Thematic Approaches for Teaching Introductory Psychology

Introduction to psychology is an important course in the psychology curriculum because it serves as a gateway to the major and, for most undergraduates, is the only psychology course they will ever take. This edited, up-to-date guide presents insights that help educators address challenges of coverage, integration of active learning opportunities, and ever-evolving educational technologies. The book features current scholarship and pedagogical practices regarding the teaching of introductory psychology in face-to-face, online, or hybrid environments. The editors achieve their goals through an unusual approach: inviting experienced and expert teachers of introductory psychology to describe an ongoing theme that provides structure and unity to the gateway course. Themes include broad frameworks (e.g., problem-based learning), "big ideas" that integrate course content (e.g., subjectivity of human experience), or particular skills and ways of thinking (e.g., quantitative reasoning).