2.5
Quality4.3
Difficulty30%
Would Retake187
Reviews30%
Would Retake
187
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
25
4
36
3
34
2
29
1
63
What Students Say
“Accounting is extremely hard no matter what”
COB241 - 1.0 rating“The HARDEST Professor I have ever taken at JMU”
ACCT241 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
38%
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Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
C+
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-0.02 avg changeRatings by Course
COB241H
5.0
(1)COB141
4.0
(1)ACCT343
3.7
(6)343
3.5
(2)ACC241
3.3
(3)Difficulty by Course
ACCOUNTING
5.0
COB41
5.0
ACCT241
4.8
ACC241
4.7
241
4.6
Reviews (187)
Although Dr. Gabbin's class is very hard, you learn a lot about accounting.
I agree with the previous poster. Hard class, but learn a lot!
he's a cool teacher, he just didn't explain what he expected in the portfolio
hardest teacher ever!
He's a nice guy IF you get to know him. Hard teacher, but you learn the stuff
funny, weird, not clear in expectations, actg's boring, good teacher, strange
Worst Teacher EVER!
very hard.........but you will get a lot out of it
hard, but very rewarding. he knows his stuff. do the work and your fine
good teacher, tough class, tough portfolio, but learn a lot about accounting
very smart
Awesome,
ahhh... REALLY HARD
Hardest class
No Comments
One of the best profs at JMU. Makes you work but motivates you to do it. Funniest man ever, just go with it. Def take him, you'll learn a lot!
best professor ive had in cob. has his stuff together, class isnt boring, just do what he says you'll do well
Tough teacher, but so rewarding. I hated him at the time, but now I think he was the best prof I've had at JMU. Do the work, go into his office hours and listen to him and you'll be fine. I love all of his analogies.
Worthless.
Horrible horrible prof... doesnt teach, has a huge attitude about everything, donsnt care if we learn or not, worthless in his office hours, rude, unfriendly, unclear about what he expects on projects, then grades them extra harshly... impossible tests... seriously take anyone else!!!
Prof Gabbin is really funny but a hardass. He tries to make sure that everyone understands what is going on in class and if you go to his office hours, and he knows you actually did the readings/hmwk, then he is extremely helpful. Tests are hard but not bad b/c lots of partial credit.
Had for 343 & 344 -Extremly HARD classes, but he is really enthusastic about accounting and teaching. He makes you do this portfolio, but he doesn't tell you how to do it. Don't wait until the last minute, you'll regret it. Study like crazy and find someone else to study with and do it everyday.
His class is a lot of work, but you really learn a lot. I struggled in his class at first, but he's the reason I'm an accounting major now. He's one of the smartest people I've met.
i regret taking him!!! he doesn't answer questions....doesn't teach well....and gives the HARDEST exams ever...
Study like you've never studied before (this coming from an A student). Seriously. Do it as you go along, don't put the work off. Do lots of exercises. Get a group of people to work at it with too! He is a LOT of fun in class. Just laugh and try to enjoy it...he's a good guy.
LIAR!told me when i registered i would be able to take the last test earlier. got him to PUT IT IN WRITING and then when i asked him about what time i should take it A WEEK AHEAD OF TIME he told me i would have to take it with everyone else. and he never tought a sigle thing, teach yourself.
Worst professor ever. His tests are impossible. He actually made fun of my classmates IN CLASS in front of everyone when they answered a question incorrectly. The man takes pride in failing as many people as possible. His answer to every question you ask him in office hours is "use your judgement". I did ok in his class, but heed this warning.
No Comments
He has a bad rap as being a hard teacher. But if you are serious about becoming a CPA, take this guy, he is the best. Yes it is a lot of work but the guy will challenge you like no other teacher. He's the best professor I've ever had.
HORRIBLE TEACHER -CANT BELIEVE HE ACTUALLY TEACHES AT JMU! HE GIVES YOU A BIG PROJECT THAT YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO ASK QUESTIONS ON. MAKES YOU GO TO PRESENTATIONS THAT NEVER HAPPEN. HE DOES NOT CARE TO GET TO KNOW THE STUDENT -REFERS TO EVERYONE BY LAST NAME. HE IS ALWAYS LATE FOR CLASS. NEVER DOES ANY ACTUALLY 'TEACHING'. WARNING:DO NOT TAKE THIS MAN!
If Gabbin has anything but the worst rating on this website, the site is a fraud. Gabbin is the most unhelpful, worst teacher EVER. I took his class, worked hard and failed. Then I took the exact same class with someone else and made an A. He is an embarassment to the academic community.
