This is the first collection of key articles on the psychology behind educational attainment. It brings together in one volume for students a set of accessible but influential papers, representing the best classic and cutting edge work in the field.

Under the themes of basic processes in learning, interactions between teachers and learners, and metacognitive approaches to learning, the thirteen readings cover a wide range of topics. To help students gain an overview of the subject, each article is introduced and contextualized by the editors, as is the volume as a whole. Each paper is also accompanied by suggestions for further reading so that students can investigate topics in more depth if they wish.

This book of readings can be used alone or alongside a text on teaching and learning. In either context, it offers an ideal starting point for the exploration of key issues in educational attainment.