The big ideas of educational psychology covered in 10 chapters The first book of its kind, Essentials of Educational Psychology focuses squarely on the core concepts, principles, and underlying assumptions of the field of educational psychology-the big ideas of ed psych. Because of this focus and the book's exceptionally direct and clear presentation, Essentials is a 10-chapter book that can truly be covered and understood in a term. It is a book that enables and empowers students to understand the value and essential importance of educational psychology to becoming a qualified and effective teacher.