You've already failed.
To ensure the integrity of James Madison University's academic reputation, this man must be terminated ASAP.
Horrible Teacher. He makes you feel stupid in front of the class when you put a problem on the board incorrectly. Stay away if at all possible. I do not know what the College Of Business is thinking with this professor. He really needs to re-think his whole teaching technique. It's obviously not working.
Horrible Prof! He makes you feel stupid. He does not care about the students. He is mean and yells and embarasses students. His tests are impossible. He makes you take them all twice in one night. Big project that is impossible, grades really really hard.
classes aren't that bad,he keeps your attention cause he yells, giggles to himself, and gets way to too excited. hw must be done for every class, not cause he checks but b/c he'll call on u and make u feel soo stupid if u didnt do it. huge portfolio project was ridiculously impossible,and for the tests-IMPOSSIBLE
He's hard, but he really wants us to learn. He sets a high standard, but will help us get the work done.
You will be forced to learn in this class. Otherwise you will not do well. Dr. Gabbin isn't always clear, but if you put in the time you will be rewarded, both in grading and in learning. I have a lot better knowledge of the material than my friends who have/are taking other professors. Good teacher, but makes you work. No attend. policy, but go.
HORRIBLE PROFESSOR! He makes you feel so stupid and not want to participate, much less come to class. His tests are impossible and the final is ridiculous. The final is not even based off of the book he uses. Do not take him if you can help it. If you take him, you will more than likely fail!
This teacher is terrible half the class dropped it literally by the time the secound test was done with. He acts like hes a big shot but cant even retain students.
Horrible Teacher! If possible, do not take a class with this man. You will fail!
I am an "A" student and have made A's in all my classes except Gabbin's. Every bad thing anyone has said in these ratings is 100% true. This man has some serious issues with teaching. It is true that he makes fun of people in class and belittles students almost everyday. Apparently he has tenure, so he has a license to act like a jerk. SOS, JMU
Dont take Gabbin. He uses a different, much more difficult book than the other accounting classes. He requires you to do a project that you are NOT ALLOWED to ask questions on! He makes you go to presentations that never happen and still wont give you credit for them. He is unreasonable and unapproachable. He has little respect for students.
All accounting majors should take Gabbin. Everyone else should probably try to find a different prof.
He honestly isn't worth the time I've spent writing this rating. The man is just as mean and hard as they say he is. Don't even bother.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS CLASS - YOU'LL NEVER PASS IT. HORRIBLE PROFESSOR.
Thank you accounting dept. head for making gabbin the only option for 344. ****s.
this guy is terrible, would rather kill myself than take him
if you can't get through gabbins class you shouldn't be an accounting major, great prof, tests are hard though
the person who just said gabbin was a great professor must have to much time on their hands, are you kidding me gabbin is an awful professor, good people.
Gabbin doesn't care. If youask a question he'll laugh and say you should know it already. He randomly assigns you points and then changes grades after the drop periods ends. It doesn't matter that you're not allowed to do that, he has tenure. Don't get me wrong. You will learn. But your grade won't reflect it at all. I'm Deans list and I failed.
Horrible Teacher! He gets pleasure by embarrassing you in front of the entire class. He makes you do this big portfolio project, AND your not allowed to ask questions about it. Gabbin is the biggest disgrace to the university and such a waste of taxpayer dollars!
Intimidating most 2 scared to go to class,Treats u as an ADULT,EXPECTS ALOT,GOOD at teaching you UNDERSTAND concepts,but the logistics of everything u must LEARN on your own, UNDERSTANDING(not MEMORIZATION) is key, Participation a MUST(Go 2 board,called in class), be PREPARED, read ahead, STAY ahead, go to office, Test are FAIR, C if you stay ahead
Gabbin is awesome! I have had him for the past 2 semesters and got a B both times- without studying constantly. He doesn't randomly take points away- we had a test the week you could drop classes and he just tried to get grades up as quickly as possibly so people would know if they should drop- most people's grades went up after.
Tough, no nonsense prof. Half the time we're scared to go to class. You gotta teach urself. He has no compassion and our 2nd exam was the Mon. after HC. Timing is an issue for the exams. Biased towards people who are already doing well in his class. He handed out our exams in order from Highest to Lowest grades. Ridiculous AVOID if you can.
OMG...this class is such a joke! Gabbin gives everyone A's and doesn't care how much effort you put it....if you need credits, take this class...this is the easiest A you will ever get!
No Comments
Gabbin is not as bad as everyone says. He's extremely fair and you will learn a ton.I had him for 343 and 344 and you will do yourself a favor down the road by taking him.
Horrible Teacher. Gabbin does not care about his students and often picks on them in class. He randomly calls people to the board, even when he knows you have no idea. Tests are impossible. Assigns a project which is a waste of time. Has no compassion at all for students and does not care if you pass or fail. DO NOT TAKE GABBIN!!
study! read the chapters at least twice. very tricky with point system, make sure you understand it. portfolio project was very time consuming, do NOT wait until the week before it's due. timed tests really put the pressure on, know how much time you have left. tough class
Dr. Gabbin is the worst teacher I have ever had. His tests are very hard and you can read the chapters over and over again and it won't help you that much on the test because he does not teach. He will not help you in his office hours and will, most likely, talk down to you. He is intimidating and does not care about your success in the course.
he is better than dr. riordan. if u read b4 class, listen to the lectures, study the chapter, do the hw, practice and know it, u will do good. dont goto his office hrs unless u know what ur doing. oh, know how to spell ur name backwards? thats how much u want to know the material.
Gabbin is definitely one of the hardest teachers i have ever had. But on the other hand i learned more taking that class than any other class i have taken. You have to teach yourself through this class. Gabbin teaches more theory than actually how to do it. I ended up with a C but i worked my butt off for it.
Gabbin is an extremely nice person and wants to teach and has a great desire to teach, unfortunately he is extremely bad at explain things and can’t relate to students I would advise not taking his as a professor.
He's a great professor if you're good at teaching yourself and you don't mind being a little scared of him in class. Fortunately, I work well that way, so I managed to get an A but I had to do a lot of studying and rereading the chapters to get it.
Horrible class--His exams are always impossible. He never gave you enough time to do it.Normally,30%-40% students failed on his exams.i wish I would have another option.Sorry, he's the only one teaches ACTG 343.Hard!!!I am still thinking how to NOT fail this class.
I studied like crazy before his exams but I can never did well--he timed the exams and never gave you enough time to do it.He Never teach you how to do a problem and his exams are hard.Well, that's his logic and how he made half of the class failed. He NEVER teach, even you can teach yourself, you will hardly be able to pass the exams.
Don't wanna say much about him.Avoid him if you can.
I dropped his class and I have to take him again next semester...Can't avoid him. I don't understand why JMU ACTG DEPT made him the only teacher for 343.The worst Prof I have ever had at JMU.
TAKE him if your good at teaching yourself. and live by the textbook. He does NOT call on people ever, there is NO project, and he cancels most friday classes. no attendance policy, and he always emails the answers to the hw BEFORE class. just read the book and know how to do the problems. hes been making the harder questions extra credit
this class is hard, no matter who you take it with. gabbin's lectures are entertaining - he's kind of like a televangelist, screaming things and repeating himself. but it's not necessary to go to class - the tests are straight from the book. so just read the chapters like 4-5 times and you're golden, haha...
Gabbin is awesome. He brings so much energy to the classroom. The material is hard regardless of who the professor is. He does go over some very good points in his lectures. The people who say going to his class is worthless are the ones getting C's and D's.
Hard class regardless but if you are not good at learning solely from a textbook good luck. Worst prof I have ever had at JMU.
Gabbin has a bad rap but that's coming from the students who do poorly in his class because they don't try hard enough. you have to be DEDICATED to learning accounting, but he is one of the few teachers that I actually enjoy listening to his lectures. The tests are hard (especially the 3rd one, which came out of nowhere), but just study hard.
Gabbin is hard yes..but good teachers like him are what make the accounting program at JMU so successful
Gabbin is definitely a HARD teacher. You will have to teach yourself the class. The textbook will be your Bible because everything on the test is from the book. You have to study A LOT to do well in this class, but it's doable! Just be prepared for a tough semester!
343 along w/ other actg classes are just not easy in general. If you are looking for ease, try marketing. It is a MUST that you read and comprehend the textbook. If you don't have the ability to do that it will be a very long semester for you. Read chapter before he lectures on it. More than likely your confusion will be clarified.
Gabbin is alright, If you get him you have to do the homework. So If you're ready to learn all the problems in the textbook and go to class you'll be alright. Of course if you do that in any class you'll be alright but still. Guy is not helpful with grades, the grades suck and he gave a 20 minute speech about how he doesn't curve at all.Didn't lie.
Teach yourself-only mentions % of total material.No partial credit on large problem on exams (accounts for 50%).Sunday night exams.Sees class as weeder class:so high fail rate.Grading is unpredictable and completely up to his discretion.Makes jokes about how he can do this because of his tenure. Avoid if possible.
Just plain awful.
Dr. Gabbin is everything that people have said, but if there was ever a professor that 'made a man out of me' it was him! 34% on my first test, and then 80% on the second (one of the highest grades). You NEED to be committed, but you will learn. Class started with appx 25 people, only 12 were able to move on to the next class!
He's not as bad as most people make him seem, but if you get behind you're in a lot of trouble. I would suggest doing EVERY problem/exercise/brief exercise at the end of each chapter. i know it sucks, but when you're one of 7 As in the class you'll be happy.
if you do the hw prior to class and study very hard with a group for the tests, A's are possible. If you skip class, don't do the hw until the week before and then try really hard you're probably going to get a C. Unless you reallly don't try you can probably pass this class. Gabbin is intense and prepares you well
Gabbin is incredibly awesome. He gives the most poignant lectures, and he's absolutely hilarious (unintentionally). Reading the textbook and coming to class is an absolute must. No one ever finishes his tests on time, so make sure you're 100% confident with the material going into the tests.
Oh Gabbin, what a character. If you're not an accounting major, GTFO of this class ASAP because you WILL get a bad grade. If you ARE an actg major, approach with caution. Yes, he's hard, but def not impossible. I got an A and i know many others who did also. you gotta be devoted to his class and read the textbook several times. hard, but worth it.
Dont let him intimidate you, hes really not THAT bad. In fact, his class was probably my favorite out of any class at JMU, the man is a riot. Tests are hard but theres nothing there that isnt covered in the book. Just know it front and back because i promise you wont have enough time for tests. and you'll prob fail the essay. still, i enjoyed it
Gabbin is hard! His tests really force you to not only know the material, but to be able to say it backwards in your sleep! I would say it is more of a self-taught class but thats kind of how intermediate I is. I thought he was a nice guy, but his tests are insane and expect about half of the class to drop after the first one. good luck!
great teacher, very hard to get a B. Has to be your number 1 priority class and maybe you will get an A, overall dont freak out about him. you definitley wont fail but take someone else haha
He teaches the class by listing what you should know/ memorize. He is more like a preacher so he does not give very good answers when you ask questions/ interrupt his sermon. He goes over the basics over and over again and spends little time on new material. He does not seem to know the material very well and he would not pass the exams he gives
Gabbin is hard! Group tests which are very challenging. Pop quizzes. Homework is not graded but strongly encouraged. One project. Curved grading scale (an 88 is in the A range). You will be overprepared for the final. Very funny and energetic teacher. My favorite at JMU!
Difficult but energetic professor. Makes you put in the work to understand the doggone material and really get your arms around it. Sucks when you have him, but appreciated later if you're ACTG.
doesn't need to teach cause he's tenured yall...take someone else he don't got time for you
He does not care about any of his students or if they pass or fail. When you go to his office he will talk down to you as if you are a waste of space. Take someone else.
Difficult professor to take. Gives solid lectures, does not require attendance. Four tests including the final, 8 unannounced quizzes, one financial statements project. He's one of the higher level accounting professors, he has tenure but he cares about how students perform. He overprepares his students for the final, it was ridiculously easy.
He's a intimidating, but a reasonable professor. The tests are pretty hard but they definitely prepare you for the final. Attendance isn't mandatory but there are pop quizzes throughout the semester, they only add up to a small % of your grade.
Best Professor I have ever had in my entire time of existence
Same grading as said before. Yes, Gabbin is hard. But he is the best accounting teacher at JMU! Take advantage of his knowledge and you will benefit. He is fun and truly knows business. I can not say enough good things about him. Remember, feel the info in your gut.
He's a great guy, really entertaining to listen to and you can tell he genuinely enjoys teaching. It's not an easy class, because intermediate isn't supposed to be, but I really thought he was as fair as possible and nothing on his exams was unexpected or impossible.
Very intelligent man but not a good teacher.
I just dont like him. I find him to be very rude. He's a smart guy and he expects that we already know this stuff. If you are in his class be prepared to rely on the textbook because thats the only thing teaching you
Gabbin is a bit of a hard ass but really teaches you the material. He really prepares you for the final that every COB 241 class has to take. There are easier professors, take him if you want to major in accounting and you will learn a lot.
comes off very rude and like you should already know the material. though you are prepared for the department final, be prepared to use mostly the book to teach yourself the material for his tests
AWFUL! Does not teach anything. Just study the book and hope he puts what you study. Could not score above a 75 on his tests but got a 94 on the departmental final. If you want a good grade avoid at all costs.
241 is a hard class no matter who you have. Gabbin loves accounting and is very enthusiastic. He must be pretty old but he acts like Ray Lewis. The textbook is used heavily. This class has 3 tests and a final, you take the test once by yourself and then with a group to get some points back. He is one of the harder teachers but he is a good teacher
Everyone says he's hard, but honestly he's a really exciting teacher for a really boring topic. When he goes off on tangents they're usually inspirational and relevant. Failed the first test and still made it out with a B-. Solid dude, hard class
Gabbin isn't as hard as everyone says he is. You do need to prepare a lot for exams but I think thats typical of any accounting class. He uses a lot of metaphors that are ridiculously weird but pretty funny and encouraging. He wants people to do well, but he expects you to put in the work and effort. Go to office hours, he's always willing to help!
Terrifying but hilarious professor. If you're not an accounting major and you get the short end of the stick with him for 241, my condolences
This class is hard to begin with, but professor Gabbin makes his text extra hard! However, he makes the final the easiest exam in the course.
Dr. Gabbin is a very difficult professor and if you are not an accounting major, stear clear. If you are though, you will be thankful you took his class and if you do well, it will confirm you have chosen the right major. I love his class even though it is extremely challenging. Do not miss class, study ahead of time, and work hard.
Gabbin is the best teacher for accounting, because he takes a mundane subject and gets you pumped up about it. He was like a coach more than a teacher, which really works well for the subject matter. Would take him again!
If you're taking this class I assume you're an accounting major. Accounting is going to be your life and that is what Gabbin expects. Probably half the class dropped during the semester and 23 of the remaining students passed the class. You need to study the material heavily if you want a B. I don't think anyone gets an A. Great teacher though!
If you're an accounting major, take him because he will make sure you know accounting inside and out. If you're not an accounting major, run for your life. His exams are close to impossible even with countless studying. He gives pop quizzes in class. A good portion of his exams are from material in the book that he didn't actually teach us
He is the worst teacher I've had at JMU. Unless you have a specific thing to ask about, he won't even give you the time of day. He'll tell you to "read the book". You can't learn accounting by reading a textbook. AVOID if you can!!!
I can't even express how awful he is. My whole group failed. If you can take anyone else - anyone else AT ALL - do it.
Intermediate is a hard class in general. Gabbin is very interesting lecturer as he always has a funny way of explaining things. Personally thought his tests were easy compared to Riordan. You don't have to know the material in depth to pass. Pay attention in class and do the hw problems (his questions are pulled from problems given).
344 is hard in general and you have to do a lot of learning on your own. His tests and quizzes aren't as bad as people make them out to be and he is a very interesting/good lecturer. However, he doesn't seem to care at all about how his students do and is not helpful in office hours at all
Terrible teacher. Doesn't explain anything and won't help if you ask for it. If you're not an accounting major, you're very likely to fail his class because he wastes all of class and talks about how you need to study instead of teaching the material.
343 isnt supposed to be an easy class. Gabbin is the most dedicated and engaging professors I've ever had at JMU. Taking him will help your career in accounting so much his knowledge on the industry is far more than you'll get with anyone else. His tests are alot easier than the textbook examples. 110% TAKE GABBIN!!
his tests arent as hard as you would think. the only thing that annoying is he takes forever to post grades
You just need TIME. Study a week in advance and you're golden for the tests. It's a teach yourself kind of class
Best teacher I've had in the cob. If you're expecting someone who babies you through accounting than you should just switch your major because that's not what it's about
This class is extremely tough. Gabbin makes you work really hard. The tests can be difficult, and he gives 4-5 pop quizzes throughout the semester. You have to make sure you stay up to date on the material to succeed on the quizzes. He is really passionate about his students actually knowing the material. He's a decent professor in class, though.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Gabbin is absolutely horrible, class average for last test was a 58 and he thinks that's okay. He doesn't answer questions and spends more time lecturing you about your future career/studying than ACTUALLY TEACHING. whatever you do DO NOT TAKE HIM.
Gabbin is going to make you work for your grade. He tells you up front that he tests from the book and that you are responsible for everything in those chapters. He does care about his students but his tests are very hard to make sure that you really know the material. I guess if you're an accounting major his class may help you in the future.
Gabbin's class was a serious pain. He wasted a lot of time during class boasting about how amazing JMU's accounting program was. I felt belittled by him very often, especially at office hours. It was very irritating and not many students had the slightest clue what to expect on the tests. Just not a very good professor
DO NOT TAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! seriously though, this class is hard as it is and gabbin makes it so much harder. do not take. avoid at all costs.
