Australian Psychology Teachers

They read us in OZ!  I was recently contacted by an Australian colleague, Penny Collins, a psychology instructor,  fellow blogger and organizer of psychology teachers in South Australia.  Thanks to Penny for reaching out and sharing her expertise.  Cheers!

Take a few minutes and check out their resources.  They have a different structure for their courses within their national system (Stage 1 and Stage 2 as well as year 10, year 11, etc.), and their resources are definitely worth checking out.

South Australian Psychology Teachers Site
https://sites.google.com/site/sacepsychology/

The SACE Resource Page has THSP as their number one source--thank you so much for the share Penny!
https://sites.google.com/site/sacepsychology/general-resources/ict-resources/blogs-and-websites

Another way to download YouTube videos
https://sites.google.com/site/sacepsychology/general-resources/ict-resources/help-youtube-is-blocked-at-my-school

Their 2012 Conference featuring information on adolescent mental health by Professor Tracy Wade
https://sites.google.com/site/sacepsychology/annual-conference/2012



posted by Chuck Schallhorn

Teaching Blogs-Some Favorites

Many of us are the only teachers of psychology in our schools.  That was one reason we created the Teaching High School Psychology Blog.  However, I suspect that most of us also teach other subjects in addition to Psychology.  I wanted to more directly point you to the other teaching blogs that are out there.

US History Teaching Blog
http://ushistoryeducatorblog.blogspot.com/

World History Teaching Blog
http://worldhistoryeducatorsblog.blogspot.com/

US Government Teaching Blog
http://usgovteducatorsblog.blogspot.com/

Teaching High School Sociology Blog
http://teachinghighschoolsociology.blogspot.com/

Free Technology for Teachers
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/


Teaching High School Psychology Blog (our very own)
http://teachinghighschoolpsychology.blogspot.com/

While I am biased toward these sites since they are written by high school teachers, I wonder if there are others our there.  What other blogs are you currently reading or utilizing?


Posted by Chuck Schallhorn

Big Think and Psychology Resources

For some time now, I have been receiving regular emails from a web site called "Big Think."  While the site contains content ranging from economics, technology, style, culture, history, and more, it also contains neuroscience, psychology, and identity.

Like TED, the site contains videos from experts, but they are more individual and up-close.  These videos typically occur within longer blogs related to a variety of topics, the best of which relate to psychology and neuroscience.  I will link to some favorites below.  Because the videos are short, they can be wonderful additions to what we do in the class, to have another person (read: expert) explain an idea that we'd like to get across to our students.  Additionally, the content creates a wonderful little professional development opportunity for we teachers.

Science and Technology Link Page
Brain Bugs: Hallucinations, Forgotten Faces, and Other Cognitive Quirks (with V.S. Ramachandran)
How ADHD Affects the Brain
This is Your Brain During Orgasm
Your Storytelling Brain (with Michael Gazzaniga)



There are so many other stories and content that are fascinating, I recommend taking some time to explore.  It is well worth it.


posted by Chuck Schallhorn

Teacher Confessional

In addition to teaching Psychology, I taught Sociology for a long time (and got caught up in a variety of concepts such as equality, communication, group values, discrimination, etc.).  For the past ten years, I've also been teaching US Government and the concepts in the Declaration of Independence, US Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.  I tend to be an absolutest about First Amendment rights and freedom of speech.

I ran across an article a few weeks ago about a teacher who was fired for airing her opinions online.  As a teacher in a low-income area, I can probably "get away" with more than colleagues in higher income areas who have many parents who are quick to judge and sue (I know, a stereotype and overgeneralization).  But after reading about that teacher, I ran across this a new blog site called Teacher Confessional.  I began checking out the site and its facebook counterpart.  In short, it offers an anonymous format for teachers to air their grievances against the system and offer ideas for positive change.  If you have stories about your teaching experiences and like to write, check it out and share your ideas.  The Missouri State Teachers Association blogged about it here.

Given the current antipathy for our profession and intellectualism in general, perhaps this is one forum we could share our ideas and experiences to go beyond the walls of our classroom/buildings.  I hope you find value in it.

posted by Chuck Schallhorn

The Frontal Cortex by Jonah Lehrer

When I read, I usually tend to lean toward non-fiction.  I will be reviewing some books in the future, but for this one time, I'd really like to promote Jonah Lehrer's blog, The Frontal Cortex.  I enjoy the easy nature of the writing--not too simplified--for the educated reader--seemingly designed to challenge, or at least not to condescend.  Lehrer reads and writes for a living, which makes him a much better author than I'd ever dream of being. 

He is also a frequent contributor to my favorite podcast, Radiolab.  In the recent past, he has examined and opined on marijuana and creativity, the spread of goodness, and a controversial piece on the "benefits" of depression.  His columns are always thought-provoking and enjoyable to read.  I highly recommend the blog if you can make the time.  I find that it helps me make stronger real-world connections with the subjects I teach.

Lehrer is also the author of the two books below, which I will also be reviewing.