Authentic Learning in Psychology

While not the most visible, Cognitive Psychological Processes are, arguably, the mot powerful in that cognition extends out into all facets of our psychological processes. And when it comes to memory: everything is connected! When we know how memory “works” we can use it to our advantage. In the Making Memory Work Project, students create programs that aim to help users make the most of their memory processes. 

A field guide for humans? What does this mean? Field guides are reference tools for naturalists interested in improving their stewardship of the environment. They guide observation and offer suggestions for how to care for the ecology and it's natural elements. Humans live in rich and varied ecologies too, and when it comes to the care and keeping of human children, our practice of care can improve with guidance on what to observe and how to best nurture those observed behaviors. Developmental Science offers carers of all kinds useful guidance on how to best support children in their developmental journeys. 

Playful learning opportunities are imperative in childhood, but playful learning can occur at any age. This is the spirit in which the “Games for Change” social movement is situated. If play and games are for learning cultural competencies, then games can be leveraged to promote desired social-cultural changes. Serious, persuasive games are designed with this mind, as opportunities to inspire in vivo social activism or to promote inclusive and socially just beliefs, attitudes, and behavior through play. 

Technologists have rightly dubbed AI as one of the most disruptive agents of the 21st century so far: it is changing how we navigate our work, our learning, and our play time. Modern living has been corralled by a human – technology collider situation, and the unity that will eventually come from this is yet to be determined. This is where good quality story telling comes into play. 

While not the most visible, Cognitive Psychological Processes are, arguably, the mot powerful in that cognition extends out into all facets of our psychological processes. And when it comes to memory: everything is connected! When we know how memory “works” we can use it to our advantage. 

Humans of all ages seek meaning - it’s a natural tendency. As children are immersed in their local cultures, they extract meanings from what they see, hear, and experience. Practices rooted in narrative -- conversations, stories, and media -- facilitate this meaning-making process. Click the links on this site to see how students suggest we harness the power of narrative in the service of raising just kids. 

Winter '24: PSY 344. Social & Personality Development 

Developmental Science offers parents a freeing perspective on how to best nurture children: Being a parent is like being a gardener (e.g., Gopnik, 2016). In the spirit of this powerful metaphor, in this class students created a collection of family field guides designed to help parents build and nurture healthy ecologies where the family system can thrive. 

SP '23: PSY 314: Memory & Mind 

Everything is connected. Memory is a core Psychological construct. We can use our Science to Help. In this class as students learn about the fundamentals of Memory Science, they create Wise Interventions to help folks enhance their cognitive tool kits. 

Fiction precedes science: We dream technology up and then make it a reality. Though AI / tech is human made, we fear it when it we don't understand it. The purpose of this project is spin the AI narrative to remind us that when we understand its capabilities and limits, AI is friend, not foe. 

Mind Matters. Want to refine your cognitive tool kit to improve your memory? Ever wonder why you remember all the wrong things and not the right things? What does emotion do to memory in the long term? How much brain power do you use on a daily basis? Are our brains really like computers [and if so, what's wrong with mine?!?]? Answers to these questions and more await you in the pages linked below. Click the links and expand your mind - you will be better off because of it, we promise! 

Humans of all ages seek meaning - it’s a natural tendency. As children are immersed in their local cultures, they extract meanings from what they see, hear, and experience. Practices rooted in narrative -- conversations, stories, and media -- facilitate this meaning-making process. Click the links on this site to see how students suggest we harness the power of narrative in the service of raising just kids. 

Memory is adaptable. Because it bends to our needs, we should use it with care. Each project featured this suite of sites offers visitors food for thought on the key take away from modern memory science. When we know where memory bends, we can shape it to our advantage and protect ourselves from harm.