Teaching Introduction to Psychology
Will be published approx. on 28. January 2026
Book
Hardback
238 pages
978-1-0353-5060-5 (ISBN)
Description
This in-depth book provides practical strategies and resources for teaching a foundational introduction to psychology course in line with the American Psychological Association Introductory Psychology Initiative. Expert instructors share their innovative pedagogical approaches to fostering a positive learning environment.
Teaching Introduction to Psychology is separated into three distinct thematic sections each with chapters which can be used together or separately, allowing educators the flexibility to select and implement content that aligns with their courses. The first section explores effective course structures and class management techniques, encouraging positive connections between educators and their students. The second section emphasizes the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the content and delivery of the course, as well as in the teaching environment. In the final section, contributors provide innovative ideas for assignments and assessments that both maintain rigor and effectively engage students, covering topics such as social media, story-telling and the paranormal.
An invaluable resource for psychology instructors at any career stage, and any type of institution, Teaching Introduction to Psychology provides the tools necessary to build a rigorous yet welcoming foundational course for all students.
Teaching Introduction to Psychology is separated into three distinct thematic sections each with chapters which can be used together or separately, allowing educators the flexibility to select and implement content that aligns with their courses. The first section explores effective course structures and class management techniques, encouraging positive connections between educators and their students. The second section emphasizes the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the content and delivery of the course, as well as in the teaching environment. In the final section, contributors provide innovative ideas for assignments and assessments that both maintain rigor and effectively engage students, covering topics such as social media, story-telling and the paranormal.
An invaluable resource for psychology instructors at any career stage, and any type of institution, Teaching Introduction to Psychology provides the tools necessary to build a rigorous yet welcoming foundational course for all students.
Reviews / Votes
'Introductory psychology has been taught at the university level since the late 1800's, and we are still trying to figure out the best way to teach it. This book's chapters do a great job of helping to advance the conversation and should be required reading for everyone who is teaching the course.' -- Douglas Bernstein, University of South Florida, USA 'Kudos to Rebecca Totton and Catherine Sanderson for engaging master teachers in providing this comprehensive guide to introductory psychology teaching - to what educated people need to know, with creative ideas for supporting their learning. For those new to teaching, and for those wishing to refresh and refocus their teaching, this resource offers both conceptual strategies and practical activities.' -- David Myers, Hope College, Michigan, USAMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-5060-5 (9781035350605)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Edited by Rebecca R. Totton, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Oberlin College and Catherine A. Sanderson, Poler Family Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Amherst College, USA
Content
Contents
Introduction to Teaching Introduction to Psychology x
Rebecca R. Totton and Catherine A. Sanderson
PART I CLASS STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
1 Uncovering Psychology: Selecting Content for Introductory
Psychology 2
Regan A. R. Gurung, Joseph J. Slade and Stephanie M. Byers
2 An Introduction to Psychology course that matters: What our
neighbors need to know 14
Sue Frantz
3 Teaching the Replication Crisis and Open Science in
Introduction to Psychology 26
Charlotte R. Pennington and Madeleine Pownall
4 Promoting Scientific Inquiry Through a Weekly Laboratory
in Introduction to Psychology 39
Carole L. Yue
5 Using Specifications Grading in an Introduction to
Psychology Course 50
KatieAnn Skogsberg
6 Trial by Fire: Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching
Psychology 62
Catherine Ma
7 Encouraging Collaborative Learning In Introductory
Psychology 76
Amanda W. Joyce
8 Teaching Introductory Psychology: The Charge is Change 88
Erica Kleinknecht
PART II DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESS
9 Psychology Can Change the World: Integrating Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion in Introduction to Psychology 101
Elizabeth T. Kneeland, Rebecca R. Totton, Sarah L. Bunnell,
Julia D. McQuade, Carolyn M. Palmquist, and Catherine A.
