| Abstract: | Although effective teaching is focusing more on the need to use active learning techniques, the research literature regarding the efficacy of various teaching methods is inconclusive. An innovative active learning technique combining the features of role plays and simulations for an industrial psychology course is presented. Subjective reports and objective assessments of knowledge retention measured at two distinct times indicated the role play simulation is an effective teaching technique. The differential importance of active learning and passive learning (i.e., lectures) techniques for the college classroom was also examined. Finally, the application of this technique for several college courses is presented.Professor DeNeve is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University. She received a B.A. in Psychology and Theology from St. Ambrose University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her current teaching interests are focused upon the use of laserdiscs and computer-generated media in the classroom. Her primary research interests include empirical investigations of active learning techniques, quantitative research synthesis, subjective well-being, and the psychology of religion. Professor Heppner received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has developed an innovative two-semester course in the Psychology Department called the Practicum in the Teaching of Psychology, in which graduate instructors teach and participate in a seminar to learn about and receive feedback on their teaching. Her research interests include pedagogical innovations, vocational development of adults, and rape prevention. |
