Teaching RM in PsychologyDr Matthew Coxon

1. To reflect on and discuss the challenges and issues we all have when teaching RM in Psychology;

2. To share tips, approaches and solutions to ensure the best learning experience for the students (and maybe resolve some of those issues!).

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Aims of this workshop

Take a few minutes to reflect on your experiences so far of teaching research methods (or being taught research methods)

On the post-it notes, write down three challenges or concerns that you have (or would have) when teaching research methods:

1. ___________

2. ___________

3. ___________

Then stick them on the wall!3

Three is the magic number

1. Have a look at the wall of challenge!

2. Take off the wall a post-it note that you think has one of the most difficult challenges

3. Be prepared to talk about why you chose that one

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One is more fun

In our groups we will:

1. Discuss why our challenge occurs;

2. and if there is anything from our experience that we can do to help. 5

Discussion time

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Five quick tips anyone can use

1) Watch your (body) language – students are looking to you for the enthusiasm;

2) Engage them in the process – have a ‘conversation’ with them about methods (even in lectures);

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Five quick tips anyone can use

3) Encourage careful questioning/guidance in workshops – reinforce student confidence, help them learn;

4) Be prepared - identify alternative ways of explaining concepts in meaningful terms;

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Five quick tips anyone can use

5. Be consistent and communicative – make sure all staff are aware of any particular choices you are making about the ‘rules’ you teach them and why.

• Jackson, S. L., & Griggs, R. A. (2012). Teaching statistics and research methods: Tips from ToP. http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/stats2012/index.php

• HEA collection of mini-projects related to both RM and Statistics: http://tinyurl.com/pfxkkgx

• Association for Psychological Sciences collection of resources: http://psych.hanover.edu/APS/teaching.html#statistics

• Online resources from Andy Field: http://www.statisticshell.com/

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Some useful resources (all free!)

The challenges and issues with RM teaching are common and shared;

Everyone has different approaches to meeting these challenges, but make sure you keep the student at the centre of them.

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In summary