Synthesis Post

By: Laryia, Liz, Joe, and Lucas

Photo Credit: GoodTherapy.org

The fields of education and psychology are two very important subjects in which the world needs. Many people over look both of these careers and do not think of the real significance they have on others. The fields of education and psychology have various aspects to them that a lot of people are unaware of, in which our blog explains.

       People believe that being a teacher is just about waking up at 6 AM, reading off PowerPoint slides for a couple hours, and grading until 6 PM, but that’s the exact opposite. Teachers do put in work hours evenly compared to the stereotype, but they go beyond what they can do. For example, one of my history teachers in high school would stay a whole hour after school in the library if anybody needed help and would arrive 30 minutes early on test/quiz days if anyone had additional questions. For me wanting to become a history teacher, my job goes past teaching about the rise of fascism and military conflicts. Sure, it would help for all of the students to ace my class, but I could have a student who goes to school to get away from troublesome environments. You need to get to know your students beyond just being someone you teach. Improving relations with them can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to pull someone aside after class to just talk because you could make that person’s day a lot better. Teachers don’t strictly just give people a path to diplomas; they also help them become better citizens. When you look back on your teachers in college or high school, do you want them to be remembered as someone who was strict and not the most social? Or as someone who took the extra step to make everyone succeed?

       What teacher is it you want to be for your student? Maybe people think it’s simple only because the definition of a teacher is someone who teaches especially in a school, and nothing else. However as we previously said there is much more to it. You shouldn’t only want to teach the subjects that are required. You should strive to be a good teacher, as you should want to be good at all you do. There is many things you must know, acknowledge, and consider to be a good teacher. Stop and think what kind of teacher it is that you would like for your kids to have? Remember this person will be the other adult in your kids life. Teachers are extremely influential in kid’s life, they will learn good and bad from their teacher. Your kids will listen and do what his/her teacher says.Your students, your kids! Be the teacher you would want your kid to have! Not only will you influence these kids, but you will also affect and impact their life. Hopefully you make the correct and responsible choice. Not only do teachers carry this much power in kid’s life but so do psychologist.

Just as they do for teacher, people over look a psychologist. People believe majoring in psychology is simply listening to someones problems all day long. Psychology is much more than scribbling on a notepad while nodding your head, barely listening to someone speak on their issues. Psychology is helping, making an impact, and discovering new research. The study of psychology is exploring the mind, brain and behavior. It is learning why people act the way they do, or how the brain functions in the way it does. Psychology has various subfields such as learning social behaviors, cognitive thinking, diagnosing diseases, and where these areas stem from. Psychology is making a difference that could potentially save someone's life. There are various careers you can achieve with a degree in psychology than just being a therapist. In 2013, there were 2.5 million people in the labor force with a degree in psychology.  Read our post about the common misconceptions of psychology here to find out more of what this field is about.

Furthermore in order to be influential to your students or anyone in this world, you must know how they think, how that coincides with your way of thinking, and how to meet a common ground between you and them. This is where psychology is more important than it seems to be. A good teacher is one that can teach the class and receive good grade results from them, but a great teacher, the ones who are remembered can teach a class fluently and has a severe impact on their future lives. Many people think psychology is just the study of the brain and its functions, but they neglect the impact that knowledge could be used for. We have several posts on the blog that go more in-depth about the topics but in short-terms - psychology is about learning the tendencies and functions of the brain, and so we can learn how to enhance it, our lives, and other lives in the process of it.

The fields of psychology and education are both important fields. They both involve helping others and involve thinking of everyone else before yourself. It is hearing people out and doing what you can to listen, teach, or help somebody else. This blog will help you explore all the aspects of these fields, their relations, and what they truly entail.

Benefits for Teaching

When you're a teacher, you often get asked "Why not do something that pays you a little more?" Even though they can be right to an extent, teachers get special privileges that others might not. For example, they only have to work 8-10 months out of the year and get paid annually and get paid sick days and leaves.

But what happens when you retire?

