Prof. Lao presents the information in a clear engaging way.

He is a good professor, it's just the class. It's a lot of work. Compared with others professors who teach this class, he is good. Just be prepared to spend a whole weekend working on the papers every 3 weeks. That's the ammount of work it requires, but his test are really really easy, but the papers are a lot, a lot of work, but he can teach!

Very helpful, the course itself is very demanding, but the lectures are very interesting

Prof. Lao is one of the best teachers in Hunter College. he's class is really interesting and easy. Highly recomended.

The class isn't interesting but he's pretty helpful and nice and if you follow his review sheet and use the textbook you'll definitely do well.

hes good

He was so clear and helpful! He tries to make lectures interesting by incorporating many examples and personal experiences. Overall, very intelligent professor and made a difficult class easier :)

Prof. Lao is an intelligent man. He knows his stuff. Very clear during lecture, exams are exactly from review sheet. read the book and you'll do fine.

Interesting topics, and crystal clear

Dr. Lao is fair and straightforward. He's not the easiest grader on your research papers but if you really want to write better, you can achieve this in his course. You will learn in his course. His exams are easy & straight from his review sheet. He may seem tough in the beginning but with hard work, you can do very well.

Very good professor! After this class any psych articles will not be a problem for you. He will teach you how to write good papers. If he will see your progress your grade can be much better. I got an A and very glad that I took hem. At the end of the semester was really sick of this class but really appreciate him later while taking higher psych

Excelent professor!!!! crystal clear in his explanations, if you need help, he can give you a feedback on your papers. Fair grader, he'll reward your efforts. High recomended!!!

not an easy class because of huge amount of writing.Exams are easy based on review sheets. If you participate and show improvment and progerss in your writing you can get an A.

not an easy class because of huge amount of writing.Exams are easy based on review sheets. If you participate and show improvment and progerss in your writing you can get a good grade, easy A if you good with writing.

Basically if you can write well then take him, if not look up another professor. Midterm & Final are the easiest test you will every take. They are straight definitions for the review sheet he gives you. There are 4 big papers and 3 small ones. Getting an A is possible, getting an A+ is possible (I got one).Try hard and make sure he knows you.

This teacher is amazing! I took him 2 years ago and everytime I have to write a research peper I appreciate him a lot! Finally, I know how to write and what professors want to see in my paper. Thanks to his training! Im receiving As in all my papers. Thank you, prof Lao!

The best teacher at Hunter! You will learn a lot in his class. Also, professor Lao is very warm and kind person.

I am actually looking at the notes that I took from his class. He knows a lot about cognition if you're interested in that area. I really appreciated this cognitive development class.

Absolutely phenomenal professor. Extremely brilliant in all topics of psychology, especially cognitive development and parenting. I will continue to take as many classes as possible with Dr. Lao... Take advantage- it's not so often that you get such an intelligent and kind professor at a public institution.

Boring lectures, crazy long papers.

LOVED HIM. His lectures were super interesting and he kept the class engaged. All of his exams were multiple choice and came straight from the study guides. I would definitely recommend his class and will take again if I can! PLUS he is EXTREMELY knowledgable about psychology.

Prof. Lao, is an awesome teacher, encourages participation, gives good feedback, extremely knowledgable about Cognitive Psychology, and very respectful, always willing to work with the student.

For a night class, Prof Lao's lectured jerked me awake. He has that much of an effect on students. Take him if you want to be encouraged to think critically about psychology. His tests are easy, but you'll want to work extra hard on his papers to impress him. Very admirable and funny!

Amazing class. This will most likely be your first opportunity to design and run "real" psychological experiments. There is a lot of writing; however, Prof. Lao spends a whole class giving you a template for your reports. Write as straightforward as possible in APA format and you will do well in this class. There are plenty of tutors available.

I took Lao's Cognitive Development class at Teachers College, Columbia University (graduate level). I was always intrigued by his lectures and the way he framed concepts with examples. I found some of the readings irrelevant to the content discussed in class. Still, he was a great lecturer, very approachable, and genuinely interested in teaching.

I was in his summer class and it was a breeze. As long as you show up every day and take good notes, you'll barely need to study for the tests (which are based mostly off of the list of terms that he posts beforehand). He's extremely knowledgeable and really chill; definitely recommend him for the lower level psych courses.

Dr. Joseph Lao is a well regarded Psychologist with a plethora of experience and keen insight. He guides you with each paper so it becomes easier. The exams are based of off lecture KEY TERMS. Attendance is important. Dr. Lao meets with every student at last once per semester. Always professional, kind, and patient. Do not hesitate a must take!

