Dr. John Slaughter
Research
Since the early days of academic computing, I have been actively involved in integrating the computer into academic activities. Over the past several years one of the courses I typically teach, Research Methods (PSY 210), was drastically altered and another, Introductory Psychology Laboratory (PSY 130), was totally developed to bring the computer into the classroom. These innovations allow the student to simulate more sophisticated research designs in the methods class and, using the computer to collect data or present interactive demonstrations for the intro lab, provides the student with a much broader array of psychological phenomena to experience and investigate. Current research endeavors are involved with searching to find new computer applications that are adaptable to the classroom and then testing their feasibility for classroom use. As a result, over the last several years, 3 new labs have been added to the repertoire of exercises for the intro lab. In addition, 1 new simulation is being utilized in the methods class.
Teaching
During my years of service at SUNY Fredonia, I have taught a total of 17 different courses. My area is physiological psychology which studies how the body works and how the working of the body affects behavior. I currently teach physiological psychology and research methods.
Department and University Service
In the department, I have always been actively involved with curriculum issues and have frequently served on the technology committee.
Selected Student - Faculty Collaboration
Working with students, I developed a laboratory course to accompany the Introduction to Psychology course. The 2 hour lab consists of 12 primarily computer based experiences which the students complete and then discuss. The lab has become a department requirement for Psychology majors. In addition, we developed a course for students called Practicum in Teaching. Here, advanced psychology students become teaching assistants for the laboratory course. As TAs, they are totally responsible for instructing the lab including directing the simulation, leading the discussion and grading the papers. The practicum allows students hands-on teaching experience and develops their self confidence.