This book provides an organizational framework that readers can immediately grasp to help them understand complex and ever-evolving theories. The Eighth Edition reflects the field's continuing interest in constructivism and authentic learning as well as other areas of growing emphasis such as students with disabilities and inclusion. Other topics that have been added or received significant updating include self-regulated learning, brain development, culturally relevant pedagogy, and student autonomy. Includes free Interactive Companion CD-ROM, featuring video clips of the author discussing important topics and instructive scenes from real classrooms; links to useful websites that deepen awareness of issues pertinent to teaching; activities that provide challenging problems and cases from which readers may gain further insight into the applic