I am an accounting major who barely passed this class. I know this class in general is hard but class averages on tests were between 50s and 60s. Wouldn't be so bad if he curved things but since the only grades are the 4 tests and 4 pop quizzes (which are almost impossible to get 10/10s on). I liked him as a person, not a teacher. Funny dude though
WORST PROFESSOR I'VE EVER HAD. A third of my class dropped out at the drop deadline, pop quizzes, and impossible tests give him the worst teacher I've ever had award. I have to retake this class along with many others. DO NOT take him if you value staying on track. He answers almost all questions with "it's in the book".
HARDEST class I have ever taken. Spent nearly $300 on a tutor for the semester because he is so unwilling to help. He is also extremely intimidating. But I can't say that I didn't learn anything. He knows the material but expects us to be masters at it because he's an upper level teacher. Unfortunately, I am having to retake the class.
Gabbin is one of those professors you either love or hate. He can be very intimidating but really knows how to push students to give it their all. If you're an accounting major I'd definitely recommend him as he forces you to learn the material not just memorize it. If you're not an accounting major you should steer clear!
By far the worst professor I ever had at jmu. He is not helpful in office hours. He will tell you it's in the book, use your judgment or get a tutor.
Gabbins is absolutely the worst professor I have had at JMU. Not helpful at all when you ask questions. More than 1/3 of the class dropped and he said it happens every year(not something I would be proud of). He is also the only 241 professor that does not do multiple choice tests. He hands you a few pieces of paper and a question. Just awful.
accounting is hard. gabbin works with you if you work with him. again, accounting is hard. you got to read the book. 3 tests and a final, some grade fluff from homework and quizzes. after the second test, 25% of the class drops. accounting is hard.
Class is going to be hard either way, Gabbin is an engaging professor. Most people are just intimidated of him and wont ask for help. Read the book and do the homework and you will pass.
AVOID. Accounting is extremely hard no matter what. Its a completely different way of thinking. Its knowing where to put things in the accounting equation and being in balance. He oesn't care about you especially if you ask him for help he says "Its in the book" or "Ask your neighbor." 50% dropped after exam 2. Idk how JMU allows him to stay.
The HARDEST Professor I have ever taken at JMU. Unless you want to self teach yourself everything, and have to memorize the textbook SWITCH out immediately! If you ask a question he will laugh at you at tell you it was in the textbook. He is a nice, and respected person, but way too hard of a grader and professor. GET OUT
Worst professor i've ever had, he moved too quickly and I was completely lost 90% of the time. When I went to office hours for help, he wouldn't even help he would just continue to tell me to answer questions that I had no clue what the answer was. DO NOT TAKE HIM
Gabbin is NOT that bad. He is extremely entertaining, & he cares about his students. His class is not that hard. It's intermediate 2, you have to read the textbook. Read the chapters and just study the problems he does in class. Do the CPA chapter problems bc they are the basis of his MC on exams. Class is very entertaining. Don't be scared.
Awesome professor. He pushes you really hard but gives so much to the class and teaches very well. Show up with the chapters read and having worked through assigned problems and you'll learn more from him than any 241 professor. Not an easy A (or B), but a great professor regardless. Necessary if you are pursuing accounting at JMU.
love the guy and being in class but a very hard class overall. his tests are very hard but he prepares you for the school wide final. his bonus points arent really a plus because they are already added in at the beginning and if you dont get them all ur grade goes down. would try to avoid , but not the end of the world
Its intermediate, its gonna be tough. Read the chapters (ideally before class) and practice the problems he does in class. Hes pretty sporadically eccentric, some people are bothered by it, I think its a good break from lecture. Not a bad professor, just a miserable class
Gabbin is high up in the Accounting department, and thus is very challenging. This course is a flipped classroom with pop quizzes, so you must come prepared having read the chapter(s) and done practice problems. Be prepared to participate in class. Tests are not that bad, but you must prepare. Final exam is departmental. Don't rely on bonus points.
He's definitely very tough, but the class in general is brutal. I learned a lot and really liked his teaching style. Attendance isn't mandatory but I think it's necessary to do well in this class. His tests aren't the worst thing ever but the time limit makes them difficult. He also doesn't give partial credit for short answers, which is annoying.
The worst professor ever!!!!!!!!!! DON'T TAKE ANY OF HIS CLASS!!!!! IT'S NOT FAIR AT ALL AND HE'S A SYCHO!!!!
he doesnt respect his student's effort at all, and students are struggling. He loves see his class average is around D. Honestly, he had a hard time to become who he is today, so he would make everyone's life hard. He is the ONLY one professor I didn't respect at all in my school.
No, just don't. If you have a choice, which you likely don't, don't take a class with him. If you don't have a choice I would even suggest pushing this class to another semester so it's not with him. If you must take this class with him, read ENTIRE chapter before class discussion. He doesn't teach, he preaches. Group study, and learn on your own.
Intermediate is tough, and Gabbin does not help make it any easier. Moving online was the worst thing that could have happened for this class. He barely taught any material and basically left students stranded for the remainder of the semester. Hard to believe he cares about his students.
Just a horrible Professor. Doesnt teach the material, his lectures are him doing a practice problem or two then leaving yourself to self teach. Assigns homework on connect which ends up not getting tested. Its a scam paying to take this class with him, sure hes a good guy but hes the worst lecturer in the department by far.
Awful. Gabbin should've retired from teaching 15 years ago.
By far the worst professor I had at JMU. No schedule, notes, and difficult to get in touch with for office hours. He goes over one practice problem in class per chapter, and thats it. He's tries to teach life lessons, when we just want to be taught material. Yells at students in class and during exams, should've retired or been fired along time ago
Definitely one of the best professors on campus. Really only a good class if you want a challenge. Dont really understand the other reviews because there is a ton of outside help. Makes test so if you know it its not that hard
Very difficult class but if you are interested in actually learning about financial accounting he is the perfect professor. Tests are very challenging, but if you study and prepare a lot in advance you can get what you put into the class. I highly recommend if you have the time to put work into the class, if u have other priorities then DONT !!
The class relies on you reading the text book and then coming to class to better understand the harder concepts covered in the chapters. The class is hard with any prof., but Gabbin pushes you to understand the information, and if you don't, you will get grilled for it. No part of this class is mandatory, you decide the grade you are going to get.
Avoid at all costs. The most disrespectful, mean person I have met. Has no grading criteria at all, and your grade is pretty much solely based on the exams. Half the class has dropped because his exams are impossible, never enough time and blank sheets of paper where you have to write financial statements. Get ready to teach yourself, he won't.
Professor Gabbin is okay if this is your second time taking the class, other than that you will be lost. It was a Tuesday Thursday class yet exams are at 3 on Fridays and there's 5 exams. If I had known I'd be at COB on Fridays so often i would've taken a MoWeFr class with a better professor. Try to stay away from taking Gabbin.
If you're someone who's well self-disciplined and likes a challenge, then look no further. Gabbin teaches like a football coach. Very enthusiastic and passionate when he teaches but it's not for everyone. There is A LOT to memorize in his class so make sure you read textbook and watch the videos everyday. Not great but def not the worst I've had.
Dr. Gabbin is a great professor. He is tough, but it is not because he wants you to fail. He expects that you will come into the class prepared on a daily basis. My only complaint is that he does not tell you what to expect regarding exam structure. He will hint at how it might look, but exam day was always a surprise. READ THE TEXTBOOK FOR EXAMS!!
He should've been a coach or a preacher instead since half of class is spent on his long "motivational" rants. He gives you 0 info about what to expect on the exams. You will probably be scrambling to finish each exam/wont finish. You basically have to teach yourself all the info from the textbook. This class is painful and he only made it worse.
Professor Gabbin is not the best professor to teach this class. TBH he is just to old too teach. We waste time in class to wait for him to figure out technological issues or understand what students are saying. His tests are 80% material he goes over in class and 20% that is straight from the book. He doesn't lecture and wastes time
Bring your lunch pail to class bc ur gonna have to study hella to do well. Class is him going over 1-3 problems he hands out - these handouts are the best study materials you will get so go to class. Cop chegg for the hw too bc ur gonna wanna study those as well. If u understand those, the handouts, and read the chapters 1 time, ur straight.
Dr Gabbin is alot. He wants you to succeed as an accountant, and becasue of this he makes the class very challenging. Hes a pretty funny guy and he cares alot about his students, but his teaching style is very outdated. Prepare to read the textbook 10 times over for each test (80% of tests is anything taught in class, the rest is anything textbook.
Worst professor I have ever had. He does not lecture or teach any material, you are expected to know and learn content on your own before class. The only reason for going to class is to get the handouts which are on the exams. He's a tough grader, barely gives partial credit and tests are way too long and hardly anyone actually finishes the exams.
Get ready to work way harder than you did in 241 and 242. Absolutely go to every class for the handouts and read the textbook or you will fail. Class is honestly enjoyable though, professor Gabbin does make class enjoyable and the time always goes by quick. Goodluck
By far the best professor I have ever had. He pushes his students to do the best they can.
Get ready to work hard, but Professor Gabbin makes it enjoyable. Attend every class and read the textbook - it's essential. Unstuckstudy was a lifesaver for exam prep too.
I have no words to explain how much I disliked this class. When preparing for exams he doesn't give you any information on what you should be studying. I went into his office hours for help, and he laughed at me. He doesn't let you use your normal graphing calculators for exams, if you bring it he takes it and sometimes won't give you another one.
This professor should be fired
I've been on this planet for 22 years and I've never met a worse earth
Avoid at all costs. If its your first time taking this class avoid. Half the class is retaking and the class averages are still 65% and lower. I am a 4.0 GPA student and I will be lucky to finish with a 70. He has no teaching structure, I had to learn everything from the COB241 website and the HW's.
Not even finished with the semester and I'm writing this. Nothing he teaches will be on the exam, you literally have to teach the course yourself. The class mean on every exam has been a 60. He's the dean of cob and by far the worst cob professor. If you enjoy your mental health DO NOT TAKE HIM.
just avoid lol. retaking this class and still failing. tests are extremely difficult. Grade is based on 4 regular tests, a financial statement exam, a final, and hw on connect.
DO NOT TAKE! Gabbin uses a flip style & lectures don't help (very disorganized), so you need to teach yourself everything. He is extremely rude, condescending, & strict; I went to his office hours & he just made fun of me. Most students are retaking & averages are 60s. He is one of the worst people I have met, avoid at all costs.
If this is your second time taking the course I would definitely recommend Professor Gabbin. Reading from the book is helpful. Homework is on connect, but no reminders on canvas so definitely stay on top of it! 4 exams + financial statement. Test were not hard if you know what you are doing, no trick questions! He posts lecture notes online!
AVOID!! This is my second time taking the class and I failed, I used all the resources such as tutor and going to his office hours which did not help ever. The class is very disorganized and he makes the homework due before he starts teaching that chapter the homework was due on. There are no reminders of when homework is either.
If you have ever been absolutely horrible at something in life, Just know that Alexander Gabbin Is much worse at teaching that you are at that thing. I felt sick to my stomach when I found out he was the head of the accounting department. I Genuinely think that he loves seeing his students fail his exams, do everything you possibly can to avoid.
If you have this professor drop him. Not even worth it. His teaching is outdated and you pay for the class just to teach yourself the entire semester. Also hard exams that most couldn't finish in the 50 minute time window.
Half the class is failing or dropped his class, very unorganized class
If you take this class go into it knowing you will have to learn almost everything outside of class. The tests are hard but if you prepare by reading the textbook and doing available practice you will be fine, it is just a time killer. He does not teach well, and when he did it was often full of mistakes that would be corrected by students in class
He's nice but unless you are a teach yourself type of person and know a lot about accounting. Your not gonna pass. Take this with a better professor. Great Person, but if you don't know what your doing then you won't pass. I'd recommend using the Tutoring Lab in the third floor of Hartman/Showker if you actually want to learn and maybe pass.
I knew I was going to drop this class from the first five minutes I was there. He didn't introduce himself and went straight to the material. He speaks in a aggressive manner and can't teach properly.
Dropped after the first class. If you are trying to get into COB and get Gabbin, find any other professor. I'm taking an adjunct professor who hasn't taught the course for 10 years, and he explains the material better lol.
Honestly one of the toughest professors I've ever had, and not because of the material, he makes the simplest terms seem difficult and is a poor test makers, of my original class of over 100 students, I saw maybe 20 take our final, everyone else just gave up.
This was the worst professor I have ever had. Genuinely had to learn everything outside of class and figure it out myself because he is unable to explain it in class. Tests are very difficult and will assign multiple homeworks due at the same time. He will also tell you to drop the class if you do bad on the first exam.
He's not as bad as people say he is, but he does crack himself up all the time in class over the dumbest stuff. There is a lot of homework, and your grade is determined by a few tests and the homework.
Other ratings made me nervous, and he seemed intimidating at first, but he's just serious and no B.S. I found him funny, and his direct style made him my favorite professor. In the end, the only thing I can blame my grades on is myself.
If you don't have a religion, get one, and start praying.
OK this guy is a cool guy he's spirited, funny and passionate however the subject is taught in a way that makes it so much harder than it needs to be, like the tests are designed to be super annoying and you have like no other grades in this class. He's a good guy but not for an easy class.
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