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She is a wonderful teacher! One of my favorites!

She was a good teacher. She's very sharp and she knows what she's doing. She has a bit of a short fuse but she knows it. She's got a good sense of humor. She gives helpful study guides. Just yawn obviously.

indeed, this is an example

She is both native English and native Spanish speaker, and has a very dry sense of humor. If you come to class, and talk, she'll give you lots of breaks. Don't let the orals freak you out - that's where the bonus points come from. It's easy to get her on a tangent - just say something about smoking in the front lobby.

Looking over the poor grammer and bitterness in the negative comments towards this professor, consider your source. My experiences with Cris have all been positive and satisfying. If you try and want to learn, and have an IQ higher than perhaps a house plant, you wil do fine. MWF 12:30-1:45 (thumbs up!)

Chris is an awesome teacher! Shes clear and knows what shes doing, but doesnt take any crap. Treats everyone fair & respects you when you take the time to study & do homework. She is eager to teach those who are eager to learn, and encourages you along the way. Always prepares you for tests, and has a good sence of humor, and fashion too!

Professor Sparks-Early is a nice lady and very helpful! She has made learning Spanish a better experience than I thought I would have. She is very funny and nice,just don't piss her off by yawning loudly or clicking your pen!

Prof. Sparks-Early is a hardworking and humorous professor who made learning a language interesting and fun. A few of her students resent her because she required participation and doesnt just give you an A. I got an A and a B in her classes, and always found her funny and great. Easy on the eyes too (but that is neither here nor there).

I would recommend if you are at all interesed in learning the material rather than simply getting a grade.

She is an alright teacher.

From previous experiences with Spanish professors, I'd always just assumed that languages must just not be my "thing". However, after taking 101 and 102 from Cris I am strongly considering minoring in Spanish when I transfer to a 4-year college. She makes it fun, real, and forever interesting with a wide array of handouts and manipulatives.

She was great, probably my faviorite language teacher of all time. Her class is both infomative, and entertaining took her class a second time I enjoyed the first part so much. the person at the bottom of this rating page who spelled stupidazz like shouldn't be talking, she didn't learn english very will as it appears!

Cris is a great professor. I had her for 4 semesters and I learned a lot. (Unlike some others rating her. Maybe they need a refresher course in English!) She was nice, funny and if you showed that you were trying, she would notice.

Cris was by far my favorite teacher at NOVA.If you just pay attention and do your work you'll do fine.Prepares you well for all tests.She does give homework but it really helps you learn the language.I took her for 4 semesters and would have liked to have taken more with her.

don't take if you know nothing about spanish, you have to participate a lot and its intimidating unless you've taken spanish before. she is a good teacher though, is very clear/organized. lets you know what will be on the test.

Love her!!! Definitely taking 102 with her. She is opinionated, and sometimes it can be a little frustrating, but it really helps make her class fun. I have learned more in her class than %90 of the classes I have ever taken. If you want to, you WILL learn. I can't say enough. love it!

She is a great teacher. You can learn a lot if you pay attention. If you have a problem big or small she will help you out. Regardless to what other people say “Bless her heart” she is a great teacher.

You must be one of those, oh, I don't know...dum-dums that didn't study the vocabulary that day...what do you expect if you don't do the work? How hard is to learn a few words in Spanish for a SPANISH class? GROW UP and act like you're in college, not high school or even elem school. Are you house plant that can't learn words?

really great. she makes it pretty hard to fail so long as you try. if you try then it shouldn't be hard to get a good grade.

I really enjoyed having two classes with her. While that was a few years ago, I enjoyed both her strict demeanor and her emphasis on actually getting people to do the work rather than just reciting things to us. Also...she's a tad attractive in a wierd way. Maybe that's just me.

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Dr. Spark-Early is an awesome teacher. She maintains a down to earth atmosphere with her students while at the same time she separates herself as the teacher. As long as you follow her syllabus you will do fine. She is a challenging teacher but has a teaching style that makes the class easy to pass as long as you pay attention and put forth effort.

Great professor! the only way you can fail this class is if you don't do the homework or reading for class. I took her classes 101-202 and got A's. I'm not an incredibly fluent Spanish speaker but she rewards those who work hard and makes you learn Spanish. Wonderful and funny lady, this professor is definitely worth taking!!

As long as you take her class seriously and follow her instruction you'll be fine. She's strict but fair as long as you put forth your best effort.

She uses the book and gives you handouts. As long as you participate, do your work and pay attention, you will be fine. I took 5 years in middle and high school and learned more in her 101 than I ever did. Great teacher, funny, you WILL learn if you aren't a slacker or a dummy. And, she's HOT--good to look at in class.

If you are looking for a mother, keep looking. If you are want to learn how to speak Spanish, her class is the place to be. She keeps you on your toes, which sometimes is a little bit painful!

She makes you work really hard and, if you do, you learn the material. Isn't that what a college professor is SUPPOSED to do?

Profesora CSE made me understand all the connotations of "caliente"! more Spanish!

I just finished SPA 102 with Prof. Sparks-Early, and the people that say bad things about her are the ones not doing the homework or coming to class. She is fair to everyone & if you do the homework, you WILL PASS. This isn't astrophysics, just a few verbs & Spanish words. We had fun in class & learned a lot. She shows videos too! She is great!

A good teacher. Just pay attention, show up and do your homework, and you'll pass. She's willing to help you as well.