Honestly if you work hard and listen to what Prof. Lao says in class you are solid. He is so nice and accommodating. I have never met someone so genuinely nice in all my classes at Hunter. There is so much feedback which is amazing. The TA is very dedicated and excited to help in anyway possible. If you sit in front and pay attention you are at A+.

Joseph Lao is a very well-rounded Professor. He is a Senior Lecturer with a lot of experience. I am not blaming him for my grade. Extremely fair and straightforward. He answers all questions and welcomes any question. He is approachable and nice to be around. He may seem intimidating but has a big heart. Read, study the APA manual and key terms A

Dr. Lao is a nice person. Although he mentions Columbia University everyone other word he cares about his students. He treats everyone equally and gives great feedback. He meets with everyone to discuss progress. If you ask questions they will be answered thoroughly. I loved being in his class. It was manageable with opportunities to shine.

Just took his class in the Summer 2017. Very educated and conveys material fluently. He has a lot of knowledge and explains concepts through specific examples. Accepts any and all questions. Willing to work with students and accommodate if necessary. It was a pleasure. He is teaching PSCYH 330, 328, and 313 next semester. I cannot wait.............

While at times Lao may seem a little intimidating and really too professional, he is an amazing, respected teacher filled with knowledge. His lectures simplify the textbook greatly and his personal stories got me through the 3 hr. class in the summer. Gives a boat load of extra credit, grades papers fairly, and exams are sooooooo easy.

Dr. Joseph Lao Ph.D. is a kind hearted person. Always willing to answer questions and give feedback. The class is not necessarily tough but requires a lot of hard work and dedication. If you have great writing skills it is easier. There is always room for improvement. Midterm and final are all key terms so make sure to take good notes!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Lao is the best. He meets everyone individually to discuss progress. I think he is the best there is and was and ever will be. The TA is very helpful and loves to meet. He is very patient and cares about everyone. Looks scary but is a gem. Grading is manageable. Midterm and final are simple but copy definitions from class. MUST TAKE AT HUNTER!

Lao is the man! He was so clear and helpful! He tries to make lectures interesting by incorporating many examples and personal experiences. Overall, very intelligent professor and made a difficult class much easier :) A must take! You will not regret! PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO TAKE!

Simply put a must take and the best. He clearly explains everything. He looks very scary but is so nice and cute. He gives 2 exams, 4 papers,

Interesting man

Dr. Lao has a genuine concern for students & it shows. His lectures are super interesting & hes a great guy. Although your grade is only based on 2 grades, he gives you key terms to focus on & is easily accessible outside of class with help on the papers. I really enjoyed this class and the way he presented the material. One of the best at Hunter

Took him for the winter H Dev course. He is very knowledgable and his lectures are interesting so I had no problem sitting through a 3 hour lecture. He gave 2 tests, which were just based on knowing the definitions of key terms, which he posted on bb. If you pay attn in class and read the textbook on key topics, you're good

Dr. Lao is a real gem. He is a top-notch lecturer, and Hunter is so lucky to have him. Expect the same level of quality that you would get at Columbia, where he got his degree. Very inspiring, you'll learn so much by coming to class and reading. He shares great stories which helps to illustrate the concepts. I'd definitely take him again!

He comes across a little stiff, but he is truly a wonderful Professor! Highly recommend.

Professor Lao is one in a million. Words cannot do justice to how amazing he is. The way he discusses Psychology is on another level. I enjoyed every minute of his class. He makes real world connections and that's where you truly learn. I took PSYCH 250 in the summer with him and he made it joyous. 5 papers, but he gave us all (continue next)

the time we needed to work on our papers. The experiments were worked on as groups, but the paper must be your own work. EC too! He's generous with grading and wants you to get an A. Most students did get an A. His classes are as good as it can get. He offers so much insight on Psychology and advice. He is incredibly successful & humble. Take him!

Took Professor Lao as a winter course and he is an amazing professor. Take him! In his lectures, he provides many examples to help better understand the material. There was the midterm, a second exam, and a final. Lowest gets dropped. He provided a list of key terms before the exam, which really helped.

One of the best professors I have ever had with the most engaging lectures. I rarely feel so interested and it was refreshing to take a course that keeps you inspired about psychology. Also, I feel that he brings a lot of clarity on theories and points that could seem overwhelming and he genuinely cares that his students understand the material.

Professor Lao is the golden standard of Psychology.

