Rebecca Totton, PhD

Social Psychologist. Stereotypes and Prejudice researcher. Visiting Assistant Professor at Amherst College.

[Dr Madeleine Pownall @maddi_pow]

Excited to be contributing a chapter on "embedding open research into social psychology teaching and learning" with @drcpennington for a forthcoming book within the Edward Elgar Teaching Series (Edited by @SandersonSpeaks and @Notdoctor_T)📘📚✨

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@TheMorgenroth I feel this on a deep level.

[Society for Personality and Social Psychology @SPSPnews]

Did you miss last week's #SPSPChat on teaching psychology with a diversity, equity, and inclusion model? We have good news! Check out this recap of the discussion, featuring insights from @SandersonSpeaks, @tepe_e, and @Notdoctor_T: https://t.co/TfiHK6tWk6

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews @tepe_e @SandersonSpeaks Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share this!

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A10. As @SandersonSpeaks mentioned, this approach is engaging and a great experience. It takes time to think critically about the integration of this material, but we're happy to share the design that has worked for us to cut down on the leg work for others. #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SandersonSpeaks @SPSPnews If you're headed to @nitopconference in January you can also hear us talk more about this approach there!

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SandersonSpeaks @SPSPnews This fall! You can see the full course design in a chapter from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology.

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A9. Be willing to MAKE the time for this approach. Taking this approach required restructuring some of the materials from a more "traditional" semester and thinking creatively about assessments #SPSPChat 2/2

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A9. I’m happy to share any of my syllabi! The BIPOC authors list is a go-to for my class designs. I also try to keep an eye on op-ed articles in #NYTimes or #USAToday for relevant application materials #SPSPChat 1/2

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A8. As @tepe_e mentioned in Q7, helping students to demystify academia is critical. First-gen and historically marginalized students who feel like academia is the only option in psych may be more likely to disengage with the field. Resourcing with options early is key #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A8. However, I use many of the same perspectives when mentoring. For example, when discussing career opportunities, I highlight the work of historically marginalized folk. 2/3 #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SandersonSpeaks @SPSPnews A6. As some support for this, we've noticed across sections that students are overwhelmingly choosing to write papers and complete projects related to DEI topics. I think this is great evidence that students want to see a #DEI model in their classes #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A6. Representation matters in classrooms. Explicitly shifting the narrative in psychology classes to highlight minoritized voices provides a more equitable opportunity for minoritized students to see themselves and hear their experiences represented in psychology. 2/2 #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A6 I’m extremely hopeful that it will! Students have repeatedly shared how much they appreciate taking a class that explicitly highlights the #DEI model. 1/2 #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@tepe_e @SPSPnews Couldn't agree more! Emphasizing a #DEI approach has encouraged me to think more critically about how I can bring these same aspects into all of my classes and into my mentoring. #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A4. Taking a #BeingHumanInSTEM perspective of helping students to see researchers as real people encourages students to see themselves in these roles. 6/6 #SPSPChat

[Rebecca Totton, PhD @ProfessorTotton]

@SPSPnews A4. I frequently include photos or information (such as First Gen status) about researchers when we discuss research. I share with students that humanizing the people behind the research is vital for seeing themselves as capable researchers and critical thinkers. 5/6 #SPSPChat