Thoughts On Educational Psychology (1889)

Thoughts on Educational Psychology is a book written by William Torrey Harris in 1889. Harris was an American educator and philosopher who served as the United States Commissioner of Education from 1889 to 1906. The book is a collection of essays that explore various aspects of educational psychology, including the nature of intelligence, the role of memory in learning, and the importance of motivation in education.In the first essay, Harris discusses the concept of intelligence and argues that it is not a fixed trait but can be developed through education. He also explores the role of heredity and environment in shaping intelligence. In the second essay, he examines the role of memory in learning and suggests that teachers should focus on helping students develop strong mnemonic skills.The third essay focuses on motivation and argues that students are more likely to learn when they are motivated by intrinsic factors, such as curiosity and a desire to learn, rather than extrinsic factors, such as rewards and punishments. Harris suggests that teachers should create a supportive learning environment that encourages intrinsic motivation.In the final essay, Harris discusses the importance of educational psychology in teacher training and argues that teachers should be trained in the principles of psychology in order to be effective educators. He also suggests that educational psychology should be a required subject in teacher education programs.Overall, Thoughts on Educational Psychology is a thought-provoking book that provides insights into the nature of learning and the role of psychology in education. It is a valuable resource for educators, psychologists, and anyone interested in the field of education.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.