http://www.CourseReviews.com CourseReviews.com - College of Alameda en-us Copyright 1997-2009 CourseReviews.com Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:26 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss dylan.feed@coursereviews.com (CourseReviews.com) dylan.webmaster@dylangreene.com (Dylan Greene) hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review45281/This-is-about-all-of-us-and-not-the-top-10Well, its true what they say about him , he is very nice person. I also know that after the second exam before midterm 1/3 of the class droped. By the time we had our 3rd exam, 4 days later, the scores " grades" about half the class maybe more had an F or less ( from 3 exams). I am sad to know these were the results and people do study. Also please note, he has not asked us to write any papers and the full course is based on 6 exams 100 points each and 100 points for quizes. I would not take his class , however he is a nice person .noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review45281/This-is-about-all-of-us-and-not-the-top-10#comments2007-10-26T20:22:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review45281/This-is-about-all-of-us-and-not-the-top-10http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review44261/disorganizedOlds is a nice guy, but he is disorganized and his tests are extra hard. For instance, the lab reports were never explained in terms of what exactly he wanted until AFTER he graded the first ones. The problem is, by then its too late to know if you did a good job or got a poor grade. Also, the tests are not like the homework problems, but are confusing and indirect essay questions that make you sit there during the exam, trying to just figure out what the question is asking so you can start doing the problems. This just makes the test more nerve racking and you lose time to do the problem. During one test for instance, several students had to ask him - in the middle of the test - what he meant by the problem. He even admitted that in the past, students had complained the tests were on a difficulty level above the homework. I can see why now, even if you master the homework and go over the examples in the text, you might not be able to unravel Olds puzzling exam questions and you might end up failing the test, even if you studied alot. Who needs this??noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review44261/disorganized#comments2006-06-28T16:07:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review44261/disorganizedhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review44081/An-amazing-professorMr. Steiner has been a favorite instructor of my college career! He explains concepts clearly while injecting the lessons with his own crazy sense of humor. Best of all, he gives his students the benefit of the doubt--He treats you like you're going to succeed, and he genuinely wants you to get an A.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review44081/An-amazing-professor#comments2006-05-21T20:48:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review44081/An-amazing-professorhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review43771/very-COOL-teacherMr. Steiner is nice, fair, and funny. He states of what will be in exams. Also, indicate hints of what will be in the informal quiz. Furthermore, he provide us students extra time to catch up with our lab work that way we can do well in our lab practical (lab exam). Last but not least, NOBODY ever drop the class.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review43771/very-COOL-teacher#comments2006-03-07T23:31:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review43771/very-COOL-teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review42273/Solid-engaging-teacherAnn is a great lecturer and makes her expectations really clear throughout the year. She takes time to do interesting labs and hold people accountable for their work.noemail@coursereviews.com (laylaburd)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review42273/Solid-engaging-teacher#comments2004-01-21T20:42:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review42273/Solid-engaging-teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review42270/Tough-but-FairOn the first night of class, along with the syllabus, we received the written comments of several of Mr. Southworth's previous students. They suggested spending as much as 25 hours/week outside of class studying, reviewing taped lectures, redrawing diagrams, and so on. Then, for the first five weeks of class, we slowly and methodically went over the human skeleton. We were lectured on each bone, where it is, what it does, what all the markings on it are called. It would have been difficult not to get an A on that first exam, and I barely picked up the textbook. I thought all those previous students must have been idiots. Then, over the next 10 weeks, the pace picked up. More information was packed into each lecture, and Mr. Southworth stopped to take a breath less often. By the end of the semester, it was literally hard to understand what he was saying because he was talking so fast. Even before then, taped lectures were nearly useless because his voice doesn't carry well and there was always the distracting buzz of the overhead projector. Exams, worth just as much as the first, were closer and closer together and seemed to cover more and more material. The funny thing is, we were within half an hour of the syllabus the whole time. Don't get me wrong. I thought Mr. Southworth was a pretty good instructor. I learned a lot from him, and thought he was funny, too. I just wish he would schedule the semester differently. It's dangerous to our GPAs lulling students into such a sense of security and then ripping it away again. It also makes it hard to schedule your life outside of class. While I didn't find this to be the case, a lot of students were intimidated by him, and afraid to ask questions. His exams were tough but very fair, and he never tested on anything that wasn't mentioned in lecture. A few hints: Ask carefully if what seems like homework really is. Usually it's just a study aid for you, but then when you least expect it, it will be collected and graded, and you'll lose points. When he tells you to draw, draw, no matter how badly. Don't turn in a photocopy from the book. Don't skip lecture on the day before a holiday. He will be annoyed, and consequently be harder on you than usual when you don't know the right answers in lab. Your whole lab team will suffer. Mr. Southworth is a marine biologist by training, and throws in a lot of non-human anatomical factoids. You can blow off most of what he tells you about animals, but when he tells you to pay attention, do. He will test you on it. Learn every model and every assigned diagram. Almost all the answers are in there.noemail@coursereviews.com (anng27)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review42270/Tough-but-Fair#comments2004-01-21T19:55:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review42270/Tough-but-Fairhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review40498/Good-guyI've always been scared of Physiology, but I need it for nursing so I finally did it. I only understood what a great teacher Mr. Luther turned out to be because I had tried taking Physio at another school, and that teacher was awful. So now I can really say that Mr. Luther is a very good teacher. What I didn't like was that at times he speaks too fast, and there's always something on his exams that was nowhere on the study guide. But I did learn a lot, and he is very helpful--he always responds quickly to email questions, and he returns graded materials very quickly. He even emailed my final grade to me, and he emailed me the day after the final. I guess he knows that it's very stressful to have to wait for your grade. He's a good and fair teacher. The textbook isn't very helpful, so you'll probably spend a lot of time at the library looking at other physiology textbooks for help.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review40498/Good-guy#comments2003-12-18T18:07:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review40498/Good-guyhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review38625/An-awesome-teacherMike is such an AWESOME lecturer. He totally motivated me to learn about Asian American History. The class consisted of a midterm and final, some homework assignments, and not too much else. There's also easy extra credit opportunities. He makes you feel comfortable in class and is very approachable. He is one of the most laid back teachers I've had in college. He inspired me to learn more about Asian Americans and to major in the subject. Take this class if you can.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review38625/An-awesome-teacher#comments2003-11-24T00:43:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review38625/An-awesome-teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review38624/BEST-Stats-Class-everDr. Payne is the BEST Math instructor I have ever had. He is totally approachable and down to earth. His daily notes are clear and easy to take in. The tests are not too hard because he allows a one page cheat sheet. The homework was a group thing which was not too hard. Overall there are about 4-5 tests each semester, 4-5 group homework assignments, no text book required, and he doesn't take attendance. However, you should go to class everyday to get the notes. They are super helpful. I reccommend you sign up for this class as soon as you can, it fills up super fast.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review38624/BEST-Stats-Class-ever#comments2003-11-24T00:37:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review38624/BEST-Stats-Class-everhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review37226/Stay-awayOk, first the important stuff: This guy does NOT grade on a curve, and all his exams are cumulative. There are no projects required or anything like that, but he is tough, and he knows it! The most aggravating thing about him is that his exams often contain things that he does not lecture on! What's the use of having a study guide if you're going to be tested on something that wasn't even covered in lecture? That's unfair. The other annoying thing is that on some lab days, you'll have a quiz right after the lab, which puts you at a disadvantage because you don't have any time to study the new material before being quizzed on it. He also tends to speak very fast in lecture, so bring a tape recorder to class with you. I just don't get teachers like this. Unfortunately there are some teachers out there who believe that they have to make a class as hard as possible. But I've taken many science (and other) courses where the teachers were more lenient, and I honestly learned more. Avoid this guy, take physio somewhere else, because Luther's goal seems to be making the class as difficult as he can.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review37226/Stay-away#comments2003-10-29T04:02:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review37226/Stay-awayhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review27256/An-Awesome-TeacherMr. Steiner is a perfect example of how college teachers should be. He is nice, intelligent, entertaining, and understandable. He gives quizes every week, however he takes out 2 of them at the end of the semester. What that means is that you can technically miss 2 classes and not really be penalized. You will have one term reasearch paper, 2 regular midterms, 2 lab midterms and 2 finals. Don't let this scare you because you will do just fine. Lets put it this way, nobody from my class dropped. That's very impressive considering that by the mid semester half of people usually drop. Quizzes consist of 1-2 questions from the previous lectures and they are really easy. His tests are alse easy, as long as you pay close attention to his lecture. His exams come directly from his lecture and there are no trick questions. noemail@coursereviews.com (iownsf)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review27256/An-Awesome-Teacher#comments2003-06-06T22:25:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review27256/An-Awesome-Teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review25476/Excellent-TeacherAbsolutely wonderful class, wonderful teacher! He creates a challange at all skill levels. He incorporates flexibility, strength and aerobics for a great class. He has a wonderful personality and rewards effort. I would recommend this class with Haggerty to all those interested in a physical activity course.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review25476/Excellent-Teacher#comments2003-05-01T02:09:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review25476/Excellent-Teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24311/Fabulous-TeacherI gave this teacher an A+. Just take the class, you'll see what I mean. I loved his lectures...sooo interesting. His make-up assignments where we deconstruct a piece of artwork were great. Too bad this class was at 8 am, or I would've gone to more lectures. He makes learning very fun.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24311/Fabulous-Teacher#comments2003-03-31T13:44:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24311/Fabulous-Teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24306/Pretty-goodHad fun in this class. Parayno is a dedicated motivator to students. He tries to get everyone involved in the movement, but also explains in history why this is important. He chose a wonderful book for the course by Takaki. His lectures are interesting. The only thing I would've liked is if he presented more films or other material to read.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24306/Pretty-good#comments2003-03-31T13:13:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24306/Pretty-goodhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24305/Not-badGood teacher, wonderful at covering the basics. I'm not into buisiness so class was a little boring. But he made it interesting for me. Multiple choice tests and extra credit offered. Helps with busy schedules.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24305/Not-bad#comments2003-03-31T13:05:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review24305/Not-badhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review22131/Great-teacherguys, I know that Mr. Margolies doesnt teach anymore at Alameda college. But I am so appreciated and blessed that I've ever had such a great teacher!!! His lectures were something! there were a few times, when students brought their friends to listen to teacher's lectures! We were afraid to miss even one word! Not even fly would gather around:-). I've learned a lot. this class was challenging for me. Mr. Margolies, if you ever are going to read this comment, I would like you to know how thankful and grateful I am. I've met a great personality and I wish you all of the best. thank you!noemail@coursereviews.com (knatasha2000)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review22131/Great-teacher#comments2003-01-06T01:38:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review22131/Great-teacherhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review21236/He-is-not-a-teacher-at-allHe is a new teacher, he doesn't know how to teach. Never return the HW to us. Don't take his class or you will be sorry. 98% of the class received D, F or W.noemail@coursereviews.com (Anonymous Student)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review21236/He-is-not-a-teacher-at-all#comments2002-12-15T14:59:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review21236/He-is-not-a-teacher-at-allhttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review17365/Best-Statistics-Teacher-on-the-PlanetI can't say enough about this teacher. His class is the best kept secret in the bay area. If you are afraid of math and need statistics to transfer, Dr. Payne is the teacher to have. His class is in a lecture hall filled with students to the rafters. He accepts everyone, no mattter what your level of math, so it's a gaurantee you will get in. He doesn't use a textbook, he will write out everything on the board and you will need to write his notes down, do this faithfully and you can't fail. Your notes will become your bible in the class and in any future classes at the four year level. He gives you the tools/formulas you will need in advanced level classes. You will join a group of fellow students and work on homework assignments as a group, turning in assignments as a group and receiving your grade as a group. Tests - ah what a dream. This man lets you make a cheat sheet, yes, you can write cheat notes on both sides of a 8 x 11 paper, and use it while testing. This stats class is not math based per se, but word based, so you will have to get over your fear of the word problem format of math. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Payne, trust me, he's worth it and is in demand at the prestigous schools around the bay area and yet he chooses to teach at Alameda City College. Alameda knows they have a true treasure in the teaching profession. Two down sides, he gives the class during the day and if you miss one day, you will feel lost till you catch up again. ;-}noemail@coursereviews.com (rebecca)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review17365/Best-Statistics-Teacher-on-the-Planet#comments2002-06-21T13:30:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review17365/Best-Statistics-Teacher-on-the-Planethttp://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review8793/College-Has-To-Be-Fun-SometimesOk, so it's not an academic class, but you do get credit for it and it was a lot of fun. Stephanie gives a great workout and really cares about teaching people to play well. My only problem with the class is that there were not enough people who attended on a regular basis to keep the new players and the die-hards separate, which made it really hard for those of us who had never played seriously before. I'm hoping my review will remedy that situation!noemail@coursereviews.com (sagra)http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review8793/College-Has-To-Be-Fun-Sometimes#comments2000-12-13T14:18:00-05:00http://www.CourseReviews.com/u197/review8793/College-Has-To-Be-Fun-Sometimes