PSYC 2700

Really frustrated and disappointed with the way the grading was handled in this class. Professor Lillard decided to try "specifications based grading" for this class with her argument for it being that a test grade isn't representative of someone's knowledge because it can be influenced by many extraneous factors. Unfortunately, her new method of specifications based grading basically tested students on how well they were able to sift through thousands of essay comments on collab to keep track of how many they had done, as well as calculate their own iclicker score. It also meant that you could score perfectly in every category except one, and the one you messed up on became your grade for the entire course. The entire system was incredibly confusing and ambiguous, and then she complained about how many emails she received asking for clarification, or expressing confusion and discontent with their grade. A large number of students ended with grades they were very unsatisfied with and didn't feel like represented the effort they put into the class or the knowledge they had about child psych.

I never missed class, did the readings and took notes on them, submitted every essay, ended with a 100% on iclickers, and did the final project that was required to receive the "A package". I ended with a C+ because I miscounted how many students' essays I had commented on in collab.

Overall class was interesting but do not take it if she does this type of grading (and it is not a requirement for your major). It is not worth the stress and confusion.

Lillard is kind of crazy... witnessed her take phones out of 2 students hands on separate occasions and the "make an example out of them" by calling them out in front of around 250 students. She also is very strict on coming to class so you can't miss. My class did specification grading which was great because the amount of work you do=your grade. SO much reading though and yes you have to do it.

I am a bit confused by all of the negative reviews of Professor Lillard on here. Overall, the specifications grading system is great because you literally know exactly what you have to do to get the grade you want. It definitely requires a bit more organization to make sure you have completed everything, but if you complete all of the assignments (which are pass/fail) then you can end with an A. While the lectures can feel a bit long at times, I found the material to be quite interesting. Most of the complaints are about the no technology policy, which is definitely annoying but overall not a big deal; she just doesn't want people on their phones during lecture. Another complaint was about her condescending tone? I never noticed one; she is definitely accomplished in her field and knows what she's talking about, so it could maybe be misconstrued. Overall, I thought it was awesome to have a professor that is so well known in the psychology research world, and would definitely take a class with her again.

This class covers really interesting material, and I liked not having to worry about testing since the grades for this class are primarily essay based. Lillard though is kind of eccentric, and I wasn't a huge fan of the iClicker questions for each class because some of the ones for the reading were very specific.

I am going to be honest. Professor Lillard is not truly the person she pretends to be in front of lecture. I approached her with a problem I had been having concerning one of the main grades in the class and she completely shut me down and made me feel dumb for even approaching her. She humiliates her students in front of lecture if she asks them a question and they don't know the answer. She pretends to be a kind, motherly figure (probably because she is teaching about kids) but she isn't that person when you talk to her face to face (unless you're one of her favorites, and she makes it pretty clear who is). I know I am not the only person who felt this way, and a lot of people in the class had issues with the specifications grading she implemented. Basically, to get an A (or any other grade) in the class, you have to meet all the requirements (# of essays/outlines submitted on time, iClicker points, comments on peer essays, etc). If you have tech difficulties with iClicker, forget that the peer comments only count if the students are in your TA group, or anything else, you will get the grade that matches that one category you messed up in. You could have an A in all categories except one that you may have a B/C/D in, and you would get the B/C/D grade as your overall class grade. This grading system makes it easy for students who have a lot of time on their hands to keep track of things like this, but for others who have more limited time or are maybe not even aware of these small details, it is just unfair. In truth, I liked the content of the class, but Professor Lillard discouraged me from wanting to go to class or befriend her.

AWESOME! I loved Professor Lillard so much because she is so kind and her passion for child psych clearly shows in her lectures. Some people hate her, but I don't know why. She is strict on her grading and hates phones in class, but as long as you stay on top of your work and pay attention (or at least look like it) the class is really fun. I learned so much and wish I could take it again

GRADING: She runs a specifications/category grading, essentially meaning every assignment is pass/fail and you need to pass a certain number of assignments in each category to earn an A vs. B vs. C vs. D vs. F....its really not that hard as long as you stay on top of it

I hate to be so negative but do not take this course. It was so upsetting because the content was exciting, but AL is a poor professor. She is not very kind and not understanding. The upside is the course has to be tested, but it comes at a cost. You have daily class quizzes which are very specific and detail-oriented. I am an A student in the class aside from these quizzes, which will cause me to be a C student. You have to write one 400-500 word essay per week and a one-page outline for the readings every week. The outlines are super manageable, but the essays are time-consuming. I would have rather had exams because at least I would know I had some control over my grade. I do not recommend it. Attendance is not taken, but if you miss a class, if will effect your grade. She is also mean.

I was so excited to take this class, however, Professor Lillard proved my enthusiasm to be misguided. She belittles you for asking questions, makes quiz questions super hard, you have to write your notes by hand for the whole class time, and she doesn't provide the class slide shows because they have the "answers" to the quizzes on them. Basically, if you miss 1 minute work of lecture or 1 phrase that she said during lecture, then you will most likely get a quiz question wrong. You have to get 4/5 questions correct to pass a quiz, so this might put into perspective how much you have to keep up with her talking in lectures. Your hand will hurt so bad, and she might take your phone if she sees it out. 0/10 would recommend this class, especially if you like psychology because she will make you despise it.

This was one of my first psychology classes at UVA, but I thought it was a great class. Dr. Lillard uses specifications grading, so you must meet certain requirements for each grade bundle, A having the most requirements. Each week there were two assignments. The first one was to write an outline for the textbook readings, but it had very specific requirements to meet specifications. The second one was to write an essay about anything from the lectures or readings for that week that you enjoyed or would like to learn more about. If you did all the essays and outlines along with other assignments throughout the semester you were guaranteed to get an A. I enjoyed her lectures as well and she even brought babies in sometimes and did some of the experiments we would learn about with them. She is very strict about electronics, but other than that the class was great. #tCFS24

Take this class with the other professor. Professor Lillard uses specifications grading. This is something I normally enjoy, but the specifications in this class are tedious and punish students for things that have nothing to do with the material. You can fail an otherwise perfect essay (as described by the TA) for forgetting to write down the word count! On top of this the specifications, examples, and the TA contradicted each other making it difficult to make sure you are meeting the right requirements. It is not a difficult class, but it is difficult to do well if you have ADHD or are forgetful in anyway.

I understand that it can be annoying to answer repetitive emails but the amount of times she complained about email "abuse" communicated that she just does not like to do her job. She was generally condescending about class rules, using studies with small sample sizes or lack a control group to prove that her way is correct. If you do not fill out the course evaluation you are capped at a C in the course regardless of your performance throughout the semester.

She has a level of racial insensitivity that made some lectures uncomfortable. At one point she showed a white child surrounded by toys as an example of over-stimulation, and then a collage of babies of color to represent neglected children. I don't think this was purposeful on her part, but it did made me uncomfortable.

Overall, it is possible to do well in this class, but it is worth the wait for the other professor!

#tCFF23