July.... a time of endings, beginnings, changes and... "Covid"

27/7/2021

July was a time of endings, new beginnings, changes and … surprise, surprise … working around that attention-seeking bug “Covid”.

On July 6 we celebrated the end of Semester 1 with another great series of discussion topics and shared plates of scrumptious morning tea treats. Discission topics are generated from the group on the day. On this, our last day, the topics were as ever thoughtful, insightful, and provocative resulting in discussion that was a combination of deep thought spiced with possible hypothesis and wrapped in lots of laughter and memories.

So, at the end of Semester 1 we bid farewell to some of our psychology buffs (we will miss your input), looked forward to the return of the “delightful die-hards” (thinkers who love a chuckle), and warmly welcome the new Semester 2 members (fear not, you too shall have fun).

The changes include:

Unofficially renaming the group “Psychology Simplified”. This is an in-house adjustment rather than a website and timetable adjustment for the rest of 2021.
A mix of content and discussion for each session. The current program dates and locations remain the same. The content will be spread over two sessions to allow more time for discussions ... deep thinking … chuckles … and fun.
Zoom will replace face-to-face as per the program when we have restrictions banning face-to-face. Face-to-face remains the default aim outside of Covid restrictions.

A thought bubble …. This era is reminiscent of how we embraced voice-only telephones. Ever seen today’s 17-year-olds trying to make a call using a rotary phone? Priceless. ( https://youtu.be/1OADXNGnJok)

Semester 2 started on a lockdown day (16 July) via zoom with a small group of people who are familiar with zoom in this course. Thank you for the apologies from those who could not join. We hope face-to-face is an option for the next session (3rd August at Cooinda 10-12), but if not, and you just need a bit of support to join zoom, then let me know.

Most people in Session #1, being “delightful die-hards”, were familiar with the content. So, we did a quick reminder then settle into rich discussions. Here’s a summary of Session 1 content:

Community supports – regional and local.
Aims of the course.
What the course will not cover.
Frequently used concepts.
Theories and theorists.
What defines a Psychological Theory?
Theories and measurement.
Who says? Where’s the proof?
Methods of Psychological Research.
Pre and post measurement.
Schools of modern Psychology.
Explaining abnormal behavior – and how that has changed over time.
Diagnostic Statistical Manual #5, the psychologists guide or “bible”.
Ethics and Psychology - including some shocking examples.
History of Psychology 387 BC to now.

The 2020 version of the content PowerPoint and handouts can be found at https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/demystifying-psychology/february-an-excellent-start. The 2021 version includes this “rollicking, horse race call” crash course in Psychology in 10 minutes. Secure your seatbelts, please .. (https://youtu.be/vo4pMVb0R6M)

Join us for Session #2 on 3rd August at Cooinda 10-12 for “Personalities and Coping styles”. Discover if you are a Dove, Owl, Peacock, Eagle, or a mix of all these depending on the circumstances. Please complete the Des Hunt survey (see attachment to email dated 13 July). If you can’t join, there is plenty of web content and many rabbit holes to explore.

Finally, indulge me while I share something of my gene pool...

Source https://twitter.com/jeremymills69

Jane

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Demystifying Psychology

Demystifying Psychology is formally returning to the timetable in 2023.

The Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group comprising members from previous classes which has been meeting at the Northo is now listed on the U3A Timetable.

"An open discussion group with a psychological focus looking at current events. If you are interested in various interpretations of relationships of all kinds, you are welcome and can expect to have fun. No preparation needed."

You can download the Introductory Power Point here.

3rd Thursday from 2 - 4 pm
The North Eastern Hotel

Convenor and Contact Details

Jane Rushworth
0437 621 575

The 'Demystifying Psychology' five session course will be offered again in Semester Two at times to be confirmed.

"A five-session light-hearted course introducing psychology in everyday life and some of the theories that attempt to explain how and why we do things. The course will include personality types and preferred coping styles; theories and practices applied to drug treatment, raising children, family violence, and other topics as suggested by participants. The course will also include social psychology, the concepts of obedience, power, group dynamics and states of mind. We'll then discuss how we experience the various theories as they play out in daily life."