Lao is one of the best professors at Hunter. This is a hard class that requires a lot of writing and research. The papers make up most of the grade and are the hardest part of the class. They get easier every time but still take a LONG time. Nonetheless, Lao is incredibly helpful in the research and writing process and is truly inspirational.

The best professor I have ever had and one of the most intriguing speakers too. His lectures made me excited to go to class each day and love to learn. If you attend Hunter, I highly recommend you take one of his classes as we as students are blessed to have him grace us with his knowledge. 100000% take this class

This man is the most inspirational man you will ever meet. Hunter is lucky to have him. Prof. Lao is a walking textbook. Every lecture is captivating, insightful and engaging. Every lesson is coherent and concise. He is a master at what he teaches. 2 exams and 1 paper, top two is your final grade. Do yourself a favor and take him. Best PSY Prof!

This was a 8:25PM to 9:45PM class, but Professor Lao is so amazing that he made me want to attend class. I never felt more excited about learning. His brilliance shines through every class. Intelligent, passionate, thoughtful, bordering upon brilliance. Even a genius. I cannot speak more highly of a professor! Show up and relish the experience.

Prof. Lao was the best prof I had during my time at Hunter. I took this class in the summer. It was a bit stressful to write a paper a week, but Prof. Lao made the class so enjoyable and fun. He is kind, caring, intelligent, taught us exactly how to write a good research paper, gave precise feedback, and his exams were easy. The only A+ I ever got.

Prof. Lao does an amazing job and really cares all of his students. He spends time to clarify any concept/ theory you do not understand. I usually don't enjoy going to morning classes but his ability to teach makes waking up early and going to class worth it. He will make you laugh and enjoy your time! Very knowledgeable in the field of psychology.

Professor Lao is great and you will get to learn a lot from him.

What I love about Professor Lao is how he illustrates each topic with examples from his life experiences. He has a wonderful way of engaging his students and that is why his lectures are so phenomenal. He doesn't just want you to learn about Psychology, but encourages you to make real world connections. And that is the highest form of learning.

Hes the absolute best, we had to write 8 one page papers throughout the semester based on topics discussed in class or the textbook. He graded them all pass/fail so if you answered the question you had full credit. His lectures are engaging and he tries to connect our world with the lectures to keep engagement up. He is super nice and very smart

Professor Lao is a wealth of information and is deeply compassionate toward his students. Taking 250 over the Summer is, by default, a challenge. But, he provides clear and useful feedback on papers, so that each subsequent paper you compose is better than the last. I am very glad that I was able to have Lao guide me through this rigorous course.

Dr. Lao is one of the best professors in the psych department at Hunter. He has a very clear grading policy and the assignments aren't overwhelming at all -- just a few papers. He also includes some pretty interesting stories into his lectures. He teaches a pretty wide variety of classes, so definitely take him if you have the chance!

This is the best PSYCH Professor so far on Hunter, classes where really excited, never skipped a class, bc of COVID we started doing Zoom and it still was interesting. We did papers on every topic, just a page with specific questions, nothing really hard. Professor Lao always had very interesting and gives really good feedbacks.

He drops the lowest test score so you could do well on the first two tests and not even need to take the final! He only grades on the midterm, second test, and final. His lectures are so intriguing and he always has a story to tell! Very kind and passionate

Professor Lao is the best!! He's so kind and very passionate about the work he does. He gives a list f key terms before the exams and the exams are very straightforward. Take him, he's awesome! He drops the lowest exam grade.

Professor Lao is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his work. His lectures were entertaining and his tests are straight-forward. Professor Lao only has three tests and drops the lowest. He gives a whole list of key terms for his tests but you are good as long as you study them.

Dr Lao is a great professor. His lectures are amazing and he really enjoys teaching. He likes when you ask questions because that is what he is there for to answer them and clarify. Take him!

Professor Lao is amazing!! I was hesitant to take him art first, but don't regret it at all! He's very easygoing and passionate about his work. He is always willing to help students and makes sure they understand concepts. He drops the lowest test score too. Take him, he's fantastic!

He is full of knowledge and his classes were always so informational. For this sem, he didn't have us write papers. You need to be ready to take notes and pay attention during class cus he doesn't have slides. There are test definitions he gives out based on his lectures which makes tests simple enough.

The class was graded by 3 exams. They were all based on his lectures. Although he just lectures without powerpoints or slides, he gives all the definitions that are needed for the test so it is fairly straightforward. He drops your lowest grade as well. Take him!

