Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum: The Past, Present, and Future of Theory Development in Educational Psychology

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Theories are important tools for understanding, questioning, and shaping the world. Yet, educational psychology has experienced a theory development “malaise” (Gigerenzer, 2010). To re-invigorate the field, in a recent topical collection published in Educational Psychology Review, authors described and reflected on the theory development processes that informed several major theories in educational psychology, to serve as guides and inspiration for aspiring theorists. As a complement to these articles, the aim of this session is to continue the conversation about theory development needs in the field and how to address them. Via an interactive panel discussion featuring authors of prominent educational psychology theories, we will uncover “hidden curriculum” of theory development and equip attendees with insights for improving their theorizing efforts.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction / Division C - Section 2a: Cognitive and Motivational Processes

Chairs

• Jeff A. Greene, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Kristy A. Robinson, McGill University

Participants

• Reinhard Pekrun, University of Essex

• Sarit Barzilai, University of Haifa

• Clark A. Chinn, Rutgers University

• Panayiota Kendeou, University of Minnesota

• Jessica T. Decuir-Gunby, University of Southern California

• Paul A. Schutz, University of Arizona

• Karen R. Harris, Independent Consultant

• Richard E. Mayer, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Doug Lombardi, University of Maryland

• Gale M. Sinatra, University of Southern California

• Janelle M. Bailey, Temple University

• Lucas Payne Butler, University of Maryland

• Patricia A. Alexander, University of Maryland

• P. Karen Murphy, Pennsylvania State University

Discussant

• Francesca López, University of Wisconsin - Madison