School Psychology, it is necessary to make a distinction.

While Educational Psychology is more focused on theoretical research, School Psychology is an applied aspect of this knowledge, being used directly in schooling spaces together with Psychopedagogy.

In addition to the teaching-learning, development and schooling processes, according to the Brazilian Association of School and Educational Psychology – ABRAPEE –, among the study topics in these areas, it is possible to mention the inclusion of people with disabilities, public policies in education , psychoeducational management in institutions, psychological assessment, history of school psychology, continuing education of teachers, among others.

References

ABRAPEE (Brazilian Association of School Psychology and Learning). The School Psychologist.

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