Tom Coster – Psychology

Tag: International Baccalaureate

  • The In Class Practicals

    One of the most exciting features of the new IB Diploma Psychology course is the emphasis on class practicals, which give both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students a chance to engage directly with psychological research methods. These activities are more than just experiments, they are designed to support critical discussion of each research approach, helping students build practical understanding while making connections to real-world contexts.

    Class practicals are embedded into each of the course’s four contexts: Health and Well-being, Learning and Cognition, Human Development, and Human Relationships. Each context is linked with a specific research method:

    • In Health and Well-being: Interview.
    • In Learning and Cognition: Experiment.
    • In Human Development: Observation.
    • In Human Relationships: Survey/Questionnaire.
    Interview

    Each Context in the Subject Guide includes a list of suggested class practicals, but these are examples only and teachers are encouraged to tailor the activities to their own students and their local setting. For instance, under the Health and Well-being context, students could conduct focus group interviews on how peers manage stress, or investigate student perceptions of mindfulness practices after a class activity. Other examples include semi-structured interviews with professionals such as school counsellors or fitness coaches, or interviews exploring links between social media use and self-esteem, or exercise habits and mood.

    Importantly, Tom Coster’s Textbook includes dedicated guidance for the In Class Practicals in each context, helping both teachers and students make the most of these learning opportunities.

    The In Class Practical is not just a learning activity — it is also formally assessed in Paper 2, Section A, where students respond to four structured questions related to one of the 4 Practicals they completed. These questions test students’ understanding of methodology, concepts like bias or ethics, and the ability to design or compare research approaches.

    In short, In Class Practicals bring psychology to life, giving students the opportunity to be researchers themselves and fostering deeper, more critical engagement with the subject.

    Here is a free downloadable document describing how to complete the In-Class Practical for an interview. It includes summary notes that students would use to prepare for Paper 2 Section A.

    Class PracticalDownload

  • Class practicals in the new DP Psychology course – are…

    …a piece of cake!

    The new IBDP Psychology syllabus introduces “Class Practicals” — and understandably, many teachers are expressing some concern. But there’s good news: they’re not as big a deal as they might seem.

    First, students don’t need to each design and carry out four practicals independently. These are class activities, best done together during regular class time or in school, using the 4 research methods to prepare for Paper 1 Section B. The aim is to build understanding of experimental design, data collection, and critical thinking — not to create publishable research.

    Each of the four required Class Practicals aligns with a key method in the syllabus: experiment, observation, interview, and survey/questionnaire. Teachers are encouraged to guide the design and implementation, ensuring all students participate and reflect on the process.

    If you’re looking for support, Tom Coster’s IBDP Psychology: The Textbook is a must-have. It provides clear explanations, guidance, and a ready-to-use example for each practical. With good planning and a collaborative classroom approach, these activities can be both manageable and meaningful.

  • Trust Tom Coster with your DP Psychology teaching

    When it comes to teaching the IB Diploma Psychology course, experience and insight matter.

    With a Master’s degree in Psychology and years of hands-on teaching, Tom Coster brings strong subject knowledge and a deep understanding of how students learn. He’s worked extensively with the IB —as an exam marker, IA moderator, Extended Essay marker, and workshop leader. He knows how to read between the lines of a Subject Guide and translate it into real-world classroom success.

    What does this mean for Psychology teachers? A complete set of affordable, classroom-ready teaching materials designed to help your students succeed—whether in the IA, exams, or the new extended essay.

    The materials are:

    • Perfectly aligned with the new syllabus
    • Available in both print and eBook formats
    • Packed with simple strategies for success
    • Easy to use and built for real classroom conditions

    Tom’s mission is simple: to make high-quality Psychology teaching less stressful for teachers and their students and more effective. And judging by the response from teachers around the world, it’s working.

    Ready to simplify your planning and boost student achievement? See for yourself.

  • Teach the new IBDP Psychology course with total confidence

    The Tom Coster Collection – by a seasoned IB educator (and examiner/moderator and workshop leader), this comprehensive suite of books and teaching materials is purpose-built for the new syllabus. Whether you’re a veteran IB Psychology teacher or delivering it for the first time, this collection truly covers everything you need.

    What’s in the Tom Coster Collection?

