I taught Learning and Thinking between 2022 and 2024. This class is a large, lecture-based course that was a required course for Psychology and Neuroscience undergraduates. During the semesters I taught, the average class sizes were approximately 75 to 100 students.
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I was able to utilize course materials from previous instructors of the course and develop the course materials as I desired. I brought in new activities and assignments for the students. Throughout the course, the primary goal was for students to be able to apply the course materials to their own lives. This goal shaped the way that I approached the course and all new changes that I made.
Course Overview
Learning and Thinking is a course that explores how humans and other animals learn and develop behavior over the lifespan. The course began with instincts and other reflexive behavior, followed by classical and operant conditioning, and ending with a unit on social learning and comparative psychology. Students were asked to apply the concepts learned in-class to potential real life scenarios.
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The course was structured through lectures and individual or small-group activities during class. Learning assessments included exams, weekly quizzes, and a semester-long individual project where students were required to attempt to change one of their own behaviors through the use of operant conditioning. There were ample opportunities for extra practice outside class for extra credit.