subject: Psychology Continuing Education With Informal Sources [print this page] Within the field of psychology, continuing education is an important element to any career. Depending on where you live and what your career is, there may be state requirements as it pertains to renewing your license. These requirements may include amassing credits in various subjects of continual learning. However, continuing to learn throughout your career goes beyond the classroom and it goes beyond collecting credits for license review. If you want to stay on top of your field, staying current in your field is essential. Here are some informal sources that can help you do just that.
Books
Psychology continuing education is easy when you consider the number of new books published each year. Books from both academics and those aiming for the New York Times Bestseller's List are both available, and both types can help you stay current. While the latest findings from Dr. Phil may not help you prepare for your next license review, it is always a good idea to know the state of current pop psychology. But what is more important is to stay well read in the works considered important and progressive in your field.
The Internet
While the vast majority of people use the Internet to check email and browse Facebook, it still remains the undisputed king of information. Don't forget it. Psychology continuing education sources abound online. Tapes seminars, podcasts, blogs, academic journals, and more are all available online and each can offer you something. Find the projects that speak to you and disregard those that don't. Is the internet a perfect source of accurate information? No, but as long as you make source-checking a regular and integral part of your research, you should be fine.
Conversation
There may be no greater learning tool than having conversations with your peers in the field. No matter what you are involved in, talking with others in the field and learning from them (as well as teaching them what you know) is the primary way in which the total knowledge base grows and flourishes. One conversation with a respected colleague could teach you as much information relevant to your own practice as reading a hundred books. If you're the type of person who avoids talking shop when you aren't in the office, you could be missing out on a wonderful opportunity to further your understanding of the field.
Of course, there is no end to informal sources when it comes to psychology continuing education. Find the ones that make the most sense for your life and take advantage of all they have to offer.
