Catherine Rawn

Or did it choose me?

I’ve been reading Parker Palmer’s book, “The Courage to Teach,” and as I expected it’s sparking many ideas. I teach psychology… but how did I get here? Why did I major in psychology as an undergrad? When I was first introduced to psychology (by Dr. Chris Burris, who still teaches at SJU at Waterloo) I was fresh out of high school and had no idea what to expect from university, especially because I was (am) the first generation in my immediate family to pursue such a degree. What I found in psychology was knowledge about people that I could connect to. But much more important than that – for the first time in my life I learned I didn’t have to believe everything I was told about how people work. Psychology gave me the tools and concepts and a language to question what I formerly thought was some sort of truth. There was a method to test whether these ideas were correct or not — huzzah! Learning about psychology helped me see through advertising scams and times when the media misinterpreted research (correlation does not imply causation!). It helped me point out flaws and assumptions in the reasoning of others (and, with time and maturity, my own reasoning). This ability to question using an established language and methodology was an immensely powerful experience for me, one that I had come to take for granted.

I’m thoroughly enjoying all of my classes – I feel the content is important and valuable, and I feel an engaged energy from my (700+!) students. From the moment I stepped into my first class this term my love of teaching students about psychology has been reaffirmed! And I’m loving the instant feedback and engagement that clickers are offering! It’s an exhilarating way to teach. But, I’m absolutely swamped… another lesson awaits!

September is upon us! Events are moving right along… yesterday was TA Development Day, during which PhD student Lara Aknin and I led a full day of events for our new and returning TAs. The focus was on basic skill development, including ways to promote a smooth semester for oneself, students, and the instructor; dealing with critical incidents professionally; developing grading rubrics;using course-related technologies (e.g., WebCT Vista, Turnitin.com, the library website, &the Scantron machine); and becoming familiar with relevant policies. Thanks to everyone who helped out on the organizing team, and for everyone who came and participated.

Tuesday brings the start of the semester… welcome (back)! We’ll be kicking off the year with Imagine UBC, including Psychology-specific events (check out the details here). Classes will begin on Tuesday evening. I’m excited and a bit nervous for the first days of classes, but I have many plans in place to make this semester an enjoyable & educational one for all of us. See you in class!