What does psychological research tell us about how students learn best? The American Psychological Association’s Top 20 Principles From Psychology for PreK-12 Teaching and Learning brings together decades of research on student development in one accessible resource for educators. Although originally developed with PreK-12 teachers in mind, many of the principles translate readily to higher education, offering practical strategies that can strengthen teaching across disciplines.

The guide explores topics that resonate with many conversations taking place across ACERT programming: fostering intrinsic motivation, creating inclusive learning environments, supporting student self-regulation, designing meaningful assessments, encouraging creativity, and communicating high expectations while building supportive classroom relationships. Rather than prescribing a single approach, the report connects research findings to concrete instructional practices that instructors can adapt to their own classrooms.

We’re especially grateful to Dr. Jason Young, Chair of Hunter College’s Department of Psychology, for sharing this resource with the ACERT community. Dr. Young served as one of the reviewers and contributors recognized by the APA Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education that developed this publication.

Whether you’re preparing for a new semester, revising a syllabus, or reflecting on your teaching practice, this resource offers a valuable opportunity to revisit research backed principles that support student learning and engagement. We encourage you to explore the guide, consider which ideas resonate most with your own teaching, and discover new strategies to bring into your classroom.

Read the resource: Top 20 Principles From Psychology for PreK–12 Teaching and Learning