Jaye Van Kirk - San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, CA

Professor: Jaye Van Kirk

Department: Psychology

College: San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PSYC137
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Come to class with an open mind & prepare to learn about Human Sexuality. Lectures rely on student participation. Van Kirk plays devil's advocate in order for you to think outside of the box, and consider a world from a different perspective. She won't hold your hand--read the book, syllabus and have work ready to turn in without reminders.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PSY260
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Had her for Pys 260 and she taught a very clear, science based view on some very socially volatile subjects. Fascinating class! Not an entertainer but a brilliant research scholar with education and critical thinking being her top priorities.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PSY201
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This class is 1 unit and is a pass/ no pass. More homework than my Psy 260 and Psy 211 combined. She changed the due dates that are on the syllabus without notice, we would go up to her after class to ask about the dates for clarity. The guest speakers did not come on the dates stated on the syllabus, that matters b/c responses are for credit.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PSY260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Unorganized. Unclear Powerpoints. Difficult exams. Lets lectures get taken over by irrelevant student questions/discussions and therefore allows less time to discuss important material we will get tested on. Highly recommend doing all the extra credit she offers.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PSY260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Nice prof but you're on your own this class. Good lectures, but most of material is in the text so study the book before she gives out the study guide, bc she only gives that out 5 days in advance. Mult choice exams, with occasional essay questions. EC offered thru sem, you MUST do them if you want to pass. She's knowledgeable but tough

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PSY137
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This professor taught things that from a genuine scientific point of view, should never be taught in a truth based class. Teaching for example that Gender is socially constructed when science proofs that there are biological differences between men and woman which cause gender differences from birth was deceitful and unfair to those who seek truths

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PSY255
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If you want to learn a lot about psychology, opportunities, and how to be a great student, take this Professor. She taught me so much, made me think critically, and exposed me to so many opportunities. If psychology is your passion, you will love this class and the professor. It is a challenging class but you learn a lot about research.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PSY260
• Grade Received: C-
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Her exams are difficult as it was detail and knowledge heavy from text; I struggled more in this class than I did in chemistry201! The highest grades on the midterms were never an A, and majority people received B's and C's. She is however, inspirational and discusses current psychological news. However, I feel like some lecture time is wasted.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PSYC260
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The lecture is straight from the book. Therefore, the tests are too. Not very clear on grading assignments. Also, she has you do a group project which was HORRIBLE. My group sucked and like always when there is a group project, one person ends up doing it. The class was just fine. I was thrilled when it was over though.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PSYCH260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

somewhat okay with lectures. gives you the study guide 4 days before exam. She is very unclear about assignments and pretty much wants you to figure everything out on your own. Not much help here. Take someone else

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PSY260
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Exams are worded in a way that is very confusing, as if she is intentionally trying to be deceptive. Online quizzes (homework) are just as confusing. Expect blank stares and short responses when asking for help or clarification. Changes due dates without warning. Group projects based on graphic design skills. AVOID IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR GPA!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PSYC260
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I like her as a lecturer- she's interesting and intelligent. The problem is that although she clearly wants her students to learn, she doesn't seem to want them to succeed. She'll use any excuse to withdraw points from your score (even if her lack of technical ability is to blame). Many straight A students in my class got their first B from her.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PSY260
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

do NOT EVER TAKE PHI PSY W/ HER! I had her for PSY260 for only two weeks. I emailed her because I could not access the online quizzes and asked if there was a solution. She just told me no in three different ways. The material is tough, & she is passionate, but not helpful. Dropped the class cause she will not help me w/ tech issues or email back.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PSY255
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Tough grader. Not specific about what's expected reading the syllabus is a MUST. If you do ALL the extra credit and pass the test you will do well. She is there to help if you ask.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PSYC260
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

After reading her reviews, I dreaded taking her class. She was 10x better than her reviews. She IS disorganized sometimes, but she's very knowledgeable, tries to make it fun, has a variety of assignments, decent lectures, creates opportunity for discussion, and is encouraging. She's not super warm but she makes up for it in other areas.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PSYC260
• Grade Received: D
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This class is hard, period. Lectures aren't 100% related to exams. Take all the extra credit you can get. Prides herself in not ever giving any A's in her class. Seems like you have to be a A student to even understand her class. UGH!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: 260
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Seriously disorganized and unclear. Explains things that don't need to be explained, doesn't explain things that do. Boring lectures (can you call them lectures when one hour out of the hour and a half class is wasted?) Won't remind when assignments are due but needs reminding of things herself.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: 260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This professor is brilliant! she knows a great deal about what she teaches and makes the class very interesting. I had taken this class with another teacher and had to drop it. The material is hard, so don't hate the teacher for it. a bit disorganized, but overall amazing in teaching. loved her lectures. do all the extra credits! you'll need them!

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PSYCH260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Great class discussions, passionate about psych, class is very interesting. Her PP's are useless and its hard to take notes in class cause she is a little unorganized. Must read the book + use study guide. Tests are hard. DO EVERY EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT, it really helps, they're easy and help you study the material. Work hard and have fun.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PSYC260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

horrible teacher! the powerpoints are useless actually she doesn't even provide them for students, she is very disorganized. Don't know what the heck she is doing. DONT TAKE THE CLASS!!!