2.4
Quality3.6
DifficultyN/A
Would Retake87
ReviewsN/A
Would Retake
87
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
87 total ratings5
14
4
12
3
9
2
22
1
30
What Students Say
“This class is not nearly as bad as most people on here claim”
ENG2 - 2.0 rating“One of the worst professors at Cabrillo”
ENGL2 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
67%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Improving
+1.13 avg changeRatings by Course
1A
5.0
(1)ENGAAAA
4.0
(1)AA
4.0
(1)ENG1
4.0
(1)ENG100
3.4
(10)Difficulty by Course
ENGL100
5.0
ENGLISH
5.0
ENGLISH1B
5.0
ENG2MC
5.0
E7680
5.0
Reviews (86)
Really Bad teacher, she spends to much time on her personal views then on teaching you english. Unfair grader
There was nothing in this class that related to english. Other than long essays that were assigned, we basically got fed exessive info about her views of the world, and they were all one-sided.Most of what she had to teach did not relate to me.Bad class.
I would strongly reconsider taking another instructor. If you don't like giving presentations, this is not the instructor for you. The material you deal with is brutal. It is not a critical writing class. You basically just restate her opinions.
This professor was very frustrating to work with as there was no room for creativity...basically just memorization of her opinions to recite both in presentations and essays. Her goals and expectations are very unclear as well.
Paden is too focsed on "Acting" proper, and her personal views. Almost every essay we read was trying to start another women's rights movement. Would not work with me outside of class. Doesn't always know what she is talking about. Incorrect fac
She gives you the side of stories never told. These are not from white America. I notice that she is not rated very highly. It was probably by people with linear thinking, not able to expand their minds past the plasid relem that the government trys to keep this country in. She does have an opin
"Professor Paden" is so wrapped up in her proper manner and her own views that there is not much room for teaching. In this class you will learn about her views and ideas and if you disagree or do not include them in your papers be prepared for a bad grade!
English 2 is critical thinking. if one was not prepared to think critically than they would find prof. Paden to be a difficult teacher. But, If you have the drive to learn, not just score a good grade for the sake of transfering, than i recomend taking her class.
Very difficult teacher.Wants to see changes in the way people think regarding people who r or have once been discriminated against & I think that is all she really wants. Didnt learn anything about English. Didnt return any of my e-mails when I needed help.
Interesting content (readings), lots of group presentations that I learned nothing from. No help with writing essays but you will get an A as long as you implement her catch phrases into your work. Nobody in my class had much fun...she is intimdating, not very open to discussion or much argument.
I went to the bookstore before class and bought the may books that were required (about 6). What are the odds, we barely made it through 2 of them. There is a lot of busy work in this class. There is also no way of knowing your grades because she takes about a month to grade and return anything.
If you want a class that you have to conform to the professor's opinion, this is a class for you. Some of the topics of critical thinking don't relate to English at all. She is very nice but you need to write exactly what she wants to hear to get a decent grade.
I would not recommend this class to anyone. The teacher is so wrapped up in group projects and busy work to fill up time. The books we read are extremely bias. We spend most of the semester reading part of one book and the other four weeks to read and write 5-15 page papers on the other three books.
she sucked!! she was hardly there and the clarity of the assignments were non-existant!
She was by far the worst teacher I ever had at Cabrillo for many reasons that I can't even begin to explain. Oh, and if you like writing 25 page papers, be my guest.
She refused to tolerate ideas or opinions that were not her own, she didn't explain what she wanted or give you much feedback so that you could improve your writing, and while I leared a lot, I took this class to get English credit, not black history and feminism. She took me on a guilt trip because I happen to be white.
No Comments
I repeatedly went to this teacher for help, subscribed to all of her suggestions and never got anywhere for it. I turned in all assignments, only ever recieved one with a grade back. Sylabus covered Feb-Mar, and then stopped. Books were we told to buy, we never used. I have never worked so hard for any course in my three years at Cabrillo, nor have I ever recieved such a low grade. My major was going to be English until I went though one semester with her.
Alot of focus on her own views, however I did take away a greater sense of confidence in my writing skills after taking her class.
She never really helped out, and ever did anything englishy. just...? it was like hisory more than english. :( boo
Contrary to beliefs below, I think that she is a very good teacher. We only had to purchase two books for teh calss, one of which I dont' see being used much, but one of which is great. She did NOT bring many of her personal views into the class, although it is impossible not to bring in some. "The Borzoi College Reader" which we were required to have was a compliation of essays and short stories in which she picked ones that flowed and matched. True, not as much writing as some my like. good prof
seriously if u have a choice dont take her classes...
Always late!
I just took english 1a w/ paden, and i learned so much from her class. I think she is a good teacher and tells it like it is, oh and i am white and she was still very helpful and supportive.
