Welcome! As a full-time psychology instructor here at COM, I teach a variety of psychology courses. I am passionate about psychology! It has a lot to teach us about leading fuller, happier, and more successful lives. My special interests include evidence-based methods of teaching and learning; discoveries and applications of neuroscience; and research in general.
I have a B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York at Potsdam, and an M.A. in Psychological Research from San Francisco State. I also have a Community College Teaching Certificate from CSU at Dominguez Hills, and a Professional Certificate in Online Teaching from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I am proud to say that I also earned a Certificate of Accomplishment in Spanish from San Francisco State.
When I am not teaching or reading about psychology, I like to hike, read fiction, watch movies and make sporadic attempts to actually stick to my exercise program.
Online Learning Courses
PSY 110 – Introduction to Psychology
Tips for Success in My Online Courses
Here’s how to succeed in my online courses:
- Expect a lot of reading. Much of the information (instructions, answers to questions, feedback, etc.) that is orally communicated in on-campus classes is provided in written form online. You’ll also be reading the textbook, and reading and responding to other student’s posts.
- Login frequently. We will move through the material together as a class on a week-by-week basis. Different assignments and activities will be due on different days of the week. You will need to login at least 3-4 times a week. Plan on spending at least 3 hours a week on the class website and another 2 hours of study time for each hour spent online. That’s a grand total of about 9 hours per week. Budget your time accordingly.
- Meet the deadlines. There will be different deadlines spread throughout the week. Stay on top of the work and meet each deadline. Know that I rarely accept late submissions.
- Follow instructions. I provide clear instructions on every aspect of the course, from homework assignments to how to earn extra credit. Carefully read and follow all instructions, and you will do well in this course!
- “Talk” to me! When you have questions about the course or the material, or if you are having issues that affect your performance in the course – tell me. If it’s a general question, post it in the class Q & A Discussion. Otherwise, send me a personal message in Canvas, or email me at RMcCoy@marin.edu.
- Have fun! My online courses are an opportunity for you to learn interesting things and to interact with a diverse group of students, many of whom you might never meet offline. Participate, network and enjoy yourself!
Additional Information
I am a Safe Space ally, which means that I help to provide support and a safe environment for LGBTQ folks at COM. Read more about the Safe Space program at COM.
