Online Courses with Tonya

Online Courses with Tonya I provide online classes, tutoring, and coaching in psychology, CBT, and sociology.

I believe we’re hardwired to learn, and learning should be fun—because curious minds learn! Empower your teen or yourself to grow, thrive, and embrace new possibilities. 🌟 Online Classes, One-on-One Tutoring & Coaching in Psychology, CBT, and Sociology 🌟

Hi, I’m Tonya Russell! With over 20 years of experience lecturing in psychology, CBT, and sociology, I now offer online classes, one-on-one tutoring, and coaching. Education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s the gateway to becoming the best version of ourselves and creating the life of our dreams. Whether you’re homeschooling, seeking personal development, or exploring these fascinating subjects, I’m here to help.

📩 Message me to get started or learn more!

01/04/2026

For those parents who did the Jane Goodall course... here's a little short snippet if you want to "spiral back" of the course in a very light way.

Show this video and have a little chat.

In our course we talked about old beliefs around tool use...ie how scientists used to belief that only humans used tools. Jane's research was fundamental in shifting this perception.

We also talked about attachment, family bonds and hunting.

and about "long term research" (longitudinal studies)

Sometimes a short video can spark an interesting conversation.

Enrolments are now open for Term Two. Here’s a quick overview to help you find the right fit:• Introduction to Psycholog...
25/03/2026

Enrolments are now open for Term Two. Here’s a quick overview to help you find the right fit:

• Introduction to Psychology: The Three Big Questions
Explore the big debates in psychology: Nature vs nurture, continuity vs change, and what makes you you.

• Psychology Through Different Lenses
One person, many explanations. Understand behaviour through developmental, social, cognitive, behaviourism, and humanism.

• Master Your Mind: Habit Edition
Build focus, motivation, and confidence using practical psychology tools and simple habit strategies. A natural next step for those who joined Master Your Mind in Term One, and a great place to start if your teen is ready to build strong habits for learning and life.

• Psychology Experiments
Discover the classic studies every psychology student should know and what they reveal about human behaviour.

• Vivienne Westwood: Applying the Sociological Imagination
Dive into identity, culture, rebellion, and social change through the life of one of fashion’s most iconic designers and environmental activists. Bold, creative, and thought-provoking. This is sociology brought to life.

• Who is Ophelia? (3 weeks)
Follow Ophelia across music, literature, and art. A creative, discussion-based course (perfect for Swifties).

If you're unsure which course is the best fit, feel free to comment or message me. I am here to help.

I’ll be travelling to Japan at the beginning of Term Two, so I’m opening enrolments now to ensure everything is set up and ready to go when we return.

I am a university lecturer… and I homeschool my daughter.I understand the desire to give your teen a rich, meaningful ed...
25/03/2026

I am a university lecturer… and I homeschool my daughter.

I understand the desire to give your teen a rich, meaningful education… AND the reality of trying to do everything yourself.

Planning… teaching… keeping them engaged… making sure they are actually learning it’s a lot to hold.

So here's a gentle reminder: you don’t have to do it all on your own.

Sometimes what makes the biggest difference isn’t more content…
it’s structure, consistency, and guided learning.

This is where I come in and support homeschool families.

Imagine having Psychology or Sociology supported for Term Two.

✔ Affordable, live, small-group classes your teen actually looks forward to
✔ Clear structure and progression each week
✔ Thought-provoking discussions (not worksheets)
✔ Replays available (so no stress if life gets busy)
✔ A supportive space where they can think, question, and grow

These courses are designed to help teens understand themselves, other people, and the world around them while building confidence in their thinking.

Courses on offer Term Two include:

• Introduction to Psychology: The Three Big Questions
• Psychology Through Different Lenses
• Master Your Mind: Habit Edition
• Psychology Experiments (the studies every student should know)
• Vivienne Westwood: Applying the Sociological Imagination
• Who is Ophelia? (a short creative course — perfect for Swifties)

I’ve spent over 20 years teaching psychology and sociology at university level, and now work with homeschool students to bring these subjects to life in a way that really connects.

If this feels like the kind of support your teen would benefit from, I’d love to hear from you.

DM me or comment below and we can find the best fit for your teen this term.

Feel free to share this with another homeschool family who might need this support.

p.s: You can find the time table pinned above and I will also drop it in the comments below

It’s happening…I’ll be running iGCSE Psychology in Term 2 for teens who want to explore psychology in a more engaging, d...
19/03/2026

It’s happening…I’ll be running iGCSE Psychology in Term 2 for teens who want to explore psychology in a more engaging, discussion-based way.

This is open to both homeschooled students and those attending school (as an after-school option).

I’m Tonya Russell, I’ve spent over two decades teaching psychology and human behaviour at university level also I design and deliver online courses for teens.

Psychology is a subject I genuinely love teaching, especially in smaller groups where students can really think, question, and engage.

This will be taught in a small group setting, which is where psychology really comes to life.

The structure will include:
🧠 1–2 live online classes per week
🧠 A balance of content, discussion, and exam preparation
🧠 Guided independent work between sessions

We’ll be working towards iGCSE, while also building something deeper. Helping students understand themselves, others, and the world around them

This is ideal for students who are:
• curious
• thoughtful
• open to discussion
• working towards iGCSE Psychology (or considering it)

I’m currently speaking with a small number of families and shaping the group for Term 2.

If you have a teen who might be interested, comment "ME" below or DM me.

And we can work out the next best step for you and your teen

Curious minds learn 🤍
Tonya

A snapshot of one of the reflection questions from an online psychology class I teach.It’s a simple question… but a powe...
15/03/2026

A snapshot of one of the reflection questions from an online psychology class I teach.

