Integration of innovative technologies in teaching psychology: practical training in the STEM laboratory of WUNU
The modern educational paradigm places particular emphasis on practical training of students using digital technologies and innovative teaching methods. Thus, a practical class with second-year students majoring in Psychology at the Professional College of Economics, Law and Information Technologies of WUNU was held on the topic ‘Sensations and Perceptions.’
The class covered basic psychological categories: the concept of sensations and their physiological foundations, types and properties of sensations, the structure and functions of perception processes, individual differences in perception and ways of developing them. Application of the acquired knowledge in practical exercises and interactive analysis was an important component of the class.
The STEM laboratory of the West Ukrainian National University plays a key role in achieving our educational goals. Thanks to modern technical equipment, students are able to work with interactive tools and simulate complex psychological processes, visualise sensory perception mechanisms, and experimentally investigate individual responses to stimuli in a controlled environment.
The STEM Laboratory project is being implemented at the Education and Research Centre for Communications of the West Ukrainian National University. The idea of creating a STEM laboratory was brought to life thanks to funding from the Vovk Foundation, an American non-governmental organisation that supports educational initiatives in Ukraine, the BlueCheck Ukraine charitable foundation, an international fund that promotes the development of educational and social projects, and the joint efforts of the International Institute of Communications NGO, an organisation that promotes the development of education, communications, leadership and influence, and Ukraine's integration into the international educational space.
The classes were conducted by Diana Boiko, STEM-lab coordinator, 1st category specialist at the Education and Research Centre for Communications, lecturer at the WUNU Vocational College of Economics, Entrepreneurship and IT, and a practising psychologist.
The combination of theoretical foundations and practical research in a high-tech learning environment contributes to a deeper understanding of psychological mechanisms, the development of interdisciplinary thinking, and the professional training of students.