WORST class I have ever taken. She was a mean woman! Very un-helpful, un-explanitory and always late. Very difficult class...WARNING: do not take this course with her.
WORST class i have ever taken in my life, the homework at the end was rediculous, shes very ONE sided in her views, makes up words, uses vocab that doesnt make any sense, never take the class, ever...
she may be a nice person to some, but those people were her 'favorites'. i actually felt reverse racisim from her. that is a strong comment to say, but it is the truth. lack of communication & clarity on assignments, she is very biased. she seems to grade higher to longer papers rather than on the quality of writing. i felt strong enough to rate this professor. she really should not be a professor and -straight up- my advice is to NEVER take a class of hers.
So the first two months with her were OKAY, only because (and I hate to say it) I sucked up to her, and received high grades I probably did not deserve. Into the third month she misses two class meets. Then she misses another two class meets. A month goes by and she doesn't come back. So we had to have substitute teachers. Never came back.
I didn't like this teacher at all. She was always late, but wanted all of us to be on time. Loved to put people on the spot. I felt like I always needed to just yell out an answer so that she wouldn't put me on the spot and embarass me. I hated going to class and even though it was a relief when she just stopped showing up it was still frustrating.
she is not the best teacher and likes long papers needles to say when i took her she was gone for 2 weeks because of jury duty and all we ended up gettiong graded upon was 1 paper a boreing project and a monologue
This is seriously the worst class I have ever taken and the worst teacher I have ever had. You will regret taking a class from her, especially eng2.
I had Paden for English 1a and English 2. Overall, the worst classes I've ever taken. For English 1A, she just stopped showing up. completely, no explanation. For English 2, every assignment was painful and none of it was interesting. I agree with most of the other negative comments about her. Don't take her class!!!!
Like most students have said, she was suspiciously gone for about 4 weeks.1st day of class she was already rude telling students that no B.S. is allowed even though she had a 4 week "family emergency". The most biased teacher I have ever had and loves putting students on the spot, just like in junior high. Poor clarity on assignments/projects/exams
I have always loved my classes and teachers at Cabrillo. After attending this class for 2 weeks I had to make the decision to drop even though I really need her class to transfer and I dropped to late to get my refund. It was worth it to not have to deal with her. She is mean, unfair, and biased. She constantly puts you on the spot. DON'T TAKE HER!
I am so surprised that I actually made it through this class. Paden is scattered, biased, and ridiculous. She would keep drilling students who just did not know the answers to her questions. Almost every second that I spent in her class was a waste of my time.
i should have dropped this class when i had the chance.
HORRIBLE!!! DON'T DO IT!!! JUST DON'T!!! I am happy to say that I dropped this woman's class and am very proud of my decision because I took the same course online and passed with a B. Much better than being put on the spot each day in class. She is the most awful teacher I have ever attempted at Cabrillo. Honest, you'll only regret taking her clas
The sylibi was unorganized and more than half the assignments are not given by the end.
SHe is a good teacher and although she may be opinionated she likes it, and will give you better grades, if you talk about your opinions too and give evidence to back them up. the class was very hard but i learned a lot. if you want to do well go to office hours and ask questions if you want an easy class take someone else
Study with classmates, go to office hours, read the text. Don't expect a handout. By 'handout', I mean an easy 'A'.
I love her! O.K.she's strict but for our own good. Those who are willing to work and do what is required will survive and be enriched with her knowledge and the things that she teaches. No, this class is not for the lazy student.
Ok People I have rated everything in the middlle Because I want to give a fair and unbiased evaluation. The semester has just started and I am a new student. So far this is a no nonsense class . Like it should be. I have heard from this instructor some of the most amazing lectures I have ever heard. My money has been well spent.My opinion Thumbs up
I am the poster from 2-17-10. Call me poster X.It is now four weeks in to the semester. Using the tools I have been taught in this class has improved my reading interpretation skills.I hope to improve my writing skills.She is an amazing instructor.She will noy baby sit you and I Don't blame her Oh..yea I am white.Professor Payden gets my thumbs up
Poster X here. We are now 7 weeks in to the semester.I look forward to our class discussions and coming to class. I think she has some great insight on political views.Teaches one to look at things another way or shows you a way that you never though of.She keeps it interesting. Great Teacher.I love this class Thumbs Up.
Poster X here. If you miss a class for valid reasons. She is fair.I have seen her help students who are having diffculties in class with the upmost respect.She has taught me a great deal and opened my mind to new concepts.She is definately one of the best dressed instructors.I look forward to Eng 1A. My favorite class .Thumbs up for Professor Payde
Just be careful with what you say and how you say it. In other words, just be respectful. I thought her lectures could be a bit overwhelming, but she showed a willingness to help to those who sought it out. She responds best to those who show a desire to listen and learn.
I recommend not taking this class you will be a better person. If you do remember what I said. Very unorganized, forces you to speak and humiliates you, final assignments just mean and not necessary. Didn't learn much. Almost entire class dropped by the end. I received and "A" but my girlfriend got a C She did all the work I didn't. Biased Grader
Ignore the other negative comment about Ms.Paden. She is a crazy unique teacher. She bring her own swag into class everyday with a sweet hello class. Her class isn't for the lazy student but if you want to challenge yourself take her. Everyone says she's hard, well that's very true but she's a "LIFE TEACHER" and help whoever needs it. TAKE THE CLAS
Ms. Paden is an EXCELLENT teacher. Her way of teaching is not the usual, however it is great nonetheless. We are approaching the final weeks of the semester, and her helpfulness has yet to discourage me. If you want to challenge yourself, take her class, and be prepared to be amazed as I have been. Overall the best teacher I have ever had!
Poster X here.She is a good teacher. however I am considering the termination of the class and Cabrillo with 2 weeks to go. I do not think my political views are in alignment with this class.I refuse to agree when I do not, to achieve a grade. I know where I stand grade wise.I am considering to quit and ask for an F. I am just to strong willed.
DONT TAKE THIS CLASS, SHES AN EVIL EVIL PERSON. For being an english teacher she really doesnt know what shes talking about. Many time I would catch her using words that was just wrong and didnt make sense. One example :Cross-pollination, only applies to biology right? WRONG! Padin will find ways to use that in any context. Dont take her!
Wanna take a trip in to bigotry .The definition: A person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own prejudices.The person is hostile towards people of different race,ethnicity,nationality,etc If you differ with her you will get a bad grade regardless of how well you do in the class.Grading is based on who is liked. Real fair Huh?
Poster X here . She is a good teacher.I found her to be a fair grader. You will get the grade you deserve.I would not hesitate to take another one of her classes. I learned a great deal from her. Be prepared to participate in class. I left the class each day excited about what we were doing.I also looked forward to the next class.A great experience
I am not a **** person, but I believe she has an extreme bias when teaching. As most people said, she plays favorites and puts you on the spot EVERYDAY. It's embarassing if you don't have an opinion. And if you have one,make sure it's HERS. It is more of a history class. She will assign 10 page essays on stuff she hasn't taught. DON'T DO IT
She is horrible. Do NOT take this class. You MUST have the same opinion as hers. Otherwise, you can't make it this class.
The college is well aware of this instructors behavior. Yet they do nothing about it. What does that tell you?
She is a demanding professor. If you need to be spoon fed and mentally are holding onto ignorance, then will not appreciate this class. However, if you enjoy a class that requires you to think and be stimulated than this is the class for you. Be prepared to self reflect.
dont take her class. She is constantly putting people on the spot. She got mad at a couple of students for not bringing a dictionary to class, when she never asked us to bring one. It feels like your in African American History not English 2.
There are so many problems with this class I don't even know where to start. Teacher extremely left wing biased, she is extremely strict on essay formats (must be in her way only). I already knew all of the material before class started, there is no reason to take this class.
Originally was very worried about this professor after reading these reviews. The class is very difficult, requires the readings to be done and you are often put on the spot to answer. Fortunately, Paden is extremely helpful if you show you actually want to learn. A few months ago I would have said avoid at all costs but now I recommend her.
T: Professor Paden is a perfect example of someone who is unable to separate a professional relationship from a personal one. She creates an "us v. them" mentality in her classroom and seems to hold everyone responsible for the atrocities that occurred in the US' past. She takes things personally and is unable to accept responsibility for her own
T: Neglect. I have gotten straight As in her course, so my grades are not the problem, and honestly it's an easy course because she only wants you to regurgitate what she's said in class rather than formulate original ideas. Paden is a poor teacher due to her reverse racism and inability to provoke unique ideas.
I dropped her class. She puts everyone on the spot and purposely tries to embarrass people. She is all about women's rights and believes nothing else other than what she "thinks" is true. You are not allowed to say the word I am not sure, or I do not know. Did not enjoy!
Do not take this class if you are lazy, or don't like speaking in class. You must be an active speaker to be recognized. She likes to hear confidence. The book is the life source to this class, you must read the stories and have a full understanding of them. She's a great teacher, and you can get a lot out of the class about how to examine readings
More of a History class than an English class.I did not find the class useful in bettering my English skills, directions from the instructor is vague, poor feedback is given to assignments, she has poor penmanship,favoritism is ever so present, and she makes you feel like you've asked a stupid question when you're attempting to clarify the reading.
