This book celebrates the scholarly achievements of Prof. David A. Watkins, who has pioneered research on the psychology of Asian learners, and helps readers grasp the cognitive, motivational, developmental, and socio-cultural aspects of Asian learners learning experiences. A wide range of empirical and review papers, which examine the characteristics of these experiences as they are shaped by both the particularities of diverse educational systems/cultural milieus and universal principles of human learning and development, are showcased. The individual chapters, which explore learners from fourteen Asian countries, autonomous regions, and/or economies, build on research themes and approaches from Prof. Watkins’ research work, and are proof of the broad importance and enduring relevance of his seminal psychological research on learners and the learning process.

Ronnel B. King is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Hong Kong Institute of Education. Prior to this, he was a Research Scientist at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He finished his PhD in Educational Psychology at The University of Hong Kong under the supervision of David Watkins. His research interests are on student motivation and well-being. He presently serves as an editorial board member for Contemporary Educational Psychology and The Asia Pacific Education Researcher, and is currently serving as a guest editor for a special issue on culture and motivation in the British Journal of Educational Psychology.

Allan B. I. Bernardo is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Macau. His research interest relate to lay theories and intergroup relations, socioeconomic inequality and mobility, hope, gratitude and other positive psychological experiences, and the cultural dimensions of learning and academic achievement. He is Editor Emeritus of The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher.