In almost all of our courses, however, text readings are supplemented by carefully chosen primary source readings. These often provide more detailed coverage of a narrower topic and let students see how psychologists express themselves when writing for an audience of professionals. One faculty member has been successful in basing whole courses around primary source readings. This approach requires very careful coverage of materials in class to ensure integration and understanding of the concepts presented in the reading. Lecture can be good for presenting material to supplement the readings for the course or to clarify points which may be unclear from the readings.
Discussions sometimes occur with the class as a whole, sometimes in small groups.
Whole class and small group discussion may focus on a particular task or question, be used to generate new and creative ideas, or provide an opportunity to talk about personal reactions to the course material. Frequently a small group is asked to make an oral report to the class as a whole. There is also substantial emphasis in the Psychology Department on the gaining of hands-on experience during class time, particularly in courses covering the more applied aspects of psychology. In the Counseling and Psychotherapy course, for example, many afternoons are spent learning to apply counseling principles in role-playing scenarios. In the Industrial and Organizational Psychology class, several sessions are devoted to role playing in an assessment center, where the potential of simulated candidates for managerial positions is ascertained.