More than 80 students from area schools visited McPherson College on October 26 where they participated in breakout sessions with titles like “Big Head,” “We Are Having a Ball,” and “All Bugged Out.” It was all part of the college’s ninth annual Behavior Mania.
The event is an opportunity for high school teachers to bring junior and senior students to McPherson College and experience activities that bring the behavior sciences to life. Students participate in a variety of activities led by staff and faculty in the college’s behavior science department.
“This event is a great way for the behavioral science department to reach out to high school students and give them a chance to see what college behavioral sciences may be like,” Laura Workman Eells, professor of sociology, said. “While on campus they have the opportunity to meet with students majoring in behavioral sciences who serve as group guides and demonstration assistants. It’s one of the best days of the fall.”
McPherson College Associate Professor of Sociology Ku-Sup Chin led one of the groups called “Twisted Group,” where participants were required to untangle a knot of arms made by their group members without letting go of hands.
“The purpose is to show group dynamics,” Dr. Chin said. “It was fun to watch how the students interact with each other. In each group one or two students would arise as the leaders.”
Students from Salina South, Salina Central, Southeast of Saline, Herington, Kingman, Macksville, Bishop Carroll and Sterling High Schools attended the event.
“It exposes the students to think about behavior sciences in a fun way and helps them see themselves going to college and majoring in it,” Laura Vinduska, math and psychology teacher from Herington, said. “I think being here really opens their eyes to college life and helps them understand that behavior science can be a viable career option.”