Thiel College Psychology Professor wins conference award for classroom and quiz research

Posted January 8, 2019Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Assistant Professor of Psychology Kristel M. Gallagher, Ph.D., earned national recognition recently for her classroom-based research.

Gallagher’s research—one of over 100 presentations made at the 41st Annual National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology—was awarded the Frank Costin Memorial Award for Excellence for the research judged by the Institute faculty as best promoting quality teaching methods. Gallagher presented her work at the four-day event in St. Pete Beach, Fla. from Jan. 3-6. The Institute is the premier national venue to present work on the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Gallagher’s presentation, “Using ‘Make & Take Quizzes’ to Win the Triple Crown of Teaching – A Simple Strategy to Encourage Spaced Practice, Retrieval Practice, and Elaboration,” reported on the success of an innovative in-class quizzing strategy she developed and began testing in the fall of 2016 at Thiel. In her research, Gallagher showed how students who participated in the ‘Make & Take Quizzes’ had significant improvements in course outcomes, such as higher exam grades and better study habits.

Gallagher plans to publish her research in an empirical journal in the year ahead, while also continuing her research in the classroom.

Related Link

Related Stories

Office of Admission


About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435