She is Brilliant! By far the best teacher I've had, she has truly changed my world, and now long gone from cabrillo I will forever cherish all that I learned. Very strong and amazing and challanges student to be the same. OPEN YOUR MIND that is key!!
Professor Paden was rude and extremely unhelpful, had awful penmanship and gave our class our study guide in her handwriting that was basically illegible. She kicked students out of class for not knowing answers, and turned our English two course into History of African American Literature.
the worst
I was doubtful when I started her class, but she is amazing and I learned how to open my mind in this class.
Paden is Intimidating and confrontational. This is a lecture class, and you will take pages of notes and spend a great deal of time listening. This is an African American History class, and should be called "Critical Listening" and not "Critical Thinking." I love English, but this class is a total bummer.
Hardest class I took at cabrillo. if you take her, its because you want to transfer to a good school and you want to be prepared. prepare well for every class, know the reading and be prepared to be put on the spot, perhaps uncomfortably. go to her office hours, more than the required three times. go every day if you can. face time + effort = A
People that rate Paden negatively must have had a different experience than i did. She is a one of a kind woman. I read these reviews and decided to take her class anyways. She opens your mind to things unthinkable. Being challenged is a GOOD THING. Take this class. It will teach you to think critically and prepare you for future classes.
I only lasted two classes with her. She would call people out that didnt raise their hand and make them speak. She would be angry with you if you didn't get the right answer.
She singles out students on a daily basis and as soon a you do even the most minor of mistakes she will never give you a fair chance of proving your point ever again...a at first she is fair with you but as soon as you mess up she is the furthest thing from fair for the rest of the class...I do not reccomend taking this class with this professor
One of the hardest classes I have ever had. I use to love English until I endured this class. Focused only on African American authors and I was terrified of being kicked out of the class if I said something wrong. She also puts you up on the spot on a daily basis.
I took Paden for both English 1A and 2. She is a very strong personality that many people seem to find difficult. She expects class participation from everyone. She gives you the questions and goes over answers before tests. Show up, talk, do the work = A. Great teacher, makes you think! You can disagree with her, but with respect.
One of the worst professors at Cabrillo. She would put students on the spot with questions and if you got them wrong, she would humiliate and belittle you. Attendance is mandatory, but not for her, she didn't show up for over 8 classes and then stopped coming completely with 4 weeks left.Pick another professor. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!
Come to class prepared. She will call you on the spot because she wants all of her students engaged in the conversation. Ask for help when needed. Do HW on time. I got a C because I didn't turn in my last paper. I went from an A to a C.
Phenomenal. You will have to work hard. I cried during every paper. However, I learned how to really analyze readings on a whole new level. By the end of the semester, only ten students remained. She expects professional behavior and preparedness. Truly prepares you for upper level college courses. One of the best educators I have come across.
Feedback on writing assignments was lackluster. Only one assignment was thoroughly graded. The rest had 1-2 words and your grade. 35% of your grade is based on participation in the class discussions. No progress report or anything to give the student feedback on their class participation. Subject matter was interesting so it wasn't all bad.
This class is not nearly as bad as most people on here claim. As long as you show up to class, do the homework on time, and participate in class it's a really smooth ride. People encounter problems when they aren't prepared and she doesn't tolerate people who haven't done the work required. Overall, don't be lazy and you'll get a very easy A.
All through out the semester I was very worried about my performance in class even though I received high marks on all my assignments. It was a little stressful and almost intimidating having a teacher so passionate about her subject, but I think that's also what inspired me to do my best in this class. Just show up and do work. DON'T DROP!
I loved this class and put everything I had into it. That is what is required to get a good grade. She is passionate about her subject and the preparation for upper division college courses was invaluable. If you are shy or not mature enough to come well prepared with your reading done, then this course is not for you.
She didn't show up to most classes and put full responsibility on you for knowing what she wanted even if she didn't clearly tell you. Could have been a good semester if she had showed up. Would not take again.
Prof Paden left for two weeks in the middle of the semester, then got rid of the sub's assignments so we hadn't written an essay until the last month of the course. In the last month she jammed in all of the semester's work, and left two weeks before the course was over, then didn't give us our grades until two months after the class was over.
Prof Paden is a great teacher, and I learned so much about African American history and literature. This course was challenging for students whom their English is not a first language; however, my grade proved I really worked hard on every journal and essay writing. She is very approachable, and I learned to speak up and not to be shy in class.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
67%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Improving
+1.13 avg changeRatings by Course
1A
5.0
(1)ENGAAAA
4.0
(1)AA
4.0
(1)ENG1
4.0
(1)ENG100
3.4
(10)Difficulty by Course
ENGL100
5.0
ENGLISH
5.0
ENGLISH1B
5.0
ENG2MC
5.0
E7680
5.0