3.1

Craig Nance

Mathematics - Santiago Canyon College

3.1
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
88
Reviews
3.1
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

88

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

29

4

13

3

15

2

21

1

10

What Students Say

Avoid this class as much as possible

170 - 1.0 rating

Don't take this teacher even if your life depends on it

MATH170 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

56% confidence
Based on 2 grades
Most common grades:
B- (1)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 2 reported grades
B-: 1
A+: 1
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.55 avg change
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dec
May
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

180185

5.0

(1)

MATH080219

5.0

(1)

STATISTICS

5.0

(1)

MATHN60

5.0

(1)

MATH060

4.5

(2)
+25 more courses
Difficulty by Course

170

5.0

INTROTOSTATS

5.0

STATS

5.0

STATSECT

5.0

CALC180

5.0

Reviews (88)
1.0
5.0
MATH219
Apr 2, 2003

Do not take this teacher. He can't teach, and you'd do best to take Mrs. McClure at SAC in Santa Ana for the same class than deal with this character.

4.0
4.0
MATH080
Jul 31, 2003

I thought he was a good teacher. Didn't always agree with him, but he gives you a second chance on your tests. He also helps you in the math lab.

4.0
4.0
MATH080
Aug 27, 2003

I struggled in this class. I felt he didn't convey the material very clearly or in a good way. If you understand math - logs etc. take him if you need someone to explain and give extra help take someone else.

3.0
4.0
TRIG
Sep 1, 2003

class is easy if you already know the stuff. if not then you'll probably drop like more than half do. knows his math but expects you to know it just as well.

5.0
2.0
MATH180
May 15, 2004

i got an A from this class you can do it too he does expect alot but he explains really well he has been a teacher for a long time and is a nice man he is very helpful if you have question if you do homework and catch up with class you'll be fine.

4.0
3.0
MATH219
May 19, 2004

The class itself is inherently hard because it requires more critical thinking than most other math classes. However, Professor Nance does a decent job of conveying most of the material (although he does contradict the book from time to time).

3.0
4.0
MATH140
Jun 29, 2004

He knows the material, but he also expects his students to know it as well. Also, he doesn't curve his grading scale.

3.0
3.0
080
Jul 13, 2004

Hard and confusing you need to keep up on all you homework!!!

4.0
3.0
MATH080
Jul 14, 2004

Very visual teacher. Through his visualizations he helps you understand the material better. As can be expected tests are very hard as to be expected with this math class. Not the best but better than most.

3.0
3.0
MATH219
Aug 12, 2004

He has very annoying humor, but he teaches well.

5.0
3.0
180185
Sep 4, 2005

he's a good teacher, just don't fall behind or you'll screw yourself..

5.0
2.0
MATH080219
Sep 14, 2005

I liked him as a teacher alot, it's very important to keep up and he is very helpful if you're having trouble

5.0
3.0
MATH140
Sep 22, 2005

Great guy!! Very helpful and very good at what he does! You have to work hard to keep up, but he helps out a lot and makes sure you really understand it. I took him for 2 math classes because I liked him so much.

5.0
4.0
MATH185
Dec 1, 2005

This was a hard class but he made it fun and interesting by setting high standards but making sure his students understood what was going on.

1.0
5.0
INTROTOSTATS
Jun 15, 2006

Professor Nance is bitter that he had to work so hard in his early career as a student. This is reflected everyday by the way he manifests enjoyment from the failure of his students. He is very unorganized and does not respond well to questions that are asked. He constantly puts down students.

2.0
5.0
MATH219
Jul 10, 2006

test are hard! dose not explain well! I Drop his class

2.0
5.0
STATS
Jul 17, 2006

Tests are so hard, and he never curves.

5.0
2.0
STATISTICS
Aug 10, 2006

Best professor I had here. Second time I took Statistics and he helped me much better than my previous professor in this course. Makes the class entertaining. Worth taking.

4.0
2.0
STATS219
Aug 10, 2006

I really enjoyed the class. You have to do the homework. He answered all my questions I asked. He made statistics interesting but his chokes are corny.

5.0
3.0
STATS219
Aug 22, 2006

Very good professor. He explains well, but the material is challenging. He bases your knowledge on how well you do on tests, therefore he does not curve grades. He tries to help you to understand the material and is not bothered by questions, he will explain you a problem untill you really understand it.

2.0
4.0
MATH919
Oct 15, 2006

he just basically does not teach well at all. you'll end up teaching everything to yourself...