Once a public school in Michigan hires you, you’re entered into their retirement system. The system as of today helps 190,000 retirees and has distributed $3.5 billion in pension since 2010. This is a contributory pension system, which means that teachers receive lifetime monthly pensions upon retirement. You can retire at any age as long as you have 30 years of experience. These benefits rely on your years of service and average salary. For example, if you worked for 25 years and your average salary was $55,000, you would receive lifetime monthly benefits of around $1,720.

Credit to:  Financial Alliance

The past couple years, we had to go through ObamaCare, and now the Affordable Care Act. Premiums for insurance have fluctuated both ways and people can still be worried about what is to come. If you're a teacher, have no fear, for you get insurance benefits too. Some schools offer plans which would cover 100% of your medical expensive, and some are not as friendly with the percentage. Teachers in Michigan typically enter into dental and vision insurance plans. My sister, for example, only has a $5/month dental deductible. These plans very on what they can cover. Not all of them are the same.

So the next time someone asks you "Why teach?" or use the phrase "You won't get paid much", remind them of the benefits you get!

- Joe

Jobs with a Degree in Psychology

By: LaRyia Ferrie
Whether you have your associates degree, bachelors, or masters, there are jobs you can obtain in the fields of psychology. Many people think they cannot get a good job with less than a masters or phD in psychology, but that is entirely false.

Photo Credit: previews.123rf.com

There are a number of job opportunities with an associative degree in psychology. Many people will take on these specific jobs while still trying to reach a bachelors or masters degree. The follow associative degree approved jobs are:

• Mental Health Careers:
• mental health technician 
• counselor assistant
• crisis hotline operator
• Human Services Careers:
• social service clerk
• welfare agency assistant
• group home worker
• Business careers:
• human resources
• sales
• customer service
• Education:
• Teacher assistant
• working with special needs children

There are a number of jobs you can reach with a bachelors degree. Many of the skills learned from obtaining a bachelors degree will lead people to unexpected jobs. Some of the professions  you can have with a bachelors degree are as following:

• Human resource manager
• Case manager
• Psychiatric technician 
• School counselor
• Rehabilitation specialist 
• Laboratory assistant
• Career counselor 
• High school psychology teacher
• Business administration 
• Marketing or advertising manager
• Law enforcement and corrections

A masters degree in psychology is going to be the best for getting professions where you are really able to work directly with patients, as well as diagnosing certain disorders. There are countless jobs you can have with a masters degree but here are a few:

• Counselor aide
• Behavior analyst 
• Addictions psychologist
• Human service worker 
• Social service counselor 
• Behavioral therapist
• Child custody worker
• College admissions counselor
• Pain psychologist
• Child protection specialist 
• School Psychologist
• Therapist
• Business owner
• Substance Abuse counselor 
• Clinical Psychologist 
• Social worker

A phD in psychology will earn you the highest pay, as well as the most prestigious work. You are able to diagnose patients, conduct your own research, and teach at universities, as well as much more. 

• Counselor 
• Private practice
• Industrial psychologist
• neuropsychologist 
• School psychologist
• Cognitive psychologist
• Forensic psychologist 
• University professor
• Applied psychologist 

No matter what degree you earn in psychology, you can achieve some sort of job, but as you work harder for a higher degree more opportunities will come to you when looking for a job. 

Works Cited: https://careersinpsychology.org/50-best-jobs-psychologists/

Safe Zone

By: Liz

     Creating a bond with your students should be your one of your top priorities. You should want to know your kids. You should get to know your students. You should be interested in what it is your kids are feeling, going through, as well as what they think and have to say. You should allow the kids to say what they have to say when they do, and listen to them. Sometimes you will have kids that only have you in their life, so you might really be helping some of these students so much.

