Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology encompasses the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life. In relation to education, developmental psychology seeks to understand the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes that occur as students learn and grow, from preschool through adulthood. Within mathematics education specifically, developmental psychologists may study how children's mathematical thinking and abilities develop, and how best to support that development through instruction and educational interventions. This field draws upon theories and methods from a variety of disciplines, including cognitive psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience, among others. Overall, the goal of developmental psychology in education is to promote positive development and learning outcomes for all students, by taking into account their individual needs, strengths, and challenges at different stages of development.