2.0
5.0
MATH170
Oct 25, 2006

DONT TAKE THIS TEACHER EVER. Worst teacher ive had to date. He teaches as if what he teaches is simple and everyone should instantly understand. He makes you feel stupid at times and his tests are amazingly hard. Finding the answer to the problem is 1 point the rest of the problem is the rest of the points, leave anything out you get marked off.

2.0
5.0
MATH170
Nov 8, 2006

So much procedure work it makes you want to die. He does not believe in purpose, only procedure. Every night was 2-2.5 hours of homework. If you like copying books, then take his class.

3.0
5.0
STAT219
Dec 5, 2006

This teacher was honestly the worst! i didnt learn anything, what i did learn was a lot of copying from the back of the book. He knows statistics and he teaches it, but throws answers on the board as if you are suppose to instantly know what hes talking about! he's always making mistakes in the middle of the problem, then realizes it in the end an

2.0
5.0
STATSECT
Dec 14, 2006

No Comments

4.0
3.0
STATS219
Jan 4, 2007

Stats is hard but he made it interesting. He wants you do well and is willing to help if you make an effort. Expect to spend about 2-2.5 hours on homework.

2.0
4.0
MATH219
Jan 18, 2007

oh my gosh dont take this class! its so bad. hes so boring, doesnt know how to teach, and gives ridiculous amounts of homework. really, dont take it.

5.0
2.0
STATS219
Feb 22, 2007

great teacher. positive attitude. jokes around and makes the class fun. always willing to help. he knows the subject pretty well and encourages students to ask questions. covers everything on the tests, no random material.

5.0
3.0
MATH170
Mar 29, 2007

Mr. Nance is a great teacher. He is always there to help you if you are having trouble. He stays after class and even helps you if you are not enrolled in his class. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have passed my math classes.

5.0
2.0
MATH170
Apr 16, 2007

Mr. Nance is a good teacher who actually cares about his students, he is very helpful and his goal is to have you LEARN. Ive taken him twice and recomend him to others. he makes stats easy to understand, and so far pre-cal is not that bad. he does want to prepare you for the next step so he teaches pertinent info. if you struggle he WILL help you.

5.0
3.0
MATH170
May 3, 2007

Mr Nance is a great teacher. He's always open to help when you need help. You can ask him questions before and after class as well as his office hours. He also answers his emails rather quickly. I highly recommend Mr Nance as your teacher

5.0
4.0
STATS219
May 30, 2007

Mr. Nance is a good teacher. he covers the material well and is always willing to answer questions when needed. There arent to many problems assigned in a hw and the ones that are cover the main points of the chapter. Has a good sense of humorm, making the class easier to take especially since it is a 3 hour class.

5.0
4.0
MATH219
Jan 14, 2008

I learned a lot from Mr. Nance. Keys to his class are don't miss class, do all of the homework, chapter outlines, and projects on time, and don't get behind. He's always available in office hours and helped me a lot. Be prepared for lots of homework and use the MASH center when you get stuck. Statistics isn't hard just tedious.

1.0
5.0
MATH219
Apr 24, 2008

HONESTLY ONE OF THE WORST TEACHERS IVE EVER HAD! I JUST DROPPED IT TODAY AND ITS ALMOST NEAR THE END OF THE SEMETER! YOU WILL BE TEACHING YOURSELF EVERYTHING! PLEASE DONT TAKE IT!HE CANT TEACH! I DID ALL THE HOMEWORK, OUTLINES AND EVERYTHING BUT HE DOESNT EXPLAIN A THING! NO TEST REVIEWS! 1/2 class will drop by the end and he knows IT! DONT TAKE!!!

1.0
5.0
CALC180
Apr 30, 2008

This guy is hard, his lectures are useless, he spends too much time on hw problems and gets them wrong most the time, makes fun of some people in class, ummm what else? This guy is nice, but man he is so helpless when it comes to teaching. Also he assigns alot of hw, no quizzes, so basically if you mess up the test you mess up in the class

2.0
5.0
MATH170
May 9, 2008

don't take this class. if you are good at math and it's your thing then go for it. If you will struggle then don't take him. he is head of the math department with a tenure so he can teach however he wants -- he doesn't care about his teaching you the material correctly. he doesnt' give good lectures either.

2.0
5.0
MATH170
May 14, 2008

DO NOT TAKE HIM. He's hard and mean and doesn't care about you. Ms. Moore is waaay better for this class.

5.0
4.0
MATH170
May 18, 2008

Out and out the guy wants you to learn. I will not lie he demans alot from you. But on the flip side of that coin you learn he challenges you to learn the material through and through.

