We studied undergraduate psychology students' grades and their ratings of the helpfulness of behaviors related to good academic performance. On average students desired an AB (3.5 on a 4-point scale) and would have been satisfied with a B; 31% of students expressed satisfaction with a BC or lower. Overall, students averaged a BC final grade, a B…

We surveyed departments nationally to better understand the extent of scientific opportunities and experiences for undergraduate psychology students. Results showed intradepartmental variability, but overall students can expect 7 courses that offer research experiences in the typical psychology curriculum. Nonetheless, research is often not the…

Examines student responses to a questionnaire that investigated student perceptions of behaviors that may positively or negatively affect test performance. Surveys undergraduate students (n=340) whose examination grades had risen or declined a minimum of one full letter grade from one examination to the next. (CMK)

Presents the results of a two-page survey asking introductory psychology instructors to rate the effectiveness of 22 teaching techniques that focus on improving student performance. Finds that in-class examples/activities, writing assignments, emphasis on core concepts in lectures and examinations, and providing a copy of the lecture outline were…

Investigates the content and structure of the undergraduate curriculum in psychology by analyzing 500 college catalogs. Reveals that introductory, statistics, and a capstone are the common required courses, laboratory experiences are not integral to required courses, prerequisites are recommended, and the traditional model is the most popular…

Explores the most frequently listed undergraduate psychology courses for four institutional types by analyzing 400 college catalogs. Reports that some segmentation continues in the research methodology and developmental areas, the balance of natural and social science courses appear stable, and there are no signs of a change toward vocationalism.…

Investigates student's opinions of what they believe is valuable for the first class meeting of a course. Reports that a good first class meeting includes a well-organized, focused presentation containing basic course information including requirements, expectations, and information on examinations and assignments. Expounds that faculty should…

Argues that being aware of students' concerns about teaching can improve teachers' pedagogy. Reveals that undergraduates most frequently mention organization and planning, mechanics, lecture styles and techniques, and testing as concerns. Notes the response of faculty members involved in a survey of undergraduate psychology classes. (DSK)

Analyzes the results of a questionnaire given to psychology departments offering doctoral programs. The survey asked department chairs to identify pedagogical responsibility and training components for teaching assistants and to rate teaching assistant supervisors. Includes a statistical analysis regarding specific teaching functions and training…

Examines cover letters, curricula vitae, and teaching statements of 82 doctoral candidates and 74 Ph.D. applicants for an assistant professor position. Discovers that all of the applicants presented very little teaching information. Discusses reasons for this and offers recommendations for correcting the problem. (MJP)

The terminal master's degree in psychology with a clinical emphasis is not a dead-end precluding doctoral work. Eighty-six percent (24 out of 28) of the respondents who applied to doctoral programs gained admission and of these twenty-four, 17 had been denied admission before master's training. (Author/RM)

Discusses issues surrounding the clinical master's degree: the belief that the only true psychologist is a PhD, public confusion between doctoral and subdoctoral psychologists, training guidelines, role responsibility, employment, licensing and competency, accreditation, and supervision. Suggests an APA sponsored conference to discuss and resolve…

Investigates psychology programs at the subdoctoral level, with particular regard to attitudes of clinical training coordinators toward titles, accreditation, certification, and licensing. The typical coordinator of a master's level clinical program favored accreditation of master's level programs and a national organization of these programs in…

Reports on a national survey of 520 psychology programs on the number of mathematics and science courses required as part of the general education requirements for an undergraduate degree. Finds that an average of one mathematics course and two science courses are required. (CFR)

Argues recruitment of faculty to provide high-quality undergraduate teaching requires both departmental examination and careful observation of candidates. Provides a conceptual framework describing desirable characteristics. Examines the intellectual, emotional, and moral dimensions of teaching that assist in conducting the faculty search.…