Teaching

“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”

- John Cotton Dana -

Teaching Philosophy

As a mentor and an educator of psychology, my primary goals are to: 1) inspire and empower students' curiosity and critical thinking about the social world around them and 2) to create opportunities to develop tangible skills. My research focused, purpose-driven teaching style enables students to leave my classes with real-world skills that will increase their success and happiness.

Teaching & Mentoring Experience

Instructor

Introduction to Psychology Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Summer 2020
Psychological Testing Fall 2019, Summer 2020
Health Psychology Spring 2020
Psychology of Leadership Spring 2020

Graduate Instructor

Social Psychology (face-to-face and online) Summer 2017, Summer 2018
Introduction to Psychology Fall, 2016, Fall 2017
Guest Lectured in Human Sexual Behavior Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018
Co-Taught Social Psychology Spring, 2016
Guest Lectured in Psych and the Brain Spring 2018
Guest Lectured in Abnormal Psychology Fall 2017, Spring 2018

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Health Psychology Spring 2017
Social Psychology Fall 2015
- Planned and guest lectured 3 class periods
Introduction to Psychology Fall 2014, Spring 2015
Human Sexual Behavior Spring 2015, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018
- Planned and guest lectured several class periods
Abnormal Psychology
- Planned and guest lectured as needed Fall 2017, Spring 2018

Evidence of Teaching

Please find below qualitative support of my teaching effectiveness as provided on the anonymous course evaluations.

To the question of “What I liked most about this course:” students replied:

“I am a Senior and the majority of my coursework has been completed online, and this was, hands-down, the best online course I have ever taken. Professor Young had such useful materials and lectures, she was available almost instantly for questions or concerns, she was equitable and constructive in her grading, and her sheer passion for her field shined through in the coursework and made it SO enjoyable. I'm a bit bummed to be graduating and not in need of any more courses offered by Professor Young. I would highly, unreservedly recommend her for many more courses!” 1
“Writing and watching the lectures was really enjoyable! I also loved the clear communication between myself and the instructor. The work was manageable and straight-to-the-point. I never found myself not knowing what to do and the amount of studying really challenged me this semester. If someone were willing to apply themselves, then I would highly recommend this course to anyone.” 1
“I was taught to think differently.” 4
“…all the topics covered in class are relatable to real life situations, making the course even more interesting because you're learning about things you can see in everyday life. I also liked that after the reading material, the instructor clearly described and explained the concepts even further.” 4
“I like having the article assignments throughout the course to help me tie into the course material. It was easier for me to understand and apply the material because it gave scenarios that explained it and it helped for better understanding.” 3
“I really did enjoy the mini papers they made you dig for the information.” 5

To the question of “What I liked most about this instructor:” students replied:

“Knowledgeable on subject and very approachable. Fair grader, when I was docked points on an assignment she explained why.” 2
“Very knowledgably in the subject and clear about the subjects taught in class. She also had the entire classed involved which made the class fun and easier to learn.” 2
“Her enthusiasm. She truly seemed like she cared about the course material and that we understood it. I liked that she expected a lot from us, because when it came to the work, I was happy to oblige.” 4
“Tara always came to class ready to teach and it made me want to come to class eager to learn. Tara is knowledgeable of the topics taught in class and she always explained the content in simpler terms. Her passion for psychology is shown in every class. She always made herself available and she showed that she cared for her students. I would definitely take the class again with Tara as my professor.” 4
“She was young, and taught us like peers, not as students.” 4
“…ability to connect with student on a level that was deeper than most teaches have.” 4