Hear from a Peer: Mark Laumakis Unveils Innovative Teaching Strategies with Achieve and iClicker

[MadelineHarrant]

Mark Laumakis, a dedicated lecturer in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University, brings 23 years of teaching experience to the table. As the go-to introductory psychology instructor, Mark's classes have swelled to as many as 500 students per section, creating a dynamic teaching challenge. However, Mark's passion for teaching doesn't stop at the basics; he's also taken on psychopathology courses and, for the first time in 17 years, a research methods course this fall.

In a world where engaging students in large lecture halls can be a herculean task, Mark employs technology to enhance the learning experience. He uses Achieve's Learning Curve quizzes to keep his students on track by fostering retrieval practice and exposing them to test-like questions. Mark also employs iClicker to incentivize attendance and, more notably, to break the monotony of one-way communication. He introduces peer instruction questions, allowing students to debate and learn collaboratively. This technique not only encourages active participation but also ensures a deeper understanding of the material. In Mark's teaching philosophy, it's clear that fostering interaction, engagement, and understanding is key, and technology plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. To watch Mark discuss his full experience, watch the video below!