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-things-love-small-private-school

There is great articles that will share excellent tips with you on how to create a safe zone for your students. Here are 10 great tips:

     1. Community Build All Year Long- Allow students to express their thoughts and ideas, build relationships, and practice collaboration
     2. Post Student Work- When students see their own work on the classroom walls, it brings them comfort
     3.Have Non-Negotiable- Along with classroom rules and procedures, students must know non-negotiable right out of the gate
     4. Admit When You Don't Know- Students appreciate when we show our humanity.
     5. Read with Your Students- Send many great across to your students.
     6.  Remain Calm at All Times- Step right outside the door and take a few breaths. It's worth it.
     7. Take Every Opportunity to Model Kindness- They will follow.
     8. Circulate- gives you great opportunities to overhear a student sharing an idea or question that you can use with the whole class
     9. Address Grudges Early On-  If tension is building between a couple of students, create time and space for them to talk it out while you mediate
     10. Write with Your Students- As for when you read with them it will send great messages across

work cited:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-create-safe-learning-environment-rebecca-alber

Getting a Job in the Field of Psychology

With all the posts on this blog about the importance of psychology, we've never talked about how to enter the field and get a college degree for it. While it does take time to receive a degree and become a psychologist, it also depends on your specialty area and career interest.

Photo: Micahel Cho's Sketchbook

First, to do anything in the field of psychology - you need to learn about the fundamentals of psychology, and earn your bachelor's degree, which can take 4-5 years to earn. After that, you must earn a master's degree which will take an additional 2-3 years to earn, but it qualifies you to practice in the field. Jobs like a social worker, case manager, and employment specialist are now open to you. Enduring more in the field, most licensing boards require a doctorate which requires 4 -7 more years learning psychology. The type of doctorate you pursue depends on your career path, either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD). After that, you've earned your doctorate and can enter the job field, that's if you don't have a year of post-doctoral training (which most states do).

Now you've earned your doctorate, now what? The transition from academics to business is not a easy one, especially in this oversaturated market. Many people feel regret or repent their decision to get a degree, but that's because they didn't plan for the future. The good news is if you've made it this far you know people in the business that could lead you the right way. Networking is an essential part in getting a job after college because they can almost directly give you a job if everything goes well. You would be amazed how often people recommend others for an opportunity or introduce you to new people who could do the same. 

With that PsyD or PhD there are many jobs but low demand for them, so get them while you can. Therapists and psychologists are common and universally accepted. If you want to work with young adults you could also become an academic counselor at a school or university in your area. If not, you could become a counselor to help people with a wide variety of problems, marriage, substance abuse, marriage, etc. Point is, there are many jobs out there for psychologists, but it's obviously better to enter with an idea of what specialty you want and what jobs interest you. A word of advice is - once you've earned a PsyD or PhD the world isn't open to you, there's still work to do.

by Lucas W.

Works Cited:

Cherry, Kendra. "List of Psychology Careers: More Than 80 to Consider." Very Well. 27 July, 2017. Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com/a-list-of-psychology-careers-2794917.

Wood, Maren L. "The Ph.D.'s Guide to a Nonfaculty Job Search." The Chronicle of Higher Education. 06 Jan., 2014. Retrieved from http://www.chronicle.com/article/The-PhDs-Guide-to-a/143715.

"How long does it take to become a psychologist?" Capella Logo. Retrieved from https://www.capella.edu/online-psychology-degrees/FAQ/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-psychologist/.

Prompt #6

Psychology has a reputation for being the realm of students who don't know what they want to study, but want something that sounds more impressive. It's a very popular major, but the job market isn't great for new graduates in the world. People usually don't plan for it, and so the statistics of salary and job outlooks are very poor as a result. Because of that, psychology is often seen as a "useless" major, or unimportant to the world, but I beg to differ, psychology is just not approached in the right way.

Photo: Cargo Collective

This article from the Washington Post references Psychology multiple times, giving numbers and statistics about the job field after receiving your degree. A section of the article states, "at a median wage of $83,580 a year, the occupation with the fastest projected job growth, industrial-organizational psychologists, pays well. But, there’s not much demand for this type of psychologist. The field will generate only 900 jobs in 10 years, according to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook." The job field is almost over-saturated in addition to little demand for the jobs, but that doesn't knock the importance of psychologists, just the market it's in.

If your heart is in it, you will find a job. Many people enter the field with no idea of what to do with a psychology major, or as a substitute until they find another major to pursue, that's what's wrong with the major. People also choose psychology because they are interested in how they, themselves think, and don't look at the bigger picture of "why am I taking this major?" There are plenty of jobs offered to psychology majors too: human services, pharmacy technicians, rehab therapists, psychologists, etc., so it all depends on what you're going for as they're all different.

