This article examines students' perceptions of the learning environment in a service learning research course and increases in student motivation and skill development. According to self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), positive learning environments increase levels of student motivation and learning outcomes. Survey responses…

Psychology seniors at a Midwest university reflected on the student learning outcomes (SLOs) for the major. This study examined the relations among students' perceived usefulness of the SLOs, measures of learning, ratings of self-confidence in their knowledge of psychology, and evaluations of the department's helpfulness in students' skill…

A traditional abnormal psychology course was restructured to emphasize writing using a personalized system of instruction. The major benefit was that students showed significant improvement in writing style and clarity. The major costs of the course were the high student turnover and the abnormally large workload for students and instructor. (RM)

We surveyed departments nationally to better understand the extent of scientific opportunities and experiences for undergraduate psychology students. Results showed intradepartmental variability, but overall students can expect 7 courses that offer research experiences in the typical psychology curriculum. Nonetheless, research is often not the…

How classroom debates can be used in a developmental psychology course to teach students about controversial issues and to help them improve their thinking and oral communications skills is described. Evaluations indicate that students consider debates to be a positive learning experience. (Author/RM)

The experience of teaching both detached and participant observation methods in a graduate level competency based counseling course is described. An evaluation indicated that the course increased students' awareness of basic issues in psychological inquiry and helped them develop skills and attitudes necessary for social and cultural…