Teaching Psychology 14-19 - Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers

Our review of Teaching Psychology 14-19 finds it to be a thoughtful, practice-focused resource for teachers of post-16 psychology. Matt Jarvis adopts a reflective approach that links research and theory to classroom practice, and the book's single biggest strength is its emphasis on applying psychology to the realities of teaching. This review is aimed at trainee and experienced psychology teachers who want a grounded, classroom-ready text rather than a purely theoretical treatise.

Key Features

• Reflective approach: Encourages teachers to connect research and theory to their own classroom decisions, improving lesson planning and classroom management.
• Curriculum guidance: Offers clear advice on choosing a syllabus, helping teachers align course content with student needs and exam requirements.
• Teaching principles: Sets out core principles of effective teaching in psychology, which can be applied across topics and age ranges.
• Practical ideas: Supplies classroom-ready suggestions and techniques designed to make day-to-day teaching easier and more effective.
• Focus on professional development: Acts as a core text for training and further study, supporting teachers engaged in continuing professional learning.

Who It's For

This book is best suited to trainee psychology teachers and those teaching ages 14 to 19 who want a resource that blends educational theory with classroom-tested practice. It is especially useful for teachers preparing for inspection, lesson observations, or for courses in teacher training that require reflection on pedagogical choices.

Experienced teachers seeking a quick reference for the latest empirical debates may find it less focused on cutting-edge research literature; similarly, anyone needing a short, activity-only workbook should look elsewhere. But for structured guidance on developing as a successful psychology teacher, this is a solid choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical emphasis makes it easy to translate ideas into classroom strategies.
• Comprehensive coverage of teaching principles and curriculum decisions supports planning and assessment.
• Reflective tone encourages continued professional development and thoughtful practice.

Cons

• Not a rapid activity compendium; readers looking only for plug-and-play worksheets may need supplementary materials.

Specifications

Title	Teaching Psychology 14-19
Author	Matt Jarvis
Intended audience	Teachers and trainee teachers of psychology aged 14-19
Focus	Application of psychology to teaching practice
Use case	Training, professional development and classroom guidance
Previously published as	Teaching Post-16 Psychology

Our Verdict

Teaching Psychology 14-19 is a durable, well-structured resource for teachers who want to ground their classroom practice in research and reflective pedagogy. It represents good value for anyone training or developing as a psychology teacher, offering practical strategies and curriculum guidance that translate readily into better lessons and improved student engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for trainee teachers?
Yes. It is written as a core text for training psychology teachers and supports reflective professional development.

Does it include classroom activities and lesson plans?
It provides practical ideas and techniques but is not primarily a worksheet or activity compendium; you may want supplemental resources for plug-and-play lessons.

What age range does it target?
The book is intended for teachers of students aged 14 to 19 and covers curriculum and teaching principles relevant to that range.