    1. IB Diploma Psychology – The Textbook

    The flagship resource, available in print and eBook format from Amazon, this book:

    • Covers every aspect of the new syllabus
    • Includes sections on the examinations and the Internal Assessment
    • Fully aligns with the new concept-based and research-grounded approach

    2. The Complete Set of PowerPoint Presentations

    • Downloadable, editable .ppt files for all syllabus topics
    • Closely aligned with the textbook
    • Covers content and assessments, ready for classroom delivery

    3. Homework Revision Questions

    • A structured set of exam-style writing prompts
    • Can be used throughout the two-year course or as a revision pack
    • Ideal for independent learning or class-based assignments

    4. The Internal Assessment

    • A dedicated book (print/eBook) providing:
      • Detailed breakdown of IA requirements
      • Moderator-level advice
      • 16 high-quality examples of completed IAs

    5. Ten Mock Examinations with Model Answers

    • A full book with:
      • 10 complete practice exams (Papers 1, 2, and HL Paper 3)
      • Model/high-scoring answers for all questions
      • Ideal for assessment practice and benchmarking progress

    6. 70 Multiple Choice Tests

    • 30-question tests across all course topics
    • Designed for quick, comprehensive checks of student understanding
    • Great for determining readiness to move forward in your teaching sequence

    7. The Extended Essay

    • Updated to reflect the revised EE guidelines from September 2025
    • Includes:
      • Step-by-step guidance
      • 100 research question ideas with essay outlines
      • A complete, high-scoring sample EE

    8. Glossary of Psychology Vocabulary

    • Around 1,000 terms, grouped by approach and topic
    • Supports the syllabus’ emphasis on disciplinary literacy
    • A must-have for developing confident, fluent IB Psychology students

    9. 150 Essential Research Studies

    • Brief, focused outlines of 150 key research studies
    • Each outline includes:
      • Core details
      • A critical thinking mini-section
    • Perfect for building student reference banks and evidence-based writing

    10. Success at High School and College

    • A practical guide on how students can thrive academically
    • Covers note-taking, revision strategies, exam technique, and time management
    • Ideal for student onboarding or as a gift at the start of the Diploma

    What sets the Tom Coster Collection apart is that it was clearly created by a teacher (and examiner/moderator, and workshop leader), for teachers. These resources are:

    • 100% tailored to the new IB Psychology syllabus
    • Field-tested, classroom-ready, and immediately usable
    • Designed to make the complex clear, structured, and teachable

    How to Access the Collection

    • Books are available on Amazon in both print and eBook formats.
    • Downloadable materials (like PowerPoints and course outlines) are available from the official website.
    • No subscriptions. No locked platforms. Just tools that work.

    Teaching the new IB Psychology course doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the Tom Coster Collection, you gain not just a set of materials—but a full teaching system designed to support you at every step. So if you’re looking to teach the new syllabus with clarity, confidence, and creativity—this is the collection to have on your shelf and screen.

  • How good is the new internal assessment task for IBDP Psychology?

    As a teacher, I can’t say enough good things about the new Internal Assessment task for IBDP Psychology. Compared to the old model—where students had to work in groups to replicate an experiment, often on dry topics like Stroop effects or eyewitness testimony—the new research proposal format is a breath of fresh air.

    Now, students design a research proposal focused on a problem that actually matters to them and their target population. Whether it’s anxiety about climate change, peer pressure, bullying, or exam stress, students can explore real-world issues that resonate. They aren’t limited to running an experiment; they can propose interviews, surveys, or observations. This opens up creativity and allows for authentic engagement.

    Even better, the proposal can spark ideas for Extended Essays or even CAS projects. It’s so much simpler to teach and support—no logistical nightmares of groupwork or ethics approval for data collection. Students focus on designing ethical, methodologically sound research rather than scrambling to collect questionable data.

    In short, the new IA puts the emphasis on thinking like a psychologist, not just ticking boxes. It’s purposeful, meaningful, and a whole lot less stressful for everyone involved!

    If you’re looking for a guide to help you and your students navigate the new IA process with clarity and confidence, Tom Coster’s The Internal Assessment is essential reading. This comprehensive, step-by-step resource demystifies every stage of the IA, offers practical strategies for every research method, and includes twenty high-scoring sample proposals to inspire and guide. Say goodbye to IA stress—this book has you covered!

  • Powerpoints for the whole IBDP Psychology course

    We’re receiving very positive feedback for our comprehensive PowerPoint slides, covering the entire course, including the internal assessment and examinations. Designed to be 100% editable, teachers can add, delete, or modify slides to fit their teaching style and students’ needs.

    At just $50 for the complete set, these slides are not only a huge time-saver but also exceptional value for money. Streamline your lesson planning and deliver engaging, structured lessons with ease.

  • IBDP Psychology and peace negotiations

    Understanding conflict is important for peace in Ukraine. Two elements of the IBDP Psychology course would help both Ukraine and Russia achieve peace – if that’s what they want.

    Peace tnrough IBDP Psychology

    If peace is the goal, Sherif et al. (1957)’s The Robbers Cave Study and Henri Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory offer hope.

