Faculty Advisor Spotlight on Justyne Harris, Jamestown Community College (NY)

Use the program yourself first before putting it into action in your class.

An insightful tip to all MyLab and Mastering users from Justyne Harris, Psychology instructor at Jamestown Community College. Harris uses both MyPsychLab and MyDevelopmentLab, as appropriate, in her courses in both the old and new designs. Using the new design, Harris assigns Chapter Study Plans online and in class. Within the old design of MyPsychLab, Harris assigns pre-tests, media assignments, and post-tests which all have proved, according to Harris, “very beneficial for preparing students to take their chapter exams” and to participate in class.

In fact, the use of these two MyLabs has changed class discussions for Harris for the better. “Our discussions now extend beyond what is in the textbook,” because students test their knowledge before class within their MyLab. Test scores have also been transformed since Harris incorporated MyPsychLab and MyDevelopmentLab into her courses. “Students are performing significantly better on the chapter tests since the incorporation of MyPsychLab or MyDevelopmentLab,” says Harris. Students are also providing their own positive feedback about using MyLabs. Harris’ students think MyLabs are a worthwhile experience for exam prep and review and for, “solidifying their understanding of the reading material.”

Harris’ favorite aspect of being a Pearson Faculty Advisor is seeing how incorporating a MyLab changes things for faculty. She likes to see what faculty says after that first semester using a MyLab. “They often cannot thank me enough for introducing this review program which incorporates the technology so many of today’s students rely upon.”

How do you use Pearson MyLab and Mastering products to increase student learning? How much practice do you assign through your MyLab or Mastering product?