This project describes the results from a large enrollment introductory psychology course specially designed to improve performance of first-year students. The main objective of the project was to identify early indicators of student success to inform future teaching and promote classroom engagement. Variables representing academic preparation,…

Techniques to keep students interested include videotaped demonstrations and a self-paced, unit-mastery approach. When lecturing, teachers should use a microphone, maintain eye contact with students in all sections of the room, use an overhead projector and write clearly, talk about interesting topics, be dramatic, and share their experiences and…

Discusses methods of personalizing the large introductory college psychology class. Contrasts active learning by students with lecturing by professors. Suggests that separating the large class into smaller units can facilitate active learning. Argues that active learning also can be promoted in the large class setting. (SG)