Narrowing the theory-practice divide: an evaluation of teaching psychological theories in the educational psychology professional training programme

An important aspect of Educational Psychology (EP) practice is the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practice. In our attempts to constantly improve in this respect, we sought to engage with the question of what students are expected to learn and decided to come to the theories of development through real life scenarios which reflect the complexity that EPs in practice face on a daily basis. Having modified our teaching to reflect this, we encouraged the trainees to anonymously provide feedback around the teaching of psychological theories in their professional training programme. Those who agreed to participate were asked to reflect on what they think about the teaching of this area was approached, and; whether this had an impact on the way they are embedding theory in practice into their thinking and assessment. Responses were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach which aligns with the teaching methodology itself. This project will inform and develop teaching practices to ensure that students on a professional training programme experience teaching and learning that minimises the distance between theory and practice. This will ultimately inform discussion around effective pedagogies for professional training programmes. The evaluative data gathered about this newly implemented teaching and learning practice provides further information as to the effectiveness of this methodology.