Mind in Society: Bringing Societal Challenges into Psychology Education

Students want to understand how psychology can make a difference in the world around them. How can we translate that ambition into teaching, both in a large mandatory first-year course and a smaller third-year elective? This presentation shares practical experiences from integrating impact-driven education into two Bachelor Psychology courses. In a first-year course, students connect biological psychology with everyday issues, such as vaping, social media, and sleep, through group presentations. In a third-year elective course, students address misinformation, conspiracy thinking, and stereotypes. 

Drawing on the outcomes of the Fellowship, I will discuss lessons that were learned in how to:

• connect academic knowledge with authentic societal challenges;
• support collaboration and consideration of multiple perspectives;
• encourage reflection on students’ engagement, societal roles, and career goals.

Positive student feedback, improved evaluations, and growing elective enrolment offer a starting point for discussing what these approaches contribute to students’ learning and how to assess their impact.