The uncritical use of social psychology textbooks may perpetuate origin myths, historical myths created to justify current practice. Practices portrayed in social psychology textbooks, one historical origin myth, and some suggestions for alternative approaches to the teaching of social psychology are discussed. (AM)

The effectiveness of a Sensation and Perception course was improved when the teacher used slides in his presentations. Using slides allows smoother presentation of the material, speeds the pace of the class without confusing students, and provides them with a more positive experience in dealing with a difficult psychology course. (RM)

Describes an exercise designed to encourage active learning in which groups of students compared and contrasted the content of historical introductory psychology texts with contemporary ones. Reports that student evaluations suggest the exercise helps students understand the history and development of psychology. (CMK)

Examines the association between perceived warmth of instruction and students' course evaluations on both affective and summative items. Reveals that student evaluations on affective items were more favorable when professors exhibited the full array of warmth-inducing behaviors. Increases in perceived warmth were not necessarily related to…

Presents the results of a study, in which undergraduate students (n=105) in student-centered courses (one first-year and one second-year psychology course) completed a questionnaire evaluating their perceptions of the best college courses based on the course, professor, and the student's role. (CMK)

Reports on a study that measured some of the less accessible changes in student attitudes toward the quality of instruction. Students in three history of psychology classes were given a "semiprojective" pretest and posttest. Concludes that student responses increased in level of abstraction, concentrating more on philosophical and general issues.…

An experiment is conducted to assess, if any, the relationship between the student evaluations of psychology professors' teaching ability and their theoretical orientation. (Author/JR)

Reviews PSYCHOLOGY: FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATIONS by Dennis P. Saccuzzo (1987). Concludes that this text is a well-written introductory text aimed at the average student. States that major topics are adequately covered, although not in enough depth for more advanced readers. Includes a statement by the author concerning his goals in writing the…

Two studies supported the efficacy of a structured method for providing students with feedback on exams and means of using the teaching potential of exams, collectively referred to as formative summative assessment (FSA). In the first study, students responded positively to the method. In the second study, students enrolled in 2 sections of…

Bloom (1956) pioneered the measurement of learning outcomes with a taxonomy of educational objectives, but educators often ignore affective learning objectives and focus on attaining cognitive objectives. This study examined student journals as a way to correct the overemphasis on cognitive objectives. Results suggested that course expectations…

Good teaching involves making decisions about the organization of course content, leading students toward comprehending course material, and providing evaluative information (testing) to enhance long-term retention and retrieval. Though teaching is often evaluated by students and peers, self-appraisal is the most significant "feedback" most…

Suggests the "create-a-game" examination technique as a supplemental or alternative evaluation method for a history of psychology course. Describes a take home test in which students design and construct games that incorporate a range of knowledge from the course material. Recommends playing the games in class as a course review. (DK)

Experiencing examples of auditory phenomena can clarify textbook and lecture explanations. The addition of visual displays to auditory demonstrations can make them more understandable. Two sound editor programs, Audacity[R] and Adobe Audition Pro 2.0[R], provide excellent capabilities for the display and authoring of auditory demonstrations.…

I surveyed 2 samples of Canadian undergraduates (N = 629) concerning their views of a "perfect instructor." Students identified as many descriptors as they wished; I categorized them into 26 sets of qualities and behaviors. The top 10 categories included: (a) knowledgeable; (b) interesting and creative lectures; (c) approachable; (d)…

Undergraduate students (N = 47), enrolled in 2 separate psychology research methods classes, evaluated a power analysis lab demonstration and homework assignment. Students attended 1 of 2 lectures that included a basic introduction to power analysis and sample size analysis. One lecture included a demonstration of how to use a computer-based power…