Teaching community psychology: A problem-solving approach

During the apartheid era in South Africa, Psychology sewed mainly the privileged members of society. One way of reaching more people in need is to focus on community psychology. In this article, we describe a course in community psychology at a university chat still draws many of its students from traditionally conservative White homes. Feedback from students indicated that they found it difficult to apply ecological principles and relate to people from other cultural groups. Therefore, we implemented a problem-solving approach. Students helped in planning and executing community interventions. The students' feelings, perceptions, and relationships changed; they gained a greater awareness of cultural differences; and they were able to integrate theory and practice.