Reveals conclusions of an analysis of developmental psychology textbook information about television and children. Reports variability in the amount and type of information presented. Suggests that the amount of information presented has declined in recent years. Expresses concern for the textbooks' scant coverage of the effects of television on…

Reviews criticisms of traditional personality theories and describes alternative, more inclusive, theories that teachers should consider adding to their courses. Suggests that teachers expose students to theories respecting diversity, feminist approaches, theories stressing relatedness, and the reformulations of traditional theories. (KO)

Describes a university course in developmental psychology in which students participated as volunteers in community services for children and families. Explains that the course requirements offered 2 options: 50 hours of volunteer work or a series of 3 papers. Suggests that the volunteer experiences helped students maintain motivation and aided in…

The portfolio writing assignment given to students in a life span developmental psychology course required that they complete 10-15 typewritten pages of writing for the course. Students were allowed to choose their own projects; for example, they might write about an interview they had conducted, or discuss an outside reading. (RM)

To provide undergraduate students in developmental psychology and child psychology courses with examples of developing behaviors in infants, two teachers videotaped the infants of friends during the first 18 months of life. The project is described. (RM)

Describes an instructional model labeled "connected teaching" used in a college developmental psychology course. Employs teaching techniques identified by women as being the type of instruction they desired. Concludes that the overall goal is to convince students that they can actively construct knowledge. (CFR)

Suggests a developmental psychology approach to teaching the psychology of women to deal with students' conservative attitudes. Provides examples of discussion topics, examination questions, and class exercises. Recommends students write a "life review" of their gender role socialization to help integrate the course content. (NL)

Describes the use of fictional literature in a college-level developmental psychology class. Focuses specifically on Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and its relation to several child development topics. Contends that literature should be used more often as part of instruction, especially in the sciences. (CFR)

Reports on the misconceptions held about behavior analysis among students in two advanced undergraduate courses in behavior modification. Finds that only 3 of 13 common misconceptions were held widely. Reveals that these three misconceptions were resistant to change. (CFR)

Describes an exercise that addresses a number of developmental issues in a family and parenting class. The exercise requires students to write a semiautobiographical personal letter. Reports that students responded favorably to this exercise, suggesting a number of beneficial outcomes. Recommendations for instructors are provided. (KO)

Describes a create-a-children's game assignment for a college-developmental psychology course. Discusses instructions for the project, provides examples of student games, and reports student evaluation. Contends that the assignment produces a high level of student engagement and accomplishment. (CFR)

Describes the use of the film "Breakfast Club," in a college adolescent psychology course. Relates how students study and discuss theories of moral reasoning and psychological development prior to viewing the film. Provides an opportunity for students to integrate course content while enjoying the learning process. (CFR)

Reports on two studies of student responses to increased emphasis on experiential activities in an undergraduate developmental psychology course. Finds that students in the experiential sections rated the value of and interest in the subject matter higher. (CFR)

Describes a project within an undergraduate developmental psychology course in which students build toys suitable for newborn to four-year-old children. Includes instructional procedures, descriptive examples of toys made during the class, grading procedures, and student evaluations of the project. (CFR)

Introduces a theme issue focusing on teaching critical thinking through college psychology courses. Defines critical thinking and asserts that "learning to think" has been called the central purpose of education. Refers to the Goals 2000 program and its emphasis on thinking skills. (CFR)