Course Crushes and Unexpected Love: Embracing Unfavored Classes

Credit: iStock.com/skynesher
Credit: iStock.com/skynesher

As part of my graduate training in clinical psychology, I was given the opportunity to serve as the primary instructor for one section of an undergraduate course. Excitement mounted as I awaited my assignment. Abnormal Psychology was the gold ring. It was always the most popular course, and I daydreamed about presenting enthusiastic students with fascinating case studies and wowing them with my insights. What I did not consider was that I might be assigned to teach one of the courses I had completed with minimal enthusiasm and maximum effort. Imagine my surprise when I was asked to teach Research Methods in Psychological Science—literally, my least favorite subject.


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