5.0
3.0
MATH170
Jul 26, 2008

I am so tired of seeing these comments from students that swear he is the worst teacher ever. it seems as though if you don't do good in the class you blame the teacher. I hate when people do this because then the poor teacher pays for it through these stupid reviews. He is a great teacher and very helpful. Don't listen to the people who don't try

5.0
2.0
MATH219
Aug 13, 2008

Professor Nance is the BEST Stats teacher I ever had. He is not the type of teacher who would just lecture and not explain the topic thoroughly. He uses great examples for better understanding of the topic. His jokes may need some help, but other than that he is awesome. For the record, I took his class during 4 week session over the summer of 2008

5.0
4.0
STATS219
Aug 14, 2008

Prof. Nance is very passionate about statistics. I had him for a month course, and I learned ten times as much compared to my previous stats course. He really gives you the foundation on how to use stats and understand it. I would reccomend him for anyone who needs the course, and wants to get useful knowledge from it.

3.0
3.0
STATS219
Aug 19, 2008

he's really nice most days. do well in class and make sure you study and do all your homework. POINTS COUNT!!

4.0
3.0
STATS219
Dec 4, 2008

mr nance is an awesome teacher. do your own homework and you'll pass no problem. tests aren't very hard if you know the material... that being said a lot of people struggle in this class.

2.0
5.0
MATH219
Jan 8, 2009

Take Yorba instead. Has a problem breaking down the concepts. Kind of a jerk.

1.0
5.0
MATH180
Feb 4, 2009

Awful teacher. he can't do a promblem on the board without messing up. oh and when he does mess up he doesnt realize until a problem later. VERY hard to follow. i get As in math. and in this class i failed so i had to drop. i attended every class and did every hw assignment.

5.0
4.0
MATH170
Jun 18, 2009

K.. here is the story.. this guy is really easy but at the same time really hard... he grades his test really detailed.. and marks off everything.. he explains everything in detailed so you really do understand it.. you just have to study for it.. he is a really great teacher you should take him.... turn in all the home and you'll pass the class...

2.0
5.0
MATH80
Dec 11, 2009

Ok this guy is a joke in my opinnion. He can not do a problem on the board to save his life he messes up on every problem. He doesn't speak clearly at all and goes off topic which is annoying. Overall probably the worst teacher I ever had.

5.0
3.0
MATH170
Jan 29, 2010

Nance is a good teacher, and yeah maybe he makes a couple of mistakes but I have to admit that I learned a lot from his mistakes. He's showed me what not to do on a test. Goes over most of the homework, has a sense of humor, and gives second chances when you are not completely ready for a test.

3.0
5.0
STATS219
May 12, 2010

He was a difficult teacher, kind of scatter brained, jokes a lot, makes too many mistakes which confuses people. Concept is key but his teaching techniques need to be updated. It is a fast-paced class & easy to fall behind. Not flexible with tests,3 total+final, no quizzes. He is a nice guy, but I think he needs to pay attention to student needs.

2.0
5.0
STATS219
May 27, 2010

Dont take this class! He is an ok teacher but he goes above and beyond what is required for the class, making it alot harder. The homework/notes are crazy and he grades them stupidly by marking off 30% for one minore detail. There are 4 fifty question tests,1 final and 0 quizs meaning you will need to do good on the tests to pass. Just dont take it

1.0
5.0
CALC000
Jul 16, 2010

We would go over hw at the start of every class and he would do a problem on the 3 boards and realize on the 3rd board he messed up on the 1st board and would start over. i can promise you he will do this every week!! math is my best subject and i was FAILING this class, i had to drop.

5.0
5.0
CALC180
Sep 3, 2010

The only reason you should take 180 or 185 is for your degree..So do you expect it to be easy? DON'T. He expects you to WORK. Homework is very time consuming but prepares you for the difficult tests he has. You can only truely respect a teacher if they challenge you to learn. ALWAYS willing to help and he truely cares about your grade if you do too

3.0
4.0
MATH185
Dec 10, 2010

He makes a bunch of mistakes which would be ok if you learn the material yourself and use his mistakes to test if you really know the material. However, if you're a student that is dependent on lectures, this instructor will prove to be difficult. Homework is a must!

4.0
1.0
MATH081
Dec 14, 2010

Made some minor errors on notes, but he corrected himself, fun teacher, great class.

