This book explores the dynamic relationship between educational theory and classroom practice, providing research-informed strategies for understanding and managing the complex realities of today’s classrooms. Written for both pre-service and in-service teachers, it encourages educators to look beyond classroom events, ask why they occur, and reflect critically on how their responses influence student learning, behaviour, and wellbeing. Drawing on major learning theories and discipline models from psychology and education, the book provides practical frameworks for understanding student behaviour and developing effective classroom management practices. It addresses a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and learning needs, including anxiety, depression, aggression, bullying, ADHD, and giftedness, with particular attention to prevention, early response, and appropriate classroom interventions.

The book also highlights the importance of social and emotional learning and examines how teachers’ relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and school administrators shape the classroom environment. At its centre is the teacher as a key agent of effective classroom management—someone whose beliefs, knowledge, relationships, and professional choices can make a significant difference to students’ educational experiences.Combining theory, research evidence, practical strategies, and reflective approaches, this book bridges the gap between what teachers learn and what they encounter in real classrooms. It is a valuable resource for pre-service and in-service teachers, school and educational psychologists, teacher educators, trainers and mentors, and university faculty in education and psychology. Ultimately, the book invites educators to view classroom management not simply as the control of behaviour, but as the creation of positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environments in which both students and teachers can thrive.

Maria S. Poulou is Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Patras, Greece, and Adjunct Professor at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. She holds an active role in the field of educational psychology, with a particular interest in connecting research with educational practice and in promoting approaches that recognize the importance of both academic and social-emotional development. Her academic and research work focuses on the ways in which psychological processes, interpersonal relationships, and educational contexts interact to influence students’ academic learning and school adjustment and  mental health at schools. She has published more than 150 articles in Greek and international scientific journals and book chapters addressing a range of issues in educational psychology. Professor Poulou is also member of several Greek and international scientific associations and maintains strong links with the international educational psychology and school psychology communities. She currently serves as Chair of the European Network for Social and Emotional Competence (ENSEC).