Hi Joe,
I can certainly relate. I teach a Theories class and we use it to prep
students for abnormal psych. However, most of these so-called theories
are of historical value and, except for recent work on trait theory,
Freud's legacy, and social learning theory, there is very little tie-in
to contemporary work in the field. As far as activities, I am trying to
incorporate more recent work on neurophysiology (but remember the class
deals only with classical theory) and so I explore class salivation
responses to a story I read in relation to introversion-extraversion
scores, do a Barnum effect demonstration, use various personality
questionnaires (shyness, locus of control, etc.) for class discussion,
and am presently thinking about some exercises to work in more exposure
to how personality tests are assessed--basic ideas of reliability and
validity. I am looking for ways to have them reflect on the role of
culture, and cultural ideas about the self, and bring in the
bio-evolutionary bases of personality. I have found that the work on
early attachment styles can generate some interesting class discussion
and, perhaps there are some interesting activities along these lines
that other might suggest. I have begun asking them to describe their
childhood homes, and early development in terms of the economic and
geographical features that were most salient and then exploring possible
tie-ins of this to current attitudes, beliefs, values, that may have
shaped their personal outlook. I have also thought that interest in
forensic profiling and related problems might profitably be discussed in
a personality class, but again, I have to tie it to classic theories.
Hopefully, others might have more concrete suggestions/ideas to energize
the class. Gary Peterson, Saginaw Valley State, MI
"Hatcher, Joe" wrote:
>
> Hi Tipsters,
> I've been teaching Theories of Personality for fifteen years now,
> and I'm reeallly bored with it. I've tried spicing it up with poster
> presentations, having musicians and other artists in to talk (and
> demonstrate) how they think personality applies to their fields, and a few
> other things, but I can't help thinking my fellow Tipsters must have loads
> of good ideas for Personality class, either demonstrations, new tricks, or
> whatever has worked for you. Care to share?
>
> Joe
>
> Joe W. Hatcher, Jr., Ph.D.
> Professor of Psychology
> Ripon College
> Ripon, WI 54971 USA
