Hello,
I do a last day activity that has been very effective for me. At the beginning of
Psych 150 we discuss initial impressions/stereotypes of psychology (I usually being
with "If you were sitting next to me on an airplane and I told you I was a
psychologist, what would go through your head?"). We generate a list on the board and
I record this and save it.
On the final day, I write those on the board once again. We discuss the changes in
their knowledge and attitude towards psychology that have taken place over the
semester (recording these on the other side of the board). I emphasize that they are
now much more knowledgeable about psychology than the average person. They will,
however, periodically, encounter people who hold incorrect views of the field and it
is up to them to share their new knowledge.
I then set up a "cocktail party" scenario (sometimes even arranging for sodas and
snacks) and I designate half the class to play the role of the "unenlightened". They
are to present the incorrect views they, themselves, held at the beginning of the
semester. They pair up with a "psychology veteran" and chit-chat about the student's
recent Psychology class experience, with the veteran countering any incorrect
statements. I wander around, helping pairs get started, if needed, and just listen to
the comments. After a while, the students switch roles.
Students usually enjoy this and I feel it is good practice for situations they really
may encounter. They also leave the class feeling like they have progressed in many
ways.
Kimberly Blue Breivogel
Psychology Instructor
Wake Tech Community College
Office: LeMay Hall 204 B
(919) 662-3436
"When you put people in a box marked "them", you can kick them around a lot more
easily than when they are in a box marked "us". So, I think it is useful to try and
empty the box marked "them" and fill up the box marked "us".
- Peter Gabriel
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