Top 20 Principles for Teaching and Learning

Elementary school students seated at desks in classroom, looking at teacher while smiling.

Principles from psychology to enhance pre-K to 12 teaching and learning



The application of psychological science can transform educational systems. The Top 20 is our strategic vision of the most impactful ways in which psychological science enhances pre-K to 12 education.

Leveraging the science underlying teaching and learning, motivation, well-being, classroom management, and assessment it serves as the foundation of our work applying Psychological Science in pre-K to 12 Schools and Education​.

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The Top 20 is an invaluable tool for everyone involved in the educational system, from those preparing to enter the profession to those already practicing as educators. It provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing the principles of psychological science in educational settings. Together, we can leverage psychological science to improve and innovate within our educational systems.

Learn more about the Top 20

Top 20 Principles for Teaching and Learning

This 2-minute video provides a comprehensive overview of APA’s Top 20 Principles for Teaching and Learning, which aim to ensure a solid foundation of psychological knowledge in pre-K to 12 instruction.

Top 20 domains

Discover the Top 20 Principles across five domains of teaching and learning backed by psychological science. Each domain offers a breakdown of relevant principles via detailed information and engaging videos.

Last updated: June 2025Date created: 2019