Seven discussion topics for developmental psychology are presented. The topics focus on problems that students might encounter in their lives and are intended to promote application of course material. (Author/GEA)

Discusses the reasons why teaching about the process of dying is relevant content for psychology courses. Offers suggestions for teaching about end-of-life issues in various courses on: (1) ethical, legal, and professional issues courses; (2) adult and life span development; (3) counseling diverse populations; and (4) assessment and diagnosis.…

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)

Discusses a model for teaching critical thinking and the changes observed in student abilities after taking a course emphasizing the model. Finds that scores on a critical thinking test were significantly higher among the 24 students in the course. Presents a graphic example of the model applied to the issue of homelessness. (CFR)

Maintains that psychology courses attract students who are interested in using their knowledge of human behavior in their professional and personal lives. Describes four approaches used in a developmental psychology course to differentiate between experimental and observational research. Discusses implications of the approaches. (CFR)

Describes the application of the problem method, or case study approach, to teach undergraduate research methods. Maintains that the approach is particularly applicable because research design is a classic ill-defined task. Reports that students find the method challenging and interesting. (CFR)

Maintains that the history of psychology course is a common capstone course in the undergraduate psychology curriculum. Describes exercises designed to encourage active learning and critical thinking. Presents basic steps in completing the exercises and students' reactions to them. (CFR)

Describes an undergraduate course dealing with intrafamily abuse across the life span. Discusses the course format, including class discussions, lectures, assigned readings, and a student research project. Reports that student evaluations indicated that the course meets its goals effectively. (CFR)

Asserts that conference teaching techniques foster critical thinking skills. Describes conference-style learning and discusses its use in the college psychology classroom. Concludes that the approach helps avoid the sense of struggle and alienation that can arise between teachers and students in the traditional classroom. (CFR)