In Loving Memory: Students Create Obituaries as Assessment of Psychosocial and Morality Theories

• In Event: 42.084 - Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: 42.084-5 - Teaching Educational Psychology to Promote Equal Educational Opportunities

Abstract

This paper examines preservice teachers’ experiences in creating obituaries for an educational psychology course. It presents a constructive approach that allows students to demonstrate their critical application of Erickson and Kohlberg’s theories by utilizing their own experiences. Empirical data collected from this undergraduate course include students’ assignments, transcriptions of online discussion, obituary assignments, the instructor’s journal, and culminating surveys of the course. Analysis of the data (N=400 students) gathered (2012-2016) revealed two consistent themes: 1) preservice teachers’ self-efficacy and skills significantly improved regarding psychosocial development and moral reasoning as a result of this constructive pedagogy; and 2) students reflect applicable, meaningful learning and anticipate fostering effective, positive role modeling as future teachers and constructive educators.

Author

• Alandra S. Devall, Benedictine University