My primary teaching interests include Developmental Psychology, focusing closely on middle childhood, and issues relating to promoting positive youth development.
PSY 111 | Introduction to Psychology (online)
PSY 112 | Foundational Experiences in Psychology (online)
PSY 231 | Lifespan Development
PSY 332 | Child Development
PSY 410 | Capstone Seminar in Psychology: Living Through the Lifespan
PSY 435 | Seminar in Developmental Psychology: The Psychology of Play
Research Interests
My research interests center around pedagogical practices and the student outcomes related to differences within the classroom. Currently examining: pedagogical differences in teaching developmental psychology and introduction to psychology. Past research projects include a residential treatment outcome assessment for Reactive Attachment Disorder; examining the connection between social competence and attachment during middle childhood.
Professional Recognition
College of Arts and Science Distinguished Educator, Miami University, 2026
Philip E. Knox Teaching Award Finalist, Miami University, 2026, 2019, 2018
Social Sciences Honors Faculty of the Year, College of Arts and Science, Miami University, 2025, 2024
Psi Chi Psychology Professor of the Year, Miami University, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2011
Top 100 Faculty, Miami University, 2010-2022
Letter of Commendation, Center for Teaching Excellence, Miami University, 2010-2022
Outstanding Professor Award "Top 25" Professor, Miami University, 2019
Distinguished Teaching Award Finalist, Miami University, 2015
Unsung Heroes - Emerging Leader Award, Oxford United Way, 2013
Positive Impact Professor, Office of Second Year Programs, Miami University, 2011
Selected Publications
Spangler Cropenbaker, B.R. (2021). Real life/fantasy dress up clothes and materials. In D. Bergen (Ed.), The ultimate handbook of developmentally appropriate toys (pp. 175-184). Rowman & Littlefield.
Walker, R., Spangler, B.R., Lloyd, E.P., Walker, B.L., Wessels, P.M. & Summerville, A. (2018). Comparing active learning techniques: The effect of clickers and discussion groups on student perceptions and performance. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 34(3), 74-87.
Luebee, A.M., Mancini, K.J., Kiel, E.J., Spangler, B.R., Semlak, J.L., & Fussner, L.M. (2018) Dimensionality of helicopter parents and relations to emotional, decision-making, and academic functioning in emerging adults. Assessment, 25, 841-857.
Spangler, B.R. & Kiel, E.J. (2015). Topical versus chronological organization of lifespan development: Does it make a difference in student retention and understanding? Teaching of Psychology, 42(1), 73-78.
Grace, L., & Spangler, B.R. (2014). The psychology of play: Understanding digital game evolution through developmental psychology. Proceedings from the 90th International Conference of the Foundations of Digital Games, April 2014.
Spangler, B.R. & Kiel, E.J. (2012). Chronological or topical orientations to teaching developmental psychology: Is one approach better for student comprehension? Invited article for Society for Research in Child Development Newsletter, Developments, 55( 1), 7.
Funding
Grants for Improving Students’ Writing Abilities, Miami University, Creating a Comprehensive Plan for Developing Students’ Writing Abilities in the Psychology Department’s Topic and Thematic Sequences, $5000, 2012-2013 (Co-PI with P. Flaspohler, J. Green, Y. Harris, E. Kiel, A. Luebbe, & V. Raval)
