Event Title
How Do Students Perceive an Orientation to the Major Course?
Location
Burnell 112
Start Time
12-5-2011 2:25 PM
End Time
12-5-2011 2:55 PM
Description
While evidence suggests that career-oriented courses effectively accomplish learning objectives, there is little research examining students' perceptions of such courses. This survey study describes students' feedback following a one-credit "Orientation to the Major" course. This course was designed to help psychology students navigate the major so they are better prepared to make decisions about graduate school and employment. Our secondary goal was to emphasize that psychology is a science, preparing incoming majors for rigorous coursework. Of the 20 class topics, students reported that clarifying career paths, preparing for graduate school, and resume writing were the most helpful. Content analysis of narrative responses indicated students appreciated the orientation to the field, sought concrete information about career paths, and would benefit from researching specific sub-disciplines further. Recommended course refinements aim to empower students to pursue their individual goals.
How Do Students Perceive an Orientation to the Major Course?
Burnell 112
While evidence suggests that career-oriented courses effectively accomplish learning objectives, there is little research examining students' perceptions of such courses. This survey study describes students' feedback following a one-credit "Orientation to the Major" course. This course was designed to help psychology students navigate the major so they are better prepared to make decisions about graduate school and employment. Our secondary goal was to emphasize that psychology is a science, preparing incoming majors for rigorous coursework. Of the 20 class topics, students reported that clarifying career paths, preparing for graduate school, and resume writing were the most helpful. Content analysis of narrative responses indicated students appreciated the orientation to the field, sought concrete information about career paths, and would benefit from researching specific sub-disciplines further. Recommended course refinements aim to empower students to pursue their individual goals.
Comments
Moderator: Brendan Morse