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 (www.blackwellpublishing.com/teachpsychscience/lucas)

Sandra Goss Lucas is Director of Introductory Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois. Her teaching awards include the University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the Alpha Lambda Delta Award for Outstanding Teacher of Freshmen. Her publications include Teaching Psychology: A Step by Step Guide (with Douglas A. Bernstein, 2004).