Sanderson
10 Anti-Ableist Strategies for Introductory Psychology Classes:
Creating Inclusive Classes without Compromising Rigor 115
Carolyn M. Shivers and Lisa G. Aspinwall
11 Cultural Psychology as a Foundational Theme Throughout
Introduction to Psychology 128
Smaranda Lawrie Delancey Wu
12 Centering Impact: Highlighting Advocacy and Social Change
within Psychology 140
T. Evan Smith and Delaney M. Peckham
PART III ASSESSMENT AND ASSIGNMENTS
13 Psychology and Storytelling: Using Case Studies to Teach
Introductory Concepts 155
Wind Goodfriend and Amber L. Garcia
14 Innovative Teaching Strategies for Teaching the Whole
Student in Intro to Psychology 168
Monique Major, Chynere Best and O. Nere Ayu
15 So you think you saw a ghost: Exploring core concepts in
psychology through paranormal examples. 180
Kathleen M. Bettencourt and Melissa L. Maffeo
16 Gaining insights: Student personal stories as a pedagogical
tool in Introduction to Psychology 194
Nicole Alea Albada, Vanessa E. Woods, Tamsin C. German,
Ava Q. Ma de Sousa
17 Like, Comment, and Learn: Integrating Social Media into the
Introductory Psychology Classroom 207
Meredith A. Henry and Shannon M. O. Wittig
Introduction to Teaching Introduction to Psychology x
Rebecca R. Totton and Catherine A. Sanderson
PART I CLASS STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
1 Uncovering Psychology: Selecting Content for Introductory
Psychology 2
Regan A. R. Gurung, Joseph J. Slade and Stephanie M. Byers
2 An Introduction to Psychology course that matters: What our
neighbors need to know 14
Sue Frantz
3 Teaching the Replication Crisis and Open Science in
Introduction to Psychology 26
Charlotte R. Pennington and Madeleine Pownall
4 Promoting Scientific Inquiry Through a Weekly Laboratory
in Introduction to Psychology 39
Carole L. Yue
5 Using Specifications Grading in an Introduction to
Psychology Course 50
KatieAnn Skogsberg
6 Trial by Fire: Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching
Psychology 62
Catherine Ma
7 Encouraging Collaborative Learning In Introductory
Psychology 76
Amanda W. Joyce
8 Teaching Introductory Psychology: The Charge is Change 88
Erica Kleinknecht
PART II DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESS
9 Psychology Can Change the World: Integrating Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion in Introduction to Psychology 101
Elizabeth T. Kneeland, Rebecca R. Totton, Sarah L. Bunnell,
Julia D. McQuade, Carolyn M. Palmquist, and Catherine A.
Sanderson
10 Anti-Ableist Strategies for Introductory Psychology Classes:
Creating Inclusive Classes without Compromising Rigor 115
Carolyn M. Shivers and Lisa G. Aspinwall
11 Cultural Psychology as a Foundational Theme Throughout
Introduction to Psychology 128
Smaranda Lawrie Delancey Wu
12 Centering Impact: Highlighting Advocacy and Social Change
within Psychology 140
T. Evan Smith and Delaney M. Peckham
PART III ASSESSMENT AND ASSIGNMENTS
13 Psychology and Storytelling: Using Case Studies to Teach
Introductory Concepts 155
Wind Goodfriend and Amber L. Garcia
14 Innovative Teaching Strategies for Teaching the Whole
Student in Intro to Psychology 168
Monique Major, Chynere Best and O. Nere Ayu
15 So you think you saw a ghost: Exploring core concepts in
psychology through paranormal examples. 180
Kathleen M. Bettencourt and Melissa L. Maffeo
16 Gaining insights: Student personal stories as a pedagogical
tool in Introduction to Psychology 194
Nicole Alea Albada, Vanessa E. Woods, Tamsin C. German,
Ava Q. Ma de Sousa
17 Like, Comment, and Learn: Integrating Social Media into the
Introductory Psychology Classroom 207
Meredith A. Henry and Shannon M. O. Wittig