Krisstal D. Clayton, a clinical professor, director of undergraduate programs, and associate chair of academics for the Department of Psychology at the University of North Texas, recently sat down with PsychSessions' Garth Neufeld for an in-depth discussion of all things teaching psychology. She discusses how heavy workloads, commuting, work, and caregiving contribute to students' AI use. She also argues for explicitly teaching AI literacy, its limits, and responsible use.

Krisstal describes building connection and engagement in a 210-student lecture hall through weekly team activities, team exams, and gamified, real-world assignments (including an ultra-processed “Texas State Fair food” concept-mapping activity). She explains her approach to required reading, attendance-based course design, and Sage Vantage quizzes to track learning and spot irregularities.

She also discusses becoming first author on a new edition of an Intro Psych textbook (Essentials of Psychology, Second Edition), what pedagogical features they kept (“What’s Your Prediction?” and applied examples), and updates she “went hard” on, including a methods-focused chapter, mindfulness and wellness content, and topics driven by student needs (sleep, social media/mental health, vaping, neurodiversity).

About the Author

Krisstal D. Clayton is a clinical professor and director of undergraduate programs in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Texas. Known for her engaging teaching style, she uses gamification, storytelling, and real-world examples to bring psychology to life. Her research often includes student collaboration, with a focus on how higher education shapes perspectives.

Outside of academia, Krisstal is a yoga enthusiast, vinyl collector, NPR podcast fan, and proud dog mom to Arya and Phoebe. She’s also a music lover who creates playlists for her students and loses her voice at concerts—Stevie Nicks forever!

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Curious how others are teaching Political Science in today’s divisive environment? Three experienced instructors discuss real strategies for turning today's polarization and misinformation into opportunities for richer, more effective learning.

Summary
Teaching political science in today’s dynamic and polarized environment presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this roundtable discussion, three distinguished Sage authors explore strategies for navigating these complexities. From addressing misinformation to fostering respectful dialogue, this episode offers practical insights for educators and students alike.

Whether you’re an instructor looking to inspire critical thinking or a student eager to engage meaningfully with the political landscape, this conversation provides tools to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing field.

What We Talk About
Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Creating Respectful Classroom Environments:
  • Establishing ground rules and encouraging diverse perspectives.
  • Addressing the politics of language and challenging assumptions about students’ backgrounds.
• Engaging Constructively with Students:
  • Reinforcing critical thinking and fact-based arguments.
  • Using historical and comparative examples to de-escalate controversial topics.
• Combating Misinformation:
  • Teaching fact-checking and data analysis skills.
  • Exploring foundational concepts like democracy and authoritarianism to contextualize current events.
• The Role of AI in Education:
  • Balancing the use of AI for research with the importance of original thought and skill development.
  • Rethinking assignments to promote critical analysis over AI-generated content.
• Fostering Trust and Credibility:
  • Encouraging students to place current issues in historical perspective.
  • Highlighting the importance of diverse demographics in understanding political systems.
• Adapting to Evolving Political Landscapes:
  • Structuring curricula to cover foundational knowledge before addressing current examples.
  • Using historical parallels and international perspectives to connect with contemporary issues.

About the Authors
Dr. Christina Bejarano
Dr. Bejarano is a Professor of Political Science at Texas Women’s University and coauthor of The Enduring Democracy. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, race, and political behavior in the U.S., with a particular emphasis on the contributions of women and ethnic minorities.

Dr. SoRelle Gaynor
Dr. Gaynor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and coauthor of Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch. With experience on Capitol Hill and expertise in congressional leadership and institutional reform, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom.

Eric Langenbacher
Eric is a Teaching Professor and Director of the Honors Program at Georgetown University, as well as the author of Comparative Politics: Mapping Institutions, Power, and Legitimacy. His global perspective and extensive teaching experience enrich his approach to political science education.

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Investing can feel intimidating, but it’s a critical step toward financial independence. In the final episode of the Making Money Real series, Dr. Kristen Carioti, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, breaks down the fundamentals of investing. With her expertise in economics and passion for financial education, Dr. Carioti shares actionable strategies to make investing accessible and approachable for everyone. From understanding the difference between saving and investing to exploring the appeal of cryptocurrency, this episode equips listeners with the tools to confidently take their first steps into the world of investing. Whether you’re a college finance instructor or someone looking to grow your financial knowledge, this episode is packed with insights to help you or your students succeed.

What We Talk About
Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Saving vs. Investing: Why investing is essential for long-term financial freedom.
• Beginner-Friendly Strategies: The power of dollar-cost averaging, index funds, and automating contributions.
• Making Investing Accessible: How to help students see themselves as investors and take their first steps.
• Cryptocurrency: Its appeal, risks, and why it’s more of a hobby than a retirement plan.
• Practical Classroom Applications: Guiding students through setting up accounts, understanding options, and seeing the magic of compounding.
• Empowering Students: Why financial freedom is achievable for everyone, regardless of their starting point.

About the Author
Dr. Kristen Carioti is a Sage author, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. With over two decades of teaching experience, she specializes in personal finance, applied economics, and creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Carioti is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to build lasting financial independence, inspiring them to think of themselves as savvy investors and confident decision-makers.

Beyond academics, she enjoys weightlifting, journaling, and spending time with her family. Her textbook, Introduction to Personal Finance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Freedom, empowers learners to make informed financial choices with clarity and confidence.

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.