Background: Instructors often use a point-based system for grading students (e.g., 100 or 1000 total points). This system can impact student outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine the implications of different point value courses for student emotions, perceptions of courses, and classroom performance. Method: The…

In the present article, we describe a course exercise in which students were administered four course evaluation forms throughout the semester, on which they provided their overall impressions of the class as well as their desire to change certain aspects of the course. Critically, during the semester, a total of three changes were made to the…

Undergraduate statistics courses are perceived as challenging by both students and instructors. Students' attitudes, motivation, math anxiety, and preparedness can negatively impact the student and instructor experience and have the potential to negatively impact student learning. This article describes an attempt to address some of these…

We describe a program for involving undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in many types of psychology courses, as well as a 1-credit seminar for preparation of UTAs. The program, widely used by both faculty and students, has matured over a 10-year period. The seminar covers such topics as course organization, evaluation procedures, and…

Presents a model of an integrated psychology course for teacher education programs that combines cognitive, behavioral, and affective components. Follow-up indicated that students taking the course developed more confidence in their teaching role, greater understanding of psychological concepts, and had high levels of class participation. (CS)

Compares differences in examination scores, students' statements of interest, and perceptions of course difficulty as a function of course topic order. Concludes that topic order had no effect on either achievement or students' interest and perception of difficulty. (Author/JDH)

The author describes the development and organization of a psychology course on extrasensory perception. (DE)

Describes an undergraduate course which focuses on the effects of the mass media on the viewing public. The course is intended to increase awareness of the media so that students may respond to it more intelligently. Course topics, source materials, and class formats are discussed. (GEA)

Systematic experimental manipulation of the four components of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) approach and required lectures gives results suggesting that dropping any one component is undesirable. (Author)

Two discussion methods used in an introductory psychology course by undergraduate teaching assistants are compared for effectiveness. (DE)

The order of presentation of topics is an important factor in the success of introductory psychology courses. Criteria for judging the efficacy of a course sequence should include use of students' entry level skills as a foundation, sections following each other coherently, and motivation for students to learn "hard" material. (CS)

Three components of instruction and withdrawal rates are compared between a traditional lecture and a Personalized Systems of Instruction (PSI) course. The results indicate a more favorable response to the PSI course. (DE)

Even initial unit test performance of Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) students is superior to that of students in a traditional course, under controlled conditions. (Author)

A course in behavioral self-control which uses the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) approach is described. (DE)

Discusses the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a large-scale undergraduate psychology conference as conducted through a special two-term course. Course requirements and structure are discussed as are specific details pertaining to the conference itself. The author's experiences are related to the literature on undergraduate psychology…