Introduction to Psychology -Interactive Smart Curriculum

Bonus: Learn how to get going at shifting your classroom to do synchronous distance learning and/or asynchronous distance learning, in little time, for free, with this curriculum or any other.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a full Semester Introduction to Psychology intended for high-school Juniors and Seniors. The emphasis is on scientific research-backed observations and concepts, culminating in student-designed research, all while still including and clarifying the theoretical ideas that help to explain our observations.

The format is a big-idea-themed course that weaves both direct instruction and guided activities. The teaching style very deliberately and actively applies research-backed strategies for learning, cuing the instructor and students alike when interaction and participation are to be implemented. Click Here for access to free Sample Lessons and a look at the uniquely weaved format and research-backed approach.

WHAT WILL I GET?

Click Here for a Video Overview of the full Semester's content You will get Word Document Unit Block Plans, Smart Notebook Lesson files [Be sure you have or can install Smart Notebook software], Word Document Review Handouts, Word Document Assessments, and all supporting material for all of Units A-H shown below, over 80 days of planned content.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

In this course, I present both observational models and generalities as just that. And I present theoretical ideas as just that. I am at heart a science teacher, and deliberate efforts were made to emphasize critical scientific thinking. Instructors should be aware: I do take the time in a few of the early lessons to point out the difference and impact a person's Worldview has on how they practice psychology. Psychologists are (or at least historically were) notoriously accused of practicing pseudo-science. Exploring the worldviews of others and yourself is an extremely important step to learning and growing in understanding of human mind and behavior. For example, I myself am a Christian. I know that my worldview impacts how I would practice psychology. Not only that but my worldview also impacts how I would teach it. The same can be said of any other teacher adopting any other worldview. And the students need to know this about themselves and others. Nevertheless, If talking about worldviews and assumptions with your students is something you are not comfortable with...no problem: I provide distinct "heads up" teacher notes within the Unit Plans and lessons. These are in a clearly visible orange font to provide advance notice. The teacher can decide if they are going to include or skip over these discussions when they occur. I believe students would benefit from these discussions and would lose part of the bigger picture if they were omitted, but they wouldn't necessarily miss out on course content if the teacher chose to omit them.

The curriculum incorporates two dimensions of the NGSS standards, and develops study skills and critical thinking. You will see that with cues interspersed throughout the lessons, and in the independent applications that follow most lessons. This is not a curriculum, like so many I found, that could be treated like a textbook or simply scanned over online – the research backed learning strategies implemented throughout require time for pausing, reflecting, and discussion. You are the catalyst -the indispensable and greatest influence on your students.

The unique-and-original-to-this-product Thematic Units

(and Corresponding Traditional Content) are:

A: What is Psychology & How does it Work?

(History and Approaches, Research Methods)

B: How does the Mind work ?

(Biological Bases of Behavior, Senses and Perception, States of Consciousness)

C: What influences our Learning?

(Learning, Cognition,)

D: What Influences our Personality & Behavior?

(Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Testing and Individual Differences)

E: What is done with Abnormal Behaviors?

(Abnormal Behaviors, Treatment of Abnormal Behavior)

F: How can other people affect our own behavior and mind?

(Social Psychology)

G: How do Psychologists help people or Do Research?

(Research Methods, Counseling, Careers)

H: Student Designed Research, Semester Reviews, Final Exam.

WHAT DO I NEED?

The curriculum is designed with the assumption that students have the ability through their own, or school-owned devices, to get online frequently.

No special hardware is required, it will run through any computer screen, monitor, projector, interactive board, etc...providing you are using the correct software.

The lessons utilize the free or full version of Smart Notebook software, check out the Preview file above (which is a PDF with hyperlinks) to see options for Notebook software. In most cases you can get it installed on your classroom computer if you check with your school's tech support. Or you can download it yourself, use the free trial for 30 days, and buy it yourself for around $100 a year. full software: https://education.smarttech.com/products/notebook/download

You could also open and view the downloaded files through the free "basic" version of Notebook Software. https://www.smarttech.com/en/products/education-software/notebook Those that already have the software know: Notebook software can be a superior presentation tool, you should obtain the full version, and you won't want to go back.

Click Here for a Video Overview

And Finally, if you read this far, here is a heads up for those who are OK waiting just a little bit: I am joining TPT's "Bonus Back to School Sale" set to occur on usually around the last week of August and/or thefirst week of September. In addition to whatever sitewide promotion I will have all items at 20% off. ;)

FINAL NOTE:

Every penny earned through this product will go directly to OneSky, Show Hope, Lifesong For Orphans and/or care for vulnerable orphans. These organizations work with communities and caregivers to provide nurturing responsive care to the world’s most vulnerable young children. They are reputable organizations that have received an Accountability & Transparency score of 100 from Charity Navigator. All are dear to my heart. Please consider visiting their sites and making a contribution regardless of your purchase on TPT.