This textbook is about how students learn and how teachers can teach well. Although this textbook assumes no prior knowledge about educational research, it is intended to be much more than just an “introduction” that will lay the groundwork for you to learn to teach later on. On the contrary, as you read this book, you will learn theory- and research-based skills that you could apply right away as a teacher. My expectation is that you will gain a deep understanding of educational theory and practice grounded in many, many examples of classroom learning and instruction. You will have the opportunity to learn teaching skills that will make you a very successful teacher (if you have not taught before) or will help you to become a more successful teacher (if you are already teaching).
This textbook is grounded in my conviction that educational researchers have generated a body of potent knowledge that can help teachers teach very effectively. This knowledge can guide teachers as they develop their goals, their assessments, and their instruction. I am tremendously excited about this research, and I hope that you, too, will “catch” this excitement.