Described is a classroom demonstration of the regression toward the mean effect. The demonstration is highly concrete and strictly psychological in nature. It may be used in both small and large classes and does not assume any statistical background. (Author/RM)

Journal articles published in 1984 dealing with the teaching of psychology at the college level are summarized. A wide variety of topics, including teaching methods and educational research, are examined in the articles. (RM)

The mirror drawing apparatus (MDA) is a valuable experiential learning tool with specific applications in general psychology, educational psychology, and recruiting. Specific applications are described. (Author/RM)

Described is a college course on the use of computers in psychology that included an introduction to computers, computing, word processing, data analysis, data acquisition, artificial intelligence, computer assisted instruction, simulation, and modeling. Students conducted independent research projects using the computer. (Author/RM)

The achievement of educational goals requires the psychology teacher to display a special kind of courage. Challenges to that courage are discussed. These challenges are involved in lecturing, questioning, and discussion; in teaching historical perspectives and controversial issues; and in working with student and teacher values and attitudes. (RM)

Inquiry teaching requires students to engage in hypothesis formation, collection and evaluation of evidence, and the drawing of logical conclusions. Prerequisite skills for inquiry learning are discussed, and examples of inquiry learning in a college level general psychology course are presented. (RM)

The experience of teaching both detached and participant observation methods in a graduate level competency based counseling course is described. An evaluation indicated that the course increased students' awareness of basic issues in psychological inquiry and helped them develop skills and attitudes necessary for social and cultural…

Psychology students studied one of two versions of a passage that explained several concepts. One version included definitions of concepts and examples; the other included definitions only. A major finding was that the increased performance of students who received examples was obtained on applied questions but not on literal questions. (Author/RM)

Students evaluated the educational applications of introductory courses. Social science courses had the highest average rating, followed by introductory psychology, arts/humanities courses, and natural science courses, respectively. Application items rated as most helpful were understanding yourself, understanding others, and coping with problems.…

This six-week program involving minority honor students juxtaposed didactic and experiential research components in psychology to provide a breadth of exposure to researchers and topics while achieving in-depth training in research methodology. Interns initially participated in faculty-sponsored research but later developed and implemented their…

Life stress among 159 students enrolled in a psychology course was found to be inversely related to exam scores, extra credit points, and total course points. Final course grades were also predicted by life stress. Teachers must recognize that students do not exist in a social, academic vacuum. (Author/RM)

An objective index-based textbook evaluation method that can be reliably applied to large collections of introductory textbooks is described. The method was designed to help teachers reduce the pool of available introductory texts to a manageable number for more in-depth treatments. Dimensions assessed were key concepts and major theorists…

Instructions concerning how to teach neuron anatomy and physiology via a one-half hour dramatic presentation involving 30 student volunteers are provided. Data are provided to support the demonstration's value as both a pragmatic aid to comprehension and as an entertaining educational technique. (RM)

Teaching name mnemonics on the first day of class in psychology courses can demonstrate the power of cognition via a firsthand experience. Students create mnemonics for each other in small groups. Students then describe their name mnemonics to the class. (RM)

A project that combined a research practicum for 17 psychology undergraduates with the implementation and evaluation of an assertiveness training program for physically disabled college students is described. A follow-up of students' postbaccalaureate activities revealed that the majority were using skills that they had learned in the project.…