McMaster's Joe Kim marks 100,000 students taught through MacIntroPsych's engaging large-course design
Joe Kim at McMaster will reach his 100,000th student by semester end through MacIntroPsych (PSYCH 1X03, PSYCH 1XX3). The courses use interactive web modules, TED-style lectures and tutorials capped at 25 students; attendance remains above 90%.
Over two decades, Professor Joe Kim (Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour) has taught more than 100,000 students — roughly 6,000 annually — in Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PSYCH 1X03) and Foundations of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PSYCH 1XX3). MacIntroPsych blends scripted interactive web modules, in-person lectures focused on demonstrations and applications, and weekly tutorials capped at 25 students. The program provides extensive TA training, including a course on the science of teaching; evidence-based design and continuous improvement have sustained high engagement and attendance rates exceeding 90% in very large cohorts.