Getting off to a good start in psychology: benefits and limitations of pre-tertiary education in psychology

Sokolová, L.¹, McGinty, A.¹, Williamson, M.^1
1European Federation of Psychology Teachers´ Associations

 

Submission type

Round Table Discussion

Scheduled

Jacobzaal, 26-09-2019, 15:30 - 17:00

Keywords

pre-tertiary psychology education, psychology teachers, European Federation of Psychology Teachers' Associations

Summary

 

Psychology is taught as a secondary school subject in many European countries, in various types of schools and with diverse content. Psychology teachers believe that studying psychology at pre-tertiary level contributes to students' preparation for studying psychology and other disciplines at university. Pre-tertiary psychology helps students develop critical thinking skills, understanding of self and others, life skills, mental health and overall psychological literacy. It also has a potential to bridge social studies, STEM and personal development subjects. On the other hand, the teaching of psychology faces many obstacles: the subject often receives limited support with a shortage of qualified teachers. The European Federation of Psychology Teachers' Associations (EFPTA) was established in 2004 to support qualified pre-tertiary psychology education and psychology teachers' networking and professional development. The EFPTA board members invite colleagues interested in secondary school psychology and cooperation between schools and universities to discuss their experiences and expectations about pre-tertiary psychology education. The round table will start with a brief overview of EFPTA research and activities followed by a semi-structured discussion.

Auteurs