    In the Robbers Cave Study, Sherif divided teenage boys at a summer camp into two competing groups. Initially, they bonded in their own groups. When competition was introduced, hostility erupted between the groups. Tbe conflict was resolved when the boys were given superordinate goals – to fix a leaking water tank. Working together, the mete act of required cooperation against a shared problem, turned the rival groups into allies.

    Henri Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory (SIT) explains how people categorize themselves into groups, leading to an “us vs. them” state – emphasis on the ‘versus’. The perceived difference triggers conflict. But SIT also shows that group identities can be reshaped. When people see themselves as part of a larger, inclusive group, intergroup conflict decreases, cooperation is possible and peace between previously warring groups can occur.

    Applying this knowledge about human behavior can lead to peace in Ukraine and Russia. It’s about creating shared goals and identities. The Orthodox church leaders in Russia and Ukraine could play a role here. Instead of reinforcing divisions, the church leaders could highlight common interests: we are more alike than different. Economic leaders such as the IMF could show that both countries, working together through a Free Trade Agreement could achieve economic growth and, more importantly, economic development.

    Of course, this presupposes that both Ukraine and Russia want peace.

  • Success at high school or college – practical, ‘how to succeed’ advice

    Success in high school or college isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about using the right strategies to maximize your learning. Success at high school or college is your step-by-step guide to thriving in education, whether you’re aiming for top grades or simply want to get the most out of your studies.

    Packed with practical advice, this book covers everything from attending every class and participating actively to mastering time management and building strong relationships with teachers. Each chapter provides actionable tips to help you stay motivated, organized, and confident in your academic journey.

    Whether you’re struggling to keep up or looking to reach new heights, this book gives you the tools to take control of your education—and your future. Don’t leave success to chance—start building the habits that will set you apart today!

  • The Textbook and the book of 10 Mock Examinations

    If you’re looking for a clear, concise, and affordable IB Psychology textbook, IBDP Psychology – The Textbook is the perfect choice. It features a plain and simple layout, straightforward language, and excellent value compared to big corporate publishers. Available in print and eBook formats, it’s an essential resource for both students and teachers.

    But that’s not all—there’s also a set of TEN mock exams (Papers 1, 2, and 3 for SL and HL), each with complete, high-scoring model answers to help students master exam technique.

    And have you seen the COMPLETE set of PowerPoint presentations? They cover the entire course and they’re fully editable, so you can customize them to suit your own preference.

  • Sleep – the overlooked health treatment

    Sleep – the overlooked health treatment

    As psychology teachers, we’re often at the front and centre of mental health discussions – with students and also with colleagues. We teach our students about the biological, cognitive, and social explanations of disorders, the effectiveness of SSRIs, and the transformative power of CBT. And yet, one of the simplest and most effective interventions remains woefully underemphasized: adequate sleep.

    There is a mountain of credible, published research highlighting just how significant sleep is to emotional regulation. We have compelling evidence showing that poor sleep isn’t just a symptom of anxiety or depression, it is often the primary cause.

    The relationship between sleep and mental health is bidirectional, creating a vicious cycle: insufficient sleep heightens emotional reactivity, disrupts rational thought processes, and increases vulnerability to stress, making individuals more prone to anxiety and depression.

    One night of sleep deprivation leads to a significant spike in anxiety and low mood the following morning. Chronic, ie longer term, sleeplessness makes everyday events feel more negative, reinforcing a bleak outlook on life. Research shows that individuals suffering from insomnia are at twice the risk of developing anxiety or depression compared to those who sleep well.

    The evidence is compelling. Sleep deprivation impairs the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s emotional regulator, weakening its connection to the amygdala, which governs fear and emotional responses. This disruption makes individuals more emotionally volatile, prone to misperceiving neutral events as negative, and more likely to spiral into stress and mood disorders.

    As educators, we must recognize the immense potential of sleep education as a preventative mental health strategy. A CAS project that focuses on sleep awareness could help students (and colleagues) track their sleep, analyze its effects on mood and cognitive function, and share findings with peers.

    Getting sufficient sleep is not about school starting later or school providing quiet spaces for rest. It’s about teaching students, their parents, and colleagues that the simplest treatment (and prevention) strategy relating to the most common mental health issues of anxiety and depression is getting sufficient sleep. In general we all need 8-9 hours of sleep, so we must go to bed more than 8-9 hours before the required wake-up time because we need about half an hour to ‘fall asleep’. We all need to be in bed, light off and phone off around half an hour before the sleep time.

    Ultimately, if there is one piece of mental health advice we can give our students—and even our colleagues—it is this: Prioritize sleep because it is the foundation of emotional resilience, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

    I seldom see anxious cats.