Psychology

I created an assignment that will give students more autonomy for their learning. The assignment intends to engage student knowledge base and critical thinking skills. This assignment provides a new approach to instruction and assessment of learning. I have found that students are both apprehensive and anxious to create a project to demonstrate learning. They wonder whether they are on the right track or if they have enough information. They want to make sure that it is exactly what the instructor wants, which makes them think about the theories more critically. I find that assignments of this approach require students to come out of their comfort zone, apply the learned material, and to make it meaningful and practical for the project. They are nervous about the freedom that such an approach allows them in academe. Students have been conditioned to the textbook and multiple choice formats, just as instructors have been conditioned. I admit that it requires time for everyone to adapt to change. However, by the end of the semester, students are proud of their work. I enjoy reading the completed assignments and acknowledging the variety of perspectives and approaches that are presented. Students can be creative when they are given the opportunity.