Key Studies: The effects of mindfulness and meditation on the brain (Desbordes et al. 2012, and Lazar et al. 2005)

Travis DixonBiological Psychology, Criminology, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

These two studies can be used to discuss: The use of technological techniques Neuroplasticity Experimental methods (quasi and true experiments) to study: The brain cognitive processes Lazar et al. (2005)   There have been numerous studies that have compared the brains of Tibetan monks who have thousands of hours of practice in meditation with normal controls. These studies regularly show …

Lesson Idea: Reviewing Year One

Travis DixonTeaching Ideas

Updated, Aug 2020 After two months of summer my students have had every chance to forget almost everything we did in year one. Even when I sit down to my desk to plan the second year I struggle to think what we’ve already covered. For this reason I like to spend the entire first lesson on reviewing what we did …

Unit Plan: Introduction to Psychology

Travis DixonCurriculum, Teaching Ideas, Themantics

This unit plan is for a ten lesson, “Introduction to Psychology” unit. Most of the lesson ideas in this plan have already been posted on this blog. As always, I welcome feedback so please feel free to leave a comment. You can download my Introduction to Psychology Unit Plan HERE!!!! This unit is also designed to work alongside the student …

Lesson Idea: Review Intro to Psych w/ KAHOOT

Travis DixonUncategorized

I love Kahoot, as most teachers do. It’s a great way to review “knowledge,” especially key terms. One of the features I like about Kahoot is that it actually lets you gather some good formative data. If you make sure students use real names (or some other identification so that you know who is who), you can save the results …

Lesson Idea: What do psychologists study?

Travis DixonUncategorized

I like to take my introduction to psychology quite slowly. On the very first lesson I get students to think about the definition of psychology and what they actually study by doing the following activity. There is space for students to write notes on this activity in their workbooks. Step One: Students begin working with a partner and write as …

How to learn anything in three simple steps!

Travis DixonAssessment (IB), Revision and Exam Preparation, Teaching Ideas

I devised this three-step approach to learning for my students last year during exam revision. Find what you need to know Find your knowledge gaps Fill your knowledge gaps This approach helps me articulate to my students the process of learning, which also helps me discuss their progress during assigned revision times. The language of this post is how I would …