Promoting learning in first year psychology students

Abstract

My teaching philosophy is all about challenging students to become critical thinkers and self-directed learners. My aim is to arouse passion and interest in the material they are studying so that they become totally engaged in the learning process. This paper will report on the teaching pedagogies I use to stimulate independent thinking and enthusiasm among my first year psychology students. It will also deliberate on some of the challenges in supporting large numbers of students learning via distance education. It will demonstrate how I have embraced new technologies to improve the learning environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or mode of study. It will also showcase a new textbook I have co-authored to enhance the quality of the learning experience for Australian students, promoting student understanding of issues relevant to cross-cultural and Indigenous psychology. This paper will also report on the results of a longitudinal study designed to establish how teachers may best respond to issues of student diversity in their teaching.