A book rated by publishers as one of the top five education titles of the year was the work of two local academics.

Scott Buckler and Paul Castle, from the University of Worcester, have collaborated to write a textbook called Psychology for Teachers which explains how psychology can be applied in the classroom to meet the needs of different learners.

Dr Buckler, senior lecturer in the Institute of Education, and Dr Castle, senior lecturer in the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, have spent three years working on the book, which combines their respective expertise.

Among the themes of the book is the need to develop mindfulness with learners and combining the understanding of neurological, cognitive, emotional and social development in learners, with an understanding of applied psychology in both learners and teachers.

Dr Buckler said: “The book is supported by research findings and an awareness of what goes into high quality teaching.

“Our focus is to enable teachers to develop an informed educational philosophy and personal psychology, and this is achieved through reflections, activities and an accompanying website of resources – sagepub.co.uk/bucklercastle.”

Dr Castle added: “The inclusion of applied psychological techniques throughout the book enables readers to develop their own psychological approach to the classroom and wider aspects of teaching.

"In doing so, the teacher is better able to operate successfully within their profession.”

The book was released this week and rated by publishers Sage as one of their top five.

It had already been requested by over 150 academics across the country.

Dr Ioanna Palaiologou, a chartered psychologist at the University of Hull, called it a "must read book."