From Theory to Practice:
Transforming Educational Psychology into Real-World Applied Projects Using Student Interest Pathways
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How do we help students see that psychological theory is not abstract, but actively shaping the knowledge of their future profession?
next
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This presentation introduces:
Structured Model:
- Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to
- Connect psychological theory to
- Students’ Interest Pathways (SIP)
next
back
WHAT WE WILL DO: Steps
From Students
Collect SIP Information
Using AI
Organize SIP Information
Brainstorm: Connect Theory to Practice Using SIP as Guide
Using AI
Select & Edit Project Options
Professors & Intructors
Compile & Complete
Professors & Intructors
back
DONE
Collect SIP Information
JUST ASK!
Endless ways to collect SIP:ConversationSurveysPollingFirst Day Introduction (Videos)"Future Self" Reflections
- I asked the students to create an Introduction Video that, among other things, discussed:
- Future interests or career goals
- Interest in taking the class
- I created a list of responses
STEPS
Organize SIP Information
Everything starts with a list!
START WITH A LIST
of SIP Responses
Using AI to group by areas of interest
Group SIP ResponSes
AI Prompt (Chat GPT): Could you group these areas of interest?
In this step, it is good to think about the number of groups you create. The more groups, the more project options and the larger the overall size of the project becomes. Think small numbers!
STEPS
Brainstorm
This is where the MAGIC happens!
Connect Theory to Practice Using SIP as Guide
Bring groupings of SIP (digital)
Collect theories used in class (digital)
Upload to AI-ChatGPT
Prompt
AI Prompt (Chat GPT):
- Come up with practical, real-world scenarios in which these areas of interest [SIP Groups] would apply the theories from [uploaded content]. At least 20 each group.
- Could you create project ideas using these real-world examples and link them to the textbook? 20 ideas per group?
- (*Optional revision) Can you go more in-depth [give more details, etc..]
STEPS
Select & Edit Project Options
Caredully read & be ready to edit any AI generated information
GO OVER OPTIONS
from AI
SELECT 5-10 prject ideas
Should be same quantity for each group
Revise PROJECT IDEAS AS NEEDED
Compelling ideas start with AI & finish with YOU
STEPS
Compile
Gather, Compile, & Complete Project
InstructionsArtifact, Justification Paper, Explanation Video
Groupings of SIP Projects
Rubric
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
YOU ARE READY TO POST!
DONE
STEPS
Theory becomes practice.
Practice becomes identity.
And identity strengthens learning.
Thank you
STEPS
thank you
References
back
References:
Hidi, S. E., & Renninger, K. A. (2026). The four-phase model of interest development: Addressing individual differences. Learning and Individual Differences, 126, 102865.
Nayyar, P., Young, J. D., & Lewis, S. E. (2026). Exploring the impact of career-relevant reading materials on students’ utility perceptions of chemistry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice.
Nayyar, P., & Lewis, S. E. (2025). Why Am I Learning This? Students Discovering the Usefulness of General Chemistry to Their Career Interests via ChatGPT. Journal of Chemical Education, 102(12), 5409-5415.
back
Example List of SIP Responses:
- Music
- Highschool
- Agriculture Education
- Early Ed (2nd grade)
- Music Ed (Vocal)
- Criminal/Forensic/Law
- Communications/Speech/Speech Pathology/Speech Disorders
- Child Trauma Specialist
- Clinical Mental Health Practice
- School Counseling
- Health Sciences
- Child Development
- Early Childhood
- Nursing
- Public Education
- Family Studies
- Secondary Education
- Mathematics Teacher
- Science Teacher
- Football/Athletics Coach
- Dual Credit Teacher/Counselor
- Sports Management
- Sports Medicine
- Teacher
- Coach
- Professional/Relational Communication
- Religious/Spiritual Teacher
- Camp Counselor/Director
- Kinesiology
- Professor
- History Teacher
- Manager/Owner Construction Company
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Psychology
- Attorney
- Elementary School Teacher
- Professional Counselor
Example Groupings List of SIP Responses:
From Theory to Practice:
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Transcript
From Theory to Practice:
Transforming Educational Psychology into Real-World Applied Projects Using Student Interest Pathways
start
How do we help students see that psychological theory is not abstract, but actively shaping the knowledge of their future profession?
next
back
This presentation introduces:
Structured Model:
next
back
WHAT WE WILL DO: Steps
From Students
Collect SIP Information
Using AI
Organize SIP Information
Brainstorm: Connect Theory to Practice Using SIP as Guide
Using AI
Select & Edit Project Options
Professors & Intructors
Compile & Complete
Professors & Intructors
back
DONE
Collect SIP Information
JUST ASK!
Endless ways to collect SIP:ConversationSurveysPollingFirst Day Introduction (Videos)"Future Self" Reflections
STEPS
Organize SIP Information
Everything starts with a list!
START WITH A LIST
of SIP Responses
Using AI to group by areas of interest
Group SIP ResponSes
AI Prompt (Chat GPT): Could you group these areas of interest?
In this step, it is good to think about the number of groups you create. The more groups, the more project options and the larger the overall size of the project becomes. Think small numbers!
STEPS
Brainstorm
This is where the MAGIC happens!
Connect Theory to Practice Using SIP as Guide
Bring groupings of SIP (digital)
Collect theories used in class (digital)
Upload to AI-ChatGPT
Prompt
AI Prompt (Chat GPT):
STEPS
Select & Edit Project Options
Caredully read & be ready to edit any AI generated information
GO OVER OPTIONS
from AI
SELECT 5-10 prject ideas
Should be same quantity for each group
Revise PROJECT IDEAS AS NEEDED
Compelling ideas start with AI & finish with YOU
STEPS
Compile
Gather, Compile, & Complete Project
InstructionsArtifact, Justification Paper, Explanation Video
Groupings of SIP Projects
Rubric
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
YOU ARE READY TO POST!
DONE
STEPS
Theory becomes practice.
Practice becomes identity.
And identity strengthens learning.
Thank you
STEPS
thank you
References
back
References:
Hidi, S. E., & Renninger, K. A. (2026). The four-phase model of interest development: Addressing individual differences. Learning and Individual Differences, 126, 102865.
Nayyar, P., Young, J. D., & Lewis, S. E. (2026). Exploring the impact of career-relevant reading materials on students’ utility perceptions of chemistry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice.
Nayyar, P., & Lewis, S. E. (2025). Why Am I Learning This? Students Discovering the Usefulness of General Chemistry to Their Career Interests via ChatGPT. Journal of Chemical Education, 102(12), 5409-5415.
back
Example List of SIP Responses:
Example Groupings List of SIP Responses: