Who is an Educational Psychologist?
WHO IS AN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST?
An Educational Psychologist is a learning expert who provides learning support, solves learning, behavioral, social, and emotional problems. Educational Psychologists assess learners using screeners or standardized tools, diagnose learning problems and intervene based on the diagnosis. Educational Psychologists generally work with schools, educational organizations, parents, and students. They are professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise in areas relating to children's development and the educational system. They use their skills to help children and young adults with learning difficulties, developmental disorders, social and emotional problems, and other special education needs. Educational Psychologists work with schools and other stakeholders to make recommendations to help improve the educational experience of children and provide teachers as well as parents with the information that would help harness the hidden potential in the children.
The Qualification of an Educational Psychologist
It is a specialized course and a minimum of a Masters in Educational Psychology is required to practice.
What do Educational Psychologists Do?
Educational Psychologists are concerned with children's learning and development. The following are some of the roles of an Educational Psychologist:
1. Educational psychologists provide insight into the underlying causes of learning difficulties, behavioral issues, social and emotional struggles of children, teenagers, and young adults.
2. They identify and study learning methods to understand how people absorb and retain new information.
3. They apply theories of human development to understand individual learning and recommend methods to develop strategies to help improve a child's academic performance.
4. Educational Psychologists provide adequate intervention and therapy for diagnosed learning, behavioral, social, and emotional problems using psychological tests, theories, and procedures to support the well-being and learning of young people.
5. Use research to inform the development of universal additional and targeted services as well as the implementation of effective interventions in local communities.
6. They provide advice and training on how teachers and school owners can help children learn effectively and develop holistically.
7. Design and implement interventions that support individuals' growth as well as help build resilience.
The skills set of an Educational Psychologist.
1. Excellent listening skills for effective communication and problem-solving.
2. Educational Psychologist needs to be able to put themselves in their client's shoes to understand them well that possess an important trait which is 'empathy'.
3. Possess great observational skills.
4. The ability to relate well with children and young adults.
5. Being interested in children and having the ability to cope with their emotional dynamics.
A Common Misconception
Most people assume that Educational Psychologists and Counselors are the same but they are not as they are two distinct professions with different responsibilities and roles. One of the major differences between a Counselor and an Educational Psychologist is that: A Counselor generally provides learning support and advice to children, teenagers, and young adults who struggle in academics and exhibit inappropriate behavior. Educational Psychologists on the other hand, conducts behavioral and psychological assessments using standardized psychological tools and screeners as well as plan educational and other stimulating activities to improve a child's academic performance, social, behavioral, and emotional well-being by developing a plan to suit the specific needs of a child. When a counselor sees that a learning issue has underlying psychological causes such a child is referred to an Educational Psychologist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the importance of Educational psychologists cannot be over-emphasized as their services are needed in the society, there are many evolving problems all over the world which are particularly psychological, behavioral, educational and socio-emotional problem that requires the knowledge, skills, and expertise of an Educational Psychologist. This is one of the many other things ANEP has set out to address by producing Educational Psychologists who have been trained professionally to effectively function in the field through organizing Internship programs, quarterly training, and outreaches amongst others.