5.0
4.0
MATH185
Jan 13, 2011

Mr. Nance responded in the rebuttal's section with good intentions. Math is a tough subject, and those who are taking higher end Math classes should WANT to learn. Nance always makes himself available to help his students, so TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT (if you want to be successful)"Don't stand on the pool deck and watch others swim. Participate!" -Nance

4.0
4.0
MATH185
May 18, 2011

Incredibly hard instructor!! Hw is worth very little!! Tests are brutal!! But everyone that passes him can integrate better then everyone else! He makes you learn!! He challenges you. I strongly recommend him to anyone who truly cares about learning cal. Despite what everyone else says, he's a good teacher.. He knows his stuff and can teach you if you're willing to try.

2.0
5.0
MATH80
Jul 28, 2011

Save yourself now!!! I took Nance for intermediate algebra for the 4 week summer class, his lectures were scattered with a lot of mistakes. Maybe it didn't seem like his teaching was helpful since the 4 week course was so fast-paced, but his lectures are more like a narration than actual teaching. Be ready to teach yourself everything.

2.0
5.0
STATS219
Dec 5, 2011

Dont take nance. Nice guy but not the best teacher. Cracks a lot of outdated jokes that no one gets, his notes are almost unreadable and i didnt find very helpful, his tests are unbelievably difficult, and his hw takes a good 4 hours. I never felt prepared for any of his tests and every test i couldnt find one classmate who got a C or higher

5.0
1.0
STAT219
Dec 6, 2011

One of the best professor. If you do all your homework and listen to his lectures, you will be able to pass this class. Make sure to go on his website and check for old test solutions before exam. The main important thing is concept. If you get the wrong answer but use the right concept, he would still give you credits

5.0
1.0
MATH219
Dec 7, 2011

Honestly, whoever said he isn't a good teacher is most likely a lazy student. I took his class, read the text, did hw and listened to his lectures, passed it with an A. He has good sense of humor also.

1.0
5.0
STA219
May 20, 2012

DONT TAKE - He makes things harder than they seem and I wasn't the only person who said this.. makes you put more than what is needed and if you don't points are taken off everyone was stressed and after all that studying I received a D ! Tests are not directly from the book either which made things harder and did I mention we have 4 projects also

4.0
2.0
MATH219
May 23, 2012

He kind of teachers the material, but the majority of it you have to teach yourself from the textbook and homework. If you do all the h/w, projects, and study for the tests, you should get by with a B or A. He also hints at test questions, so write them down. He doesn't offer extra credit, but he does put extra credit Q's on the test.

3.0
3.0
STA219
May 25, 2012

I got a C in his class, but I wouldn't recommend him unless you have prior knowledge of statisticst. The tests are not similar to the homework so If you study only that then you will be confused on the test, oh yeah and he makes you put extra things and if you don't you get points off

3.0
4.0
STAT219
May 29, 2012

Like someone said on the other page SAVE YOURSELF NOW almost like he doesnt want you to pass, puts tricky questions on test. And we also have 5 projects that we have to do.

2.0
5.0
MATH080
Jun 4, 2012

Honestly........ I think this is the worst teacher I have ever had, nope does not care about his students will fail you if you don't do what is required, me and 2 friends had to drop.

2.0
5.0
MA080
Jun 9, 2012

He acts like his math grade is EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD, put too many tricky questions nope would not recommend him

4.0
4.0
MATH060
Aug 8, 2012

Didn't find his class hard at all, but Math is also an easy subject for me. He is very thorough and helpful if you ask for it. Has an excessive amount of homework, but that is not bad for someone who needs repitition to learn something.

3.0
3.0
STAT219
Aug 16, 2012

wow... This was one of the WORST professors I have ever had, almost like he didn't want me to pass. I thought it was only me but when I heard the class complaining/chatting about how they wished it was like the h.w and not something else, then I knew it was not just me (people were actually praying to pass before the test's).. no joke!

3.0
3.0
STAT219
Sep 11, 2012

Don't take his class he doesn't want to pass you

3.0
3.0
STAT219
Oct 19, 2012

Yeah I didn't really get the tests ....... they were not similar to the homework or notes I didn't do very well

3.0
4.0
MATH80
Nov 16, 2012

He would always say "I don't care if you get the answer right, its how you got there" That didnt make sense because I thought the point of doing math was to get the answer. I didnt like him as a teacher.

2.0
5.0
STATS219
Nov 28, 2012

He was a horrible teacher. I'd ask him a question in class to get clarity and his response would be "you should already know that." the averages on his tests are about 51%. Very difficult class. and lots of homework that does not help you for tests. I would recommend a different teacher.

2.0
5.0
STAT219
Dec 11, 2012

He will definitly MAKE THINGS MORE DIFFICULT FOR YOU. You will hear the class complain that the test are not similar to the homework or confusing even - AND THAT IS THE TRUTH maybe he doesn't wan't you to pass I don't know...

