To understand where we are, it often helps to think about where we've been.
Almost every educator has some knowledge of the pioneers in the application of research to education. Recording observations on learning and teaching goes as far back as Plato, and no doubt others pre-dated his efforts. Curiosity and a desire to learn and pass along learning as effectively as possible led to experimentation, thought and observation centered around education. The field of scientific study most associated with the historical development of education is probably educational psychology, which examines the process of learning both cognitively (how we know) and behaviourally (how we act) and hopes its examination will benefit the design and practice of education.