Photo: Despina Illustration

As there is no lie that STEM majors are more suitable for comfortable wages in life, psychology is for those who want to study and be psychologistsists. If you love what you do, go for it and make the best of it. Just because your major isn't one of the best demanding new jobs doesn't mean it's the least enjoyable out of all of them. Psychology is often seen as the blind-mans major, as in people choose it with no plan for the future. But for those who have a plan, psychology can offer a lot more than perceived.

by Lucas. W.

Works Cited:

Weiner, Joann. "Why Sally can't get a good job with her college degree." Washington Post. 5 September 2014. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2014/09/05/why-sally-cant-get-a-good-job-with-her-college-degree/?utm_term=.e4857386fbd0

"The 50+ Best Jobs for Psychology Graduates." Careers in Psychology. https://careersinpsychology.org/50-best-jobs-psychologists/

Prompt #7 Contemplating Controversy

By: LaRyia Ferrie

Photo Credit: patrickwanis.com

Within most different areas of fields or careers, comes controversy. The field of psychology deals with many controversies whether to be in general, or over past studies. One of the biggest controversies talked about from the past was the Milgram Shock Experiments.

In the 1960's, scientist Stanley Milgram developed an electric shock experiment which resulted in showing that people will obey even the most ridiculous orders if they are told what to do under authority.

In 1961, psychology professor Stanley Milgram advertised in the New Haven Register, "We will pay you $4 for one hour of your time, asking for 500 New Haven men to help us complete a scientific study of memory and learning."  Over the course of 2 years, hundreds of people showed up to Milligram's lab eager to be involved in the memory and learning experiment - which was not about memory or learning at all.

Milgram would watch as the volunteer (in the study known as the "teacher") would read aloud words to his partner - known as the "learner." The learner was hooked up at an electrical shock machine in a separate room. Each time the learner messed up on repeating the words, the teacher was told to deliver a series of shocks which increased in intensity as the learner continued to mess up. The volts started at 15, labeled as "slight shock" and going all the way up to 450 volts, labeled as "severe shock." A few people, traumatized about what they were being asked to do, removed themselves from the study, even though Milgram urged them to continue. On the other hand, many people delivered the shocks all the way up to 450 volts even though their partner (the learner) begged it to stop. As a result, 65% of people went all the way to 450 volts.

It was only until after the experiment, that the teacher found out that the shocks were fake and the screaming cries for help was pre-recorded. The learner was auditor, Jim McDonough, sitting very alive and unharmed in the separate room. The volunteers were also unaware that they had been used to later make Stanley Milgram's claim famous: that ordinary people, under the direction on an authoritative figure, would obey just about any order they were given, even if it involved torture.

Photo Credit: patrickwanis.com

The controversy that comes with this study is, did it even prove anything and was it ethical? Is it right to trick people into thinking they have severely harmed or killed a human being? Milgram explained that afterwards, the participants went through a "dehoaxing" session, but this was not sufficient to critics. Later in 1973, the American Psychological Association passed new research guidelines to ban the type deception that Milgram had used.

Later research proved that his debriefing session was hardly comforting. He told patients it was all fake, but many participants left quickly after the session ended, leaving upset and confused. His sessions were used primarily to calm down the very angry volunteers, in which there were many. A large portion learned the truth some years later in letters. Others appeared to have never known the truth at all.

So the controversy is, was this experiment ethical? Was it right or wrong for Stanley Milgram to use this deception to find obedience in people? Many argue it was beautiful and brilliant and others think it was just plain wrong. What do you think?

I know this has no real relation to school, but it is one of the most famous studies in the field of Psychology. I learned about it briefly in my Psych 101 course this semester and thought it was perfect to use as a controversy topic. It is very interesting, and I think many others will think so too. After researching, it became even more interesting to me. It's hardly talked about in my Intro to Psych book, so much of information comes from online sources. Overall, I love this controversy.