5.0
2.0
STATS219
Dec 12, 2012

I was apprehensive at first attending this class, but after attending every class of the semester, it became clear you earn your grade this class. He tries to help you as much as he can but you have to actually try and do homework and study. This is not an easy A class but if you try, you will learn and do well. Just put effort into the class

3.0
4.0
MATH80
Jan 31, 2013

Craig may seem like a sensible person when he answers students' questions and explains the importance of mathematics in a philosophical sense. However, he tends to deviate quite often and can be irritable at certain questions you ask him. It's easy to fall behind because he assigns problems that are neither on the lectures nor on the exams. It is mandatory to do homework from a study skills book, which is not very useful. Expect to take an assessment test on the first day of class.

5.0
3.0
MATHN60
Aug 9, 2013

I just got done with math N60 summer class and I truly can say Professor Nance was really good, his technique on teaching was easy to follow. I'm filling like I improved my math skills 100% and I'm ready for my 80 class. Overall, great professor!

2.0
5.0
PRECALC
Oct 23, 2013

Can't explain hard problems, does not teach fundamentals of formulas for easy problems. expects you to manipulate all hard equations. He preaches understanding the problem, but he does not understand teaching it to people. His notes are bad because they don't address the proper formulas, but rather his own personal preferences in solving equations.

1.0
5.0
MATH219
Nov 3, 2013

Terrbile teacher. One of the worst teachers I have ever encountered. Had to drop the class because he barely taught anything. I am a good math student and have always done well in math and this class seemed impossible to pass. It didn't seem like he wanted anyone to pass. A lot of people from my class dropped this class because he was so bad.

4.0
3.0
MATH170
Grade: B-
Dec 10, 2013

Professor Nance expects you to work. The previous student is right he does not teach formulas or expects you to memorize formulas. He helps you understand the formula and how it works. He tries to help you understand what you are doing. I finally understand Trig by the way he taught it to us.

5.0
3.0
MATH219
Dec 11, 2013

I thought Statistics was a math class. It is really about reading and studying the material. This is a hard class it requires a lot of work and studying. Do not get behind or you are toast. Nance really cares about his students. I went to see him several times and he truly wanted me to pass his class. I got lots of help during his office hours.

4.0
2.0
MATH179
Dec 12, 2013

I did not have math for a long time so this class was a lot of work for me. But his style of teaching really helped me. His tests were mostly homework problems so do the homework.

5.0
3.0
MATH219
Dec 17, 2013

Not for slackers! But if you are a dedicated and hard working student, take the class. Professor Nance is awesome so long as your willing to put in the effort that the course requires. I recommend him :)

5.0
2.0
MATH170
Dec 20, 2013

Dedicated teacher! Explains precalculus to prepare students for advanced courses in calculus. I returned to school after being away for 10 years. Easy to understand and motivated me to continue my education. His passion for math is evident. Goes over homework and he is readily available for extra help during office hours and after office hours.

5.0
2.0
MATH060
Grade: A+
Dec 2, 2014

I have had many math teachers and not once have I loved a teacher so much. I was shocked to see his rating.I received the highest grade in his class and I think its because I just get him. I almost failed my other math classes but after him its like I get everything. He made absolute sense and homework was minimum. I aced every test. He's funny too

1.0
5.0
170
Dec 7, 2014

Avoid this class as much as possible. He is a very hard teacher, his tests are incredibly hard, and nothing like what you do in class. The home works basically don't count......! No extra credit opportunities AT ALL...! Just don't take this class !!!

2.0
4.0
219
Dec 15, 2014

He teaches really fast. Must teach yourself. He doesn't check his work which is usually wrong.

1.0
5.0
MATH170
May 26, 2015

Don't take this teacher even if your life depends on it. If this is the last class you need to transfer or graduate, and you can only take it with him, wait until you can take it with someone else. Unless you're already completely aware of the subject, and dont need any further help at all, then he is not the professor for you.

2.0
5.0
060
Aug 9, 2015

Worst teacher I've had.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

56% confidence
Based on 2 grades
Most common grades:
B- (1)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 2 reported grades
B-: 1
A+: 1
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.55 avg change
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dec
May
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

180185

5.0

(1)

MATH080219

5.0

(1)

STATISTICS

5.0

(1)

MATHN60

5.0

(1)

MATH060

4.5

(2)
+25 more courses
Difficulty by Course

170

5.0

INTROTOSTATS

5.0

STATS

5.0

STATSECT

5.0

CALC180

5.0

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