Teaching

Example Courses

While at Emory University, I created the first methods course in the psychology department that incorporated nonhuman animals, where students have the opportunity to engage in research that has a practical application at the Atlanta Zoo. After coordinating with zoo staff, I encouraged students in an experimental methods laboratory course to ask their own questions about a species’ behavior and develop measures for their own experiments, resulting in a presentation of their own research. This ultimately supports student motivation through students’ autonomy to directly apply what they had learned in their courses and expand upon the real-world applications of their research. I use these courses as opportunities to inspire students to become involved in research laboratories or inspire them to volunteer with local organizations. In my experience, active learning as well as thoughtful assignments, such as applying conceptual knowledge to volunteer opportunities, provides the student with a much broader understanding of course material.