A Guide to Teaching Introductory Psychology

A Guide to Teaching Introductory Psychology focuses on the critical aspects of teaching introductory psychology to undergraduate students. It includes ideas, tips, and strategies for effectively teaching this course and provides useful answers to commonly asked questions. A concise and accessible guide to teaching introductory courses in Psychology Begins with an orienting history of the course· Evaluates current trends in teaching and offers suggestions for developing personal techniques Addresses a number of relevant issues, including how to teach difficult topics; linking course content to everyday experience; developing and using class presentations, lectures, and active learning ideas; and increasing interest in course topics Supported by a website that provides links to useful websites and handouts that instructors can use in their classes (http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/teachpsychscience/lucas/)

Series Editors’ Preface viii Acknowledgments xi 1. An Introduction to Introductory Psychology 1 What is Introductory Psychology? 2 What Do I Teach? 3 How Do I Teach? 11 Who Are Your Introductory Psychology Students? 15 Using This Book 17 In Summary 21 References and Further Reading 21 2. Getting Ready to Teach 24 Beginning to Plan 24 The Course Syllabus 26 Evaluating Student Learning 28 Managing Your Classroom 35 The First Days of Class 40 Summary 44 References and Further Reading 44 3. Introduction, Research Methods, Culture 48 Getting Started 48 Teaching the Content 52 Classroom Tips 55 References 61 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 61 4. Human Development 62 Getting Started 62 Teaching the Content 65 Classroom Tips 70 References 74 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 75 5. Biological Psychology 76 Getting Started 76 Teaching the Content 79 Classroom Tips 81 References 91 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 91 6. Sensation and Perception 92 Getting Started 92 Teaching the Content 96 Classroom Tips 103 References 115 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 116 7. Consciousness, Motivation, and Emotion 117 Getting Started 117 Teaching the Content 122 Classroom Tips 132 References 140 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 143 8. Learning and Memory 144 Getting Started 144 Teaching the Content 147 Classroom Tips 155 References 166 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 167 9. Cognition, Language, and Cognitive Abilities 168 Getting Started 168 Teaching the Content 172 Classroom Tips 183 References 192 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 195 10. Health, Stress, Coping, and Personality 196 Getting Started 196 Teaching the Content 201 Classroom Tips 209 References 220 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 221 11. Mental Disorders and Therapies 222 Getting Started 222 Teaching the Content 227 Classroom Tips 235 References 242 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 243 12. Social Psychology 244 Getting Started 244 Teaching the Content 248 Classroom Tips 256 References 267 Additional Suggested Readings for Instructors 270 13. Ending Your Course, Reflecting on it, and Getting Ready for the Next Time 271 Reflections During the Semester 271 The Last Class Session 274 End-of-Term Reflections 276 Self-Evaluation 278 Tips From Experienced Teachers 279 Some Final Thoughts 282 References 283 Appendix: Professional Development Resources in the Teaching of Psychology 285 Index 292