TEACHING COMMUNICATION-SKILLS IN PSYCHOLOGY

In this article, I describe a sophomore-level course on communication skills in psychology that includes library research skills, writing re search reports and term papers in American Psychological Association ( APA) style, making behavioral observation notes, and giving oral prese ntations. Students learn by listening to topical minilectures, seeing examples of students' writing, and doing their own writing and editing . Scores on written examinations testing knowledge of specific APA pri nciples and application in writing showed steady improvement throughou t the course. Student evaluations also reflected satisfaction with the course. The article includes suggestions for future refinement.