About the Class

This year long course is a challenging introduction to the study of human behavior and mental processes, equivalent to an introductory college course in psychology. Using David Myer's Psychology, 9th Edition, students will be exposed to the theories, systems and history of psychology. Other concepts covered in this class include: personality, research methods, cognition and memory, motivation and emotion, human development, and psychological disorders. Students will be prepared to take the AP psychology exam in May 2016, and those who pass the exam will gain college credit. Students can expect several hours of homework each week. There will be weekly quizzes, some writing assignments and periodic exams.

I teach this class because I love psychology. Not only is the study of human behavior and the mind a fascinating subject that never gets old (and I say that after a decade of study), but it constantly expands my view of the world, God, and the people that surround me. It motivates me toward greater compassion and deepens my understanding in every area of life.

Several years ago I departed from the more traditional classroom to enter the quickly evolving world of the online educational forum, and it is with great anticipation that I prepare for a sixth year of teaching online. While I miss some aspects of face-to-face teaching, the virtual classroom has proven to have many advantages both for me and my students. In addition to this new medium enabling me to teach while serving and living in India, all the tools and gadgets in the blackboard classroom have brought fun and versatility to class sessions. Students can immediately access videos and resources I've posted on the blog, which contributes depth and interest to lectures. In spite of the distance and new format, it has been easier than I expected to stay connected to my students and to maintain the elements of the class that I so highly value.

There are a few things that make this course unique as compared to the average AP Psychology class:

• It is specifically intended for homeschooled students. Having been raised in the homeschool world, as well as having taught/tutored this population for the past nine years, it is a joy for me to invest in the homeschool community. Students can take this class from home and still gain college credit by passing the AP exam offered at their local high school in May. The syllabus for this class has been approved by the college board and is recognized as covering the material tested on the exam.
• It is taught from a distinctly Christian perspective. My intention is not only to teach the students about the subject of psychology, but even more importantly to give them a Biblical and God-centered view of the world and people around them.
• It is hands-on and interactive. Students are encouraged to apply the material to life and to share their own personal examples and stories. The class time has been extended from it's original 90 minutes to a full two hours, specifically to provide adequate time for discussion and application. 
• It is open to adults in addition to high school students. Adults are welcome to participate in the class, and have often been the most enthusiastic and motivated students. Though adults cannot take the AP exam, they can still take the class for fun or in preparation for the CLEP test.

If you are interested in this topic and would like more information about the class beginning in September, 2015, please feel free to contact me for more information.