PSYC BC3465

3.5 hours in the toddler center per week. A few readings per week, very interesting. 3, 3-page reading responses per semester. Observations of the children every week (fun to write!) End of term paper each semester. Spring research project. All worth it, all rewarding.

Amazing experience all around. I really disagree with some of the earlier reviews! They are quite old, so I think that Professor Klein has perhaps reworked some aspects of the class. I will say that there is a good amount of work that needs to be done throughout the year, and it would be amazing if the class could count for more than 4 credits/semester, but you learn SO MUCH that you just could not learn in a lecture or non-fieldwork seminar. The children are awesome, Jenna Bloom the head teacher is awesome, and Professor Klein is amazing. You will never want to disappoint her, which is a great motivator. Not in a scary way - she is incredibly supportive and thoughtful and knows each and every student so well. It's simply impossible not to walk away from this class with a new perspective and appreciation for children, and one you just can't explain to your friends! The workload can get heavy toward the end, but I think that since you automatically pick up on so much, it's easy and since you're invested in the material because of the kids, you know how to apply it. Worth it, just make sure you're committed.

Heavy. Ungraded, 1-page assignments throughout first semester, 3 or more large papers and projects in the second semester.

Along the lines of some of the most recent reviews, there as some incredible assets to this class (getting the chance to work longitudinally with the toddlers in the Center), but they are tempered by its deficiencies. Yes, the workload is formidable, and the pressure only increases as the year goes on. However, my struggles were with the actual design of the seminar, the way that our experience as students was framed, and the behavior of Professor Klein herself. The seminar generally consisted of a discussion of the assigned lit, followed by an activity. In virtually every class, we were told to break into small groups and draw up a diagram of a developmental paradigm (for example: "attachment"). We were then told that, no matter what we were able to come up with, a diagram could never encompass the complexities of the topic at hand. At first, the exercise was interesting, but it became redundant - and therefore pointless - very quickly. Regarding how we were treated as students by both the Center staff and Professor Klein, we were regularly told to leave our perfectionist academic ideals at the door. I recognize that grades make the majority of us anxious, but this message was conveyed to us so often, that it started to feel highly condescending. What's more, Professor Klein prefaced many of the comments she made in seminar with "when you are mothers." While I certainly wish…

Weekly Observation/Reflection, 1 Group Seminar Presentation, 1 Group Research Paper, 2 Observation Papers, 1 Classroom Activity+ 2 pg. Paper (with a Partner).

This class is extremely interesting. You learn an unbelievable amount about how to study individuals, and absolutely everything there is about toddlers, quite a bit about the process of being a parent, and also about the intricacies of the child-parent relationship. The teaching component is lots of fun, and very interesting as you work with the toddlers (12 in each class) throughout the entire year and, as a result, you know them on a very individual and personal basis. This is hands down one of the Psychology Department's most valuable classes, and the structure of the Toddler Center is non-traditional and highly respected in the academic realm of early child development. Not to mention that its a very competitive program for toddlers to get into, and is in high demand amongst parents in NYC. While the course-load builds up at the end of 2nd semester, you are forewarned far in advance. Whole class days are devoted to working on Research projects, and you have the support of Prof. Klein, two TAs, the head teachers, and everyone else at the Toddler Center. Also, most of the work is done in groups, which cuts down a LOT on the individual work-load. In contrast to previous reviews, I haven't noticed ANY subjective grading, favoritism, or unpredictable grades. Prof. Klein has high standards across the board for every aspect of this Seminar--which is pretty normal for any Senior S…

I have really mixed feelings about this course. The toddlers are amazing, and the time in the center is incredibly valuable. The seminar, however, is really difficult. The information is interesting, all the people involved with the TC are really experienced and have a million interesting anecdotes, but the workload is extreme. and extremely annoying. first semester isn't bad but second semester is paper after paper after project after project. if you want to go into early childhood ed it will look great on your resume, but if you just want to play with kids i would recommend babysitting. If this class were worth 8 credits a semester, instead of 8 credits a year, i would recommend it highly.

The toddler's are great but the seminar workload is hell. Throughout the semester I kept questioning myself about whether or not it was all worth it. You will end up devoting your entire life to this class. You may put your heart and soul into your work and still not end up with a good grade. Grading is extremely subjective and unpredictable.