Dr Lynn Ward

Qualifications:

Thesis: Changes in the Elderly in Speed of Processing, Internal Noise and Cognitive Functioning.

Position:

Senior Lecturer

Contact details:

Telephone: (08) 8303 3182

Fax: (08) 8303 3770

Email: lynn.ward@adelaide.edu.au

 

Room 517, Hughes Building

School of Psychology

University of Adelaide, 5005
South Australia

 

TEACHING

 

My area of expertise is Developmental Psychology,  specifically adult development and ageing. Psychology of ageing is dynamic field, and research has increased at an exponential rate since 1945.  When teaching, I try to convey some sense of the excitement that I get from learning about, and working in, such a rapidly developing field.   

Philosophy of Teaching:
    “I believe that teaching is a process of empowering people to become active, life-long, seekers of knowledge and meaning, and that this occurs when people are able to develop skills to ask questions, and to find, interpret, communicate, and apply knowledge.  It sets a foundation for development that will continue across the life-span, and it occurs when people have confidence in their abilities, when they have access to resources, and when they are inspired or intrigued by what they are learning about.
    The teacher-student relationship  involves connecting on an interpersonal and intellectual level, with both parties being active participants in this process.  Teaching occurs by example; the teacher needs to model the values that they want students to aspire to.  It occurs as a dynamic process; questions and topics that students raise, and the feedback they provide, serve to inform and inspire the teacher.
     I want my teaching to inspire and empower people to articulate  yes, but...” and  “yes, and…” responses.  The “yes” means they are open-minded, rather than dismissive of the information, meanings and ways of knowing that they encounter.  The “but …” reflects their ability to critically evaluate what they have discovered, and the “and…”, their ability to grasp its implications and applications.”

Teaching Award:

2003:     The Stephen Cole the Elder Prize for Excellence in Teaching (High Commendation).

Teaching Duties:

Program Coordinator: Bachelor of Psychology(Honours) and Bachelor of Psychological Science.
I have taught in the following courses in the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide (asterix indicates 2008 commitments):

 

Master of Psychology (Clinical):

Clinical Geropsychology*

Honours:

Adult Development & Aging*
Intelligence

Second year:

Ageing*; 
Developmental Psychology
;
Cognitive psychology II 

First year:

Statistics and methodology
Cognitive Psychology
I;