It’s a simple question… but a powerful one.

Psychology isn’t just about studying other people.
It’s also about learning to observe ourselves.

Think back 10 years.
What parts of you are still the same?
What parts have grown or changed?

Sometimes looking back helps us see just how much growth has actually happened.

Reflection is one of the most powerful learning tools we have

p.s: If you’d like to know more about the psychology and sociology courses I run for curious teens, feel free to reach out. I am here to help.

The timetable for Term 2 is pinned above, and I’ll also pop it in the comments below.

Curious minds learn.

13/03/2026

It was a rainy day.

My daughter and I had finished our learning activities, and I’d completed my morning tasks for my online courses and university work.

It was grey and dreary… but we decided to GO OUTSIDE.

We jumped in the car and drove to the beach.

While we were walking, we found a little stick covered in what looked like tiny shells. At first we thought they might be baby p**i.

I didn’t have my glasses, so we took a photo and popped it into ChatGPT to ask what they were.

It turns out they were goose barnacles — tiny ocean travellers that attach themselves to floating things and feed by filtering plankton from the water.

What started as a simple beach walk turned into a mini science inquiry right there on the sand with my phone.

Nature is full of wonder.

It offers endless questions… and sometimes technology can help us explore them even deeper.

A good reminder that curiosity is everywhere.

All it takes is stepping outside physically, or outside our current thinking and being open to learning something new.

Notice something interesting.

Ask a quality question.

After all… curious minds learn.

P.S. Google how goose barnacles feed — it’s pretty spectacular. We were WOWed.

And yes, we returned them to the sea so they could continue their travels.

Otherworldly to think this little group of lives spends its time bobbing around the ocean on a stick.

Nature is amazing.
Now I’m curious… what’s something interesting you’ve discovered outside recently?
Show me in the comments 👇

If You Had a Lot of Capital… Where Would You Go?In our latest class studying Elizabeth Taylor, we met Nicky Hilton, her ...
13/03/2026

If You Had a Lot of Capital… Where Would You Go?

In our latest class studying Elizabeth Taylor, we met Nicky Hilton, her first husband.

Nicky was extremely wealthy. In sociology we would say he had a lot of capital. His father founded the Hilton Hotel chain, which became one of the most famous hotel brands in the world.

It sparked a fun question in class…

If you had a lot of capital, where in the world would you go?

Try this little activity with us:

1️⃣ Choose a city anywhere in the world you would love to travel to.
2️⃣ Look up the Hilton Hotel in that city.
3️⃣ Explore what it looks like and imagine what it might be like to stay there.

📸 If you find a beautiful one, post a photo in the comments.

I’d love to see where in the world you would choose to go.

I did this with my daughter it was really fun (too good not to share). We chose Paris.

One of the best things I have learned in our homeschooling journey is this:"You don’t have to teach everything yourself....
08/03/2026

One of the best things I have learned in our homeschooling journey is this:

"You don’t have to teach everything yourself."

In fact, outsourcing some subjects can be one of the most freeing things you can do as a parent.

It gives your teen the chance to learn from different teachers, encounter new perspectives, and engage with ideas in fresh ways.

Over the years I’ve joined many other homeschooling families in following this pathway.

There are subjects we keep and teach at home, and others where we bring in great teachers so our children can learn from different voices and perspectives.

For many families, social sciences are wonderful subjects to outsource and sociology is a great place to start.

It invites young people to become curious observers of the world around them.

In our Exploring Life Through the Sociological Imagination course, students begin to notice patterns and start asking deeper questions about the world they live in.

It’s a subject that develops curiosity, critical thinking, pattern recognition, and thoughtful discussion.

It’s a lovely fit for curious learners aged around 12–16 who enjoy thinking deeply about the world around them.

And honestly… it’s one of the most fascinating subjects to teach.

I spent over twenty years lecturing in sociology and psychology at university, and I love introducing these ideas to younger learners.

If you’d like someone to guide your teen through these big ideas this term…

I’d love to work with them.
📍 We start next Thursday at 11:00am NZT
📍 All sessions are recorded, so joining live is optional
📍 Many families use the recordings to support self-directed learning

If you'd like the details, comment SOCIOLOGY or send me a DM

Out of curiosity — do you outsource any subjects in your homeschool?

I’m planning a new psychology course for Term 2 where we explore the famous experiments that completely changed the way ...
08/03/2026

I’m planning a new psychology course for Term 2 where we explore the famous experiments that completely changed the way we understand human behaviour.

The kind of experiments that make you stop and think:
"Wow… humans really do that?"

It will be discussion-based, thought-provoking, and designed for curious teens.

Now I need your help choosing the title.

Which one do you like best?

Just comment the number.

1️⃣ Experiments That Changed Psychology

2️⃣ Famous Psychology Experiments and What They Teach Us

3️⃣ Classic Psychology Experiments Every Student Should Know

I’m curious which one jumps out at you.

05/03/2026

Introduction to Sociology
The Sociology Imagination

A four week online course
Starts next Thursday
DM me for details

Address

Whangarei
0110

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 2pm - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 11:30am - 3pm
Saturday 11:30am - 3pm

Telephone

021 056 4954

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Are you are a cross roads in life? Not sure which way to turn? Or maybe you feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious or stress and are looking to create long lasting change? Then I can help you. Identify what you really want, map your goals, take inspired action towards your dreams. Call 021 056 4954 today for your FREE 15min consult.

Find out how we can work together. Create the life you love The time is NOW!

Change your mind. Change your life.

Coaching and more with Tonya Russell