Professor Lao is one of the best professors I've had so far at Hunter. We have 3 tests, one gets dropped, and are given key terms for the exam. If you study these key terms you will get at least an A.

He is an amazing professor. Attending lectures is a must however he makes it very interesting, easy to understand and fun. He is really fun and cool once you get to know him. Forget about the textbook, attend his lectures, take notes and most importantly study the key terms like it's the Holy Bible and you will ace his exams.

Professor Lao's lectures are entertaining even without powerpoints. His classes are engaging and enlightening, you'll find it hard NOT to focus. Study your key terms and you'll do great. Also the lowest exam grade is dropped, you absolutely won't regret taking this course.

Super easy and fun class. Just show up to his lectures and read the key terms.

Professor Lao does not have PowerPoints or any on-screen notes that you could copy and write down, but his lectures don't really need them, because they are truly a gem. I took him for human development during the winter semester; just pay attention to the key terms and you should be fine. 100% would take the class again.

BESSSSST Prof ever super understanding and lenant. He is super sweet 3 exams 2 count 1 is dropped all you have to do is study the key terms and you are literally golden

Prof. Lao was really chill and his class was very interesting. Just study his key terms are you are bound to get an A.

amazing professor. learned so much. grade based on midterm, final and final paper. lowest grade gets dropped. midterm and final are exact copies of the key terms (study them and you'll be fine). easy A. no powerpoints, he just speaks. textbook not necessary. you wont regret taking him.

Literally, so chill and understanding. The class is only graded on 3 exams which 1 is dropped. He also provides a study guide. All you gotta do is show up study the key terms and it will literally be a breeze I have no regrets!

The only homework is reading the textbook, which can be found online. He goes over the textbook in class with a few key points he puts on a word doc. We get online quiz every so often. The quizzes are very simple based on the textbook questions and the key points. No mid-term, but there is a final exam. There is also a research requirement.

Prof. Lao has a psych 100 class that consists of 600 people in an auditorium. You can never hear him in class and he doesn't have slides. He said "don't use the textbook definitions, use mine" it was difficult because you can never hear him. This class has no homework and only 7 quizzes and the final is optional.

I would recommend taking his class! Easy A for the semester. Final is optional and 7 quizzes however the 2 lowest are dropped. Quizzes are online and he gives 2 days to get them done so easy A. He gives the pdf of the book for the semester. Attendance is a goggle form so you don't really have to be there. Boring lectures/barely hear him/no slides.

Professor Lao is a great psych professor. His lectures are heavy and his quizzes are based on the readings in the textbooks but also from his lectures, so be sure to take notes. He has 3 TA's in the class.

you don't actually learn from this class but the quizzes are all on quizlet. 5 out of 7 of them are counted as ur average which is great. he makes one answer on the quizlet wrong on purpose at times. the research credits are easy to obtain too. the attendance is on a google doc every class

He was a fantastic professor. Lectures were sometimes boring but he explained the material well to prepare us for quizzes. 7 quizzes but the lowest 2 gets dropped. Easy to get an A. He is passionate about psychology so sometimes, he talks fast about the subject. The textbook was online and the quizzes were opened book as well. Final was optional.

Professor Lao is an amazing professor who cares about his subject. His lectures are easy to follow and his quizzes highlights important ideas from the class. The quizzes and his on-screen notes all help for the final exam, which is closed book. His grading policy is clear and simple. Take Professor Lao if you have the chance!

All in all slow lecturer. The class was incredibly dull for me, but if you listen, you might learn something interesting. He doesn't have slides and uses Word doc to write the notes for the class. I suggest taking a picture of it. You don't need to do much; he doesn't give homework. He has seven quizzes, two get dropped, and he has an optional FE.

He is very passionate about the subject. Always gives important notes and terms that are useful for quizzes. Grades are based on 7 quizzes and two get dropped OR you can take a final that will represent your overall grade. Very straightforward and easy class.

There are 7 quizzes that are based on the textbook and lectures and he drops the 2 lowest quizzes. His lectures can be interesting but they are slow. He talks quietly and doesn't have any slides. Instead, he writes out some notes in Word for everyone to copy. Overall, a pretty easy class.

Explains concepts well and is a good grader. Get ready to learn!

Easy A. All quizzes are open book and online. Textbook is given. He is a decent lecturer, but as others have said, he is quite slow. There is a research requirement (6 credits from online studies) in addition to 6 quizzes (lowest dropped) and one opportunity for extra credit (to replace 1 quiz grade). Optional final exam which would be final grade.

