ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to present a brief overview of the key ideas and theorists that have proved influential in informing contemporary ideas of teaching and learning. By teaching and learning, we mean an understanding of the psychological processes that explain changes in knowledge and behaviour, on the part of both the learner and the teacher. We adopt the view that in order to understand effective teaching and learning we need to understand the psychology of both the student and teacher, and how they interact with and influence each other. As we move through each area, it is worth reflecting on the extent to which it sees the tutor or student as in control of the learning situation, as this is a salient feature that has changed over time.