Sources:

 https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/rethinking-one-of-psychologys-most-infamous-experiments/384913/
https://psmag.com/social-justice/electric-schlock-65377

Narcan in Schools

I live 30 minutes away from the heroin capital of America, so it almost hits home when I hear people talk about the heroin epidemic going on in the country. According to the CDC, heroin overdose deaths have quadrupled since 2010 and death rates increased by 21% from 2014 to 2015. Heroin.net states that over 3.5 million Americans who are at least 12 years old have admitted to using heroin at least once in their lifetime and 2 of every 100 high school graduates admitted to using it before they received their diploma. They also report that the average user spends $200/day to keep the habit.

The epidemic is sadly now to the extremity that it is being discussed on Good Morning America and NBC Nightly News. We have to give revival medication to dogs and officers who respond. Along with this, that medication is now being put in schools.

Narcan: This nasal spray can reverse the symptoms of heroin overdoses and practically revive the people who took them in about 2 to 5 minutes. But why is it in schools in the first place? Some nurses and attorneys feel like this drug is necessary due to the fact that teenagers are also using it and it can help keep someone alive if they, God forbid, overdose in school. Stats show that overdosing there is very uncommon, but they want to keep it stocked in case of a legitimate emergency. All the nurses, teachers, and other staff members are trained on how to use it in case of need and usually keep around two doses worth of naloxone on stand-by.

Do you think it's worth it?

- Joe

Why Psychology is Important

Many people are intrigued in the way of how the brain works, and it's functions. Why they have certain tendencies while others have different ones? Why people think differently than them? And any other behavioral question. But people don't look at the other regions that benefit from psychology.

Psychology is often misinterpreted and neglected for its benefits. Many people think it only revolves the tendencies of the brain and its effects, but almost everything that lives in life has a brain, and we can find out how it works for them, and maybe if it works for us. We can also apply this research to health issues and why they happen.

Psychology is also beneficial in the study of medicine and health because the knowledge we have of the brain and how it functions. There is an intimate link between one's mental health, and one's psychical body, in many cases they are inseparable. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a good example of an experience influencing psychical responses. Trauma has been linked to many chronic conditions such as dementia, heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure. Thanks to findings in psychology we are able to notice this attribute connected with PTSD, and learn how to counter it.

With the knowledge, we create diagnostics, treatments, and medicine to help counter anything irregular, psychically or mentally. Though we have learned a lot, there is a lot to learn."Researchers are just scratching the tip of the iceberg, and studies being conducted now hopefully contribute to better trauma responses in the future, from Elements Behavioral Health. That's why it's important for psychology to be seen more as just a "useless" major. The more aware people become of the actual benefits, the faster we can begin to enhanced those benefits.

By Lucas W.

References:

Elements Behavioral Health. "PTSD and Long-Term Psychical Health." October 17, 2012. https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/trauma-ptsd/ptsd-2/

"Why is Research Important?" https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wsu-sandbox/chapter/why-is-research-important/

Keep Your Students Motivated

By Liz


     It's always very important to try and keep your students motivated, but it's also one of the most difficult things you have to do. When a students lacks motivation it becomes very difficult for them to learn. This is because they aren't trying to learn because they don't care to learn because they are lacking the motivation.
     There is a variety of reasons on why a student becomes unmotivated. Students may feel no interest in the subject that you are trying to teach them. The subject is not the only reason why a student will become unmotivated, but also they are unmotivated sometimes because the way you are trying to teach a topic is very un-engaging. Finally the third reason why student will become unmotivated is because they are being distracted by external forces. There is even times where you realize that  a student who appeared unmotivated actually has difficulty learning and is need of special attention.
     Motivated students are found to be excited to learn and want to be participating. Furthermore teaching a class full of motivated students can be very easy but evermore a very enjoyable class for both the teacher and students. Some students are self-motivated, with a natural love of learning. Yet even with the students who do not have this natural drive, a great teacher can make learning fun and inspire them to reach their full potential.

https://teach.com/what/teachers-change-lives/teachers-motivate/

The article motivating students  gives you five effective ways to get your students excited about learning:

1. Encourage Students

2. Get Them Involved

2. Get Them Involved

4. Get Creative

5. Draw Connections to Real Life

work cited:
https://teach.com/what/teachers-change-lives/teachers-motivate/