He is very kind and clear about the work there are required research and quizzes to pass!

He is someone who is very clear on requirement and amazing lectures.

Must complete all research requirements to receive a grade as well as complete the quizzes with an optional final.

He's lectures were informative, but he speaks very low. The class was easy, the quizzes were based on the textbook chapters and finals were optional if you completed and passed 5 quizzes (in total there are 6 quizzes) but he drops the lowest one.

The easiest professor in the world. Attendance not mandatory. Complete research requirements and quizzes. Everything you need to know is in the textbook. Drops one quiz. Optional final if u don't do good on quizzes. Offers extra credit too!

Sit in the front as he speaks softly (+ annoying freshmen FROM THE BACK OF THE AUDITORIUM will talk over him). Just read the textbook, take notes of key terms and you will ace the quizzes (lowest one gets dropped, there's only 6 and no other assignments). Research requirements are straightforward, I did all of mine online. Very easy class!

the nicest man ever, loved listening to his lectures and his real life examples; so chill

Had him for two psych courses and I am so glad. His lectures are never boring or sleepy. He is funny and kind. Groupchats are funny. We have 2 exams and no hw entire semester; midterm and final along with ex up to 20pts. He also gives you a study guide, one week before each exam, and does the exam based on the study guide, so very easy.

I recommend this class if you need to take Human Development as an elective or part of your major. We had two exams and a final, but the lowest grade got dropped. He also gave us a one-page paper to complete for extra credit. He also gives us key terms to review a week before the exam. As long as you review the terms and your notes, you'll be fine.

Ive had him twice for Psych100 and Psych150 and he has not disappointed once. He is very understanding, caring, and sweet. He cares about his students learning and always strives to make the class easier. the class was composed of only two exams and an optional extra credit. Honestly the extra credit is not even needed, just study the key terms.

Great professor, initially 2 exams and extra credit essay (10 points). Due to poor performance on the first exam, he added a 2nd exam and a cumulative final, dropping the lowest grade. Exams were easy, the final had around 40 questions, just like the other two. He gives ACCURATE study guides one week before the exam.

He is a really good professor.

I took this class in Winter 2024 and received an A. He gives you the terms for the exams that are needed to study. The class is very insightful and teaches you a lot about self and those around you.

big lecture. super chill. 3 exams and drops the lowest grade. exams are straightforward. attd is not mandatory but recommended bc he does not post slides or notes to bb. doesn't post on bb at all. participation is not required. textbook is not mandatory but u can find pdf online. lectures are interesting.

The lectures are very interesting and fun to learn about. He is straightforward about his teaching and gets straight to the point. He doesn't post slides but does give out study guides before tests. He does take attendance down and gives out a limit. He is chill and funny. I recommend!

I recently had him for psych 1500 and he was great. He's so nice and gives funny anecdotes in class. His midterms are easy with only 25 simple multiple-choice questions. He gives a great study sheet of key terms for each exam and nothing on the tests is not on that review sheet. He's the best at his job and his knowledge and way of teaching shows.

This class was so easy. We only had 3 exams including a final and the lowest gets dropped. All exams had 25 mc which were based off the key terms he gives you. Memorize those key terms and you'll get a 100 on every exam! His lectures were also very informative and interesting. TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU CAN

U MUST TAKE HIS CLASSES. Entertaining lectures. The class is elementary level, graded by three exams and lowest is dropped. Exams are based on the key terms he posts on BB (uses bb for keyterms+updates). U go to his lectures and sign the attendance sheet. He's also in the process of writing his book and is a knowledgeable person (he's a prof, duh)

absolutely loved his class. attendance was a tricky subject in this class, it confused many but honestly attend it, he is awesome! his tests r super fair and hes just an awesome professor!

good professor. lectures are easygoing and you're only graded on exams and easy participation surveys. do what you have to do and you will get the credit for the course.

Light work- choose midterm OR final (only have to take 1, 25 questions) and a paper (not even full paper, basically literature review only)... attendance not mandatory, for exam use his study guides & its really chill. class was a breeze, & actually interesting to listen to. no need to take notes- his exams are based exactly on study guide.

Engaging lectures, straightforward exams based on key terms. Attendance mandatory but worth it - the material is insightful. Unstuckstudy was a great study tool alongside the textbook.

Professor gives a review sheet of the terns we need to know before each exam. Study those and an A is secured. There are 2 exams and a final. The lowest grade from all three is dropped. His lectures were very interesting and he made the entertaining with his stories.