PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff

In this episode Garth interviews Jim Diaz-Granados from the American Psychological Association in Washingon, DC. At the time, Jim was the Chief Education Officer, leading the Education Directorate and its 11 offices. Their discussion included Jim's love of working out, running, and #ragnar. Forming teams and spotting talent benefits APA as well. Jim shares the details of his origin story, from his start at a community college as a first generation college student, lead singer in the band, and more.

In this episode Garth interviews Ted Bosack from Providence College in Providence, RI. As the second-born son in a traditional Ukrainian family, Ted benefits from important mentors in high school and makes his own success through college and graduate school. He thrives as an experimental child psychologist working with Lewis Lipsitt, and his contributions to the teaching of psychology are legendary, including serving as the Executive Director to the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and much more.

In this episode Garth and Eric interview Jennifer Thompson from the University of Maryland University College in Largo, MD. Jenn has been a leader on APA's Introductory Psychology Initiative, APA's Summit on National Assessment of Psychology, and co-chaired the Committee on Associate and Baccalaureate Education. Her educational story is one of persistence, with some easy wins and others not so much. Experiences in jobs in the 'real world' lead Jenn back to academia and the role of department chair.

In this bonus episode, Garth interviewed Stephen Chew from Samford University about Psych Friday 2019. This event is open to the public but geared toward high school students in Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology courses and their faculty. Concurrent sessions, multiple demonstrations, a keynote address, and an interactive review session provide benefits for students reviewing for the AP exam and faculty members to receive CE credits. It's a creative and inclusive method to give psychology away.

In February 2018 Garth and Eric were honored to interview Charles Brewer from Furman University in Greenville, SC (with John Batson), thanks to support from STP. One month later, Charles passed away. At the October 2018 Annual Conference on Teaching, three of Charles' dear friends -- Jane Halonen, Randy Smith, and Bridgette Martin Hard hosted a tribute to Charles honoring his impact on the field, his loyal dedication to high standards, his loving and endearing friendships -- and classic Brewerisms.

In this episode Eric interviews Stacie Spencer from MCPHS University in Boston, MA. It is clear that Stacie is one of the most inspired thinkers about student development and career advising in our discipline, and that may come from some of her own experiences with her mother at the kitchen table. From multi-year course sequences to innovative assignments, Stacie's students think and reflect deeply about their future. Her own college start was a bit bumpy, but oh how she recovered -- and with gratitude.

In this episode Garth and Eric interview Jordan Troisi from Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. As Director of STP's Annual Conference on Teaching, Jordan shares insider conference details. We learn about his Michigan-based origin story, including his undergraduate experiences at Albion College and the importance of mentoring. It seems that Jordan get the approx. 2 year itch, stretching his skill set for a new project to stay engaged. Others tend to benefit when this happens.

In this episode Eric interviews Maureen McCarthy from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Serving as Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities, Maureen discusses those challenges and the source of her passion for higher education. She shares about how a negative comment from a guidance counselor nearly derailed her college path, and how positive mentors changed her life. Her career path is fascinating, including student affairs, psychology, and of course service to STP as President and more.

In this episode Eric and Garth interviewed Rick Miller from Texas A&M-Kingsville in Kingsville, TX. Rick's story is fascinating, in part due to being raised by his grandparents and world travels starting early, but also because Rick is a master storyteller. Mentoring is a consistent theme, from a high school music teacher to Thomas Cook at Northwestern. We interrupted his origin story in time to to hear about his plans for serving as STP President in 2019, but we'll have him back to continue his story.

Here at PsychSessions we are excited to be supportive of the American Psychological Association (APA) Board of Educational Affairs working group -- the Introductory Psychology Initiative (IPI). At www.apa.org/ipi, you can sign up for updates, provide feedback about the introductory course, take the introductory course/IPI census, and more. www.apa.org/ipi

Please enjoy this brief sidebar from us at the PsychSessions podcast about the excellent Teaching Introductory Psychology (TIP) Northwest conference that will take place April 12, 2019 on the campus of Highline College in Des Moines, Washington. The featured speaker for the day is Dr. Stephen Chew from Samford University. For more details, check out www.tipnorthwest.org

In this episode Garth interviews Philip Zimbardo from Stanford University (emeritus) in Stanford, CA. It's a treat to hear Phil discuss how he became such a passionate teacher, with his upbringing, family values about education, and undergraduate/graduate years (Brooklyn College/Yale University). The interplay of his teaching leading to research (think: shyness work) is fascinating, and just wait until you hear about the grade he earned in introductory psychology, and as always, so much more.

In this episode Garth interviews Rob McEntarffer from Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, NE. They discuss AP Psychology, the course, and the role of college credits. Rob suggests that perhaps the AP course is a convenient excuse to help adults talk to students about human behavior. He also mentions his Faustian bargain of serving as both high school teacher and administrator. Rob shares the 'Young Rob' origin story and meeting Charles Brewer, closing the interview with who can hang and who cannot.

In this episode Garth interviews Suzie Baker from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Suzie is equal parts curious scientist and passionate teacher, with undergraduate students at the center of both endeavors. In this whirlwind interview, they discuss the AP psychology reading and test development, Suzie meeting Charles Brewer for the first time, Suzie's educational history as well as service to STP, including her 2015 presidency. Keep listening for her favorites in the history of psychology.

In this episode Garth interviews Maria Vita from Penn Manor High School in Millersville, PA. Maria is a master teacher, from her AP Psychology reading experience to her national leadership in APA's Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS). Growing up in Long Island, NY, she loved school and inherited a strong work ethic. She credits experiences like the Clark Workshop and the High School Psychology Summit for helping to advance the teaching of psychology in high schools. And, Maria sings too.