Aguascalientes, Ags. October 2, 2024.- The School of Pedagogy and Psychology of the Panamerican University of Panamericana campus Aguascalientes, is in full development of a project that will help the formation of its students: the construction of psychology laboratories. These laboratories represent a significant step in the consolidation of academic and professional excellence that characterizes the university.
A space for clinical practice and advanced research
The construction of these laboratories responds to a fundamental need in the training of future psychologists: supervised practice in an environment that simulates and reproduces real clinical and research scenarios. "The opening of these laboratories responds to the need for psychologists to have practice in neuroscience and other key areas of their training," explains Alejandro de los Reyes Moreno, director of the Psychology program at UP. The laboratories will be equipped with advanced technology, including anatomical models and virtual and augmented reality tools, which will allow students to explore the functioning of the brain and nervous system in depth.
In addition, there will be a Gessel camera, which will facilitate the observation of interviews and therapy sessions in real time, allowing students to learn directly from the practice supervised by experienced clinical psychologists. These facilities will also allow for interview simulations in different settings, such as business, clinical and educational, making it a more holistic experience and facilities used by other majors.
Comprehensive clinical skills development
The new laboratories are designed for students of Psychology, Pedagogy and Psychopedagogy to develop key competencies in their training. Activities will include the application of psychological and neuropsychological instruments, conducting simulated and real interviews, and supervising clinical cases with their professors. They will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in simulated therapeutic interventions, all under the supervision of qualified professionals.
These facilities will allow students to develop both technical skills, hard skills, and interpersonal competencies, soft skills, essential for their professional future. "There is nothing like having our own clinical laboratory, where our students can practice in a controlled and safe environment, thus complementing the practices they perform in other professional contexts," says Alejandro.
The impact of these laboratories is expected to go beyond the university classrooms. In a second stage, it is envisioned that these spaces will also serve for the psychological care of the university community and their families, with the possibility of extending these services to the community at large. This clinic/school will be a place where students will not only practice, but also actively contribute to the welfare of society. Their knowledge will be grounded in a real context.
It is not only about providing a space for practice, but also about creating an environment where theory and practice are integrated in a coherent way, preparing students to face real-world challenges with confidence and professionalism.
