Educational psychology helps us understand learning by examining the cognitive, emotional, and social processes that shape how people acquire knowledge and develop skills. One idea highlighted in this course is George Reese’s notion of “productive struggle,” which refers to the kind of challenge that pushes a learner just beyond their comfort zone—difficult enough to require effort, but not so difficult that it causes frustration or discouragement. Educational psychology allows us to understand why this balance matters and how it supports deeper, more durable learning.