Cris Sparks-Early is both wonderful to have as a professor and wonderful to look at. I enjoyed all ten credits I had with her, and I wish sometimes I was back at NOVA to see her again.

i feel she is really nice teacher and i plan on taking her for the next 3 semesters to complete my spanish and she is the best teacher ive ever had and i hope she see this and remember when it is time for my finals and orals thanks adios!

Prof. Sparks is one of the hardest teachers I've encountered in both college and highschool, but I've learned Spanish better than I ever have before. She deserves some positive comments! She gives it her all, and I have a world of respect for her!

Very friendly. Not a class you can sleep through, you have to pay attention and study if you want to pass. Homework is easy, tests can be as long as you study! Over all great class.

Mrs. Sparks is the best! I love, love, love this lady! I chose her for three semesters and learned a lot. She's a lot of fun, but if you act like a fool she may roast you. Don't act like a tough lazy guy in her class. She can make you cry like a woman. She's a Spaniard With Attitude. For real. This is no mere mortal. This is The Cristina Sparks.

Best professor at NOVA by far.

She is one of the most difficult teachers I have ever encountered, but she is phenomenal. She really teaches a lot and you can truly tell she has a passion for teaching. Do not sleep through her class, but if you pay attention and do the work, you'll learn a lot. She's also really funny!

Great teacher! She makes spanish seem very simple.

I second the comment below, best professor at nova.

Profesora Sparks-Early is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She is passionate about her subject and as sharp as it gets when it comes to Spanish grammar. Don't expect to just breeze through her class but if you are serious about learning spanish she is the prof you want to have. Take her class seriously and she will respect you.

Profesora Sparks-Early is the best teacher I ever had at NOVA. She's passionate and keeps you on your toes in her class. If she catches you texting or sleeping though, she will call you out, but its just so you aren't interrupting anyone else. By far though, she is awesome!

Profesora Sparks-Early is the best teacher I ever had at NOVA. She's passionate and keeps you on your toes in her class. If she catches you texting or sleeping though, she will call you out, but its just so you aren't interrupting anyone else. By far though, she is awesome!

Professor Sparks is my favorite teacher by far. Her ability to teach a foreign language is impeccable. I took SPA 101,102,201, and 202 w/ her as a prerequisite requirement. She makes sure that everyone makes friends within the class. You will definitely succeed and enjoy this class-- show up every class on time, do the homework, and memorize. EASY.

Very good spanish teacher, one of the best ive had. She is very thorough on teaching the language, and is easy to understand. I plan to keep taking her for my remaining spanish classes.

I always looked forward to this class. Languages can be difficult but she always takes it in steps and makes it simple plus gives you the opportunity to practice speaking. She makes the class feel like a team.

Amazing professor. She cares about her students and about teaching proper grammar. Anyone who says otherwise is obviously not attending class or not conscious when they are. SO GRATEFUL she calls out disruptive and disrespectful behavior. I wish I could keep taking Spanish classes forever with her.

Profesora Sparks-Early is hands down the best instructor I've had at NOVA. She does not put up with slackers, and pushes each student to do their very best. Always look forward to her class.

Prof SE is hands-down the best teacher I've had at NVCC. She puts on a gruff exterior but cares deeply about her students, and wants them to succeed. You will work in her class, but you will walk away with a good foundation of Spanish. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER!!

Professor Sparks-Early was great! Take from her! She caters to your learning style. There is a lot of homework but you have to have a bunch of homework to learn the material. As long as you give effort, complete the assignments, respect her, and the class rules, you will do great. She is helpful and the school provides helpful resources as well.

Professor Sparks was hands down the best professor I had in my 3 years at NOVA. She genuinely cares for her students,does everything she can to ensure they succeed in her class, & successfully learn the language. I've kept in touch with her since graduating from NOVA in 2012. Any negative comments you see are from slackers who didn't attend class.

very good teacher, makes everything very easy to understand, gives reasonable amount of work, she's strict and has high expectations but it's not hard to do well in her class. im not a fan of her personality but her teaching methods and abilities are excellent. I would recommend taking her classes if you truly want to learn the language

Professor was super smart and a great influence on my future career.

GREAT teacher! She's super helpful if you go to her and genuinely seems to enjoy teaching. She has her rules and you definitely have to follow them but as long as you work hard you can get a good grade. I've always hated foreign languages but she made it more interesting than anyone else. Tough but fair teacher and demands a lot of time and effort.

Best teacher. Hands down. She will go out of her way to help you if you are SERIOUS about learning. She knows her stuff and is patient with new students and their learning curves, but don't cry about doing poorly on a test if you are not putting in the time to study and do your homework. I'm taking her for 102. She is amazing!

I have had Profesora Sparks-Early for SPA 102, 201 and 202. Her classes are kind of hard, but that's expected for a foreign language class. She has some pretty high expectations for her students, but she's there for her students and willing to help. Be prepared to do a lot of assignments if you take her.

I took this course to further my Spanish speaking and writing skills and am truly happy with the results. Professor Sparks is a wonderful professor. She prepares you for every test but you MUST participate and take the class seriously or you will not pass. You will get out of the class what you put in. Best of luck. xx

Out of all my spanish teachers she was by far the most helpful. Though she is very vocal on what you're doing wrong don't be upset she will fix anyall mistakes you make. There is a decent amount of homework in the class, and you unfortunately must buy the book and access code to pass. I am taking her again because she helps so much.

Shes tough but wants you to pass. Lines everything out in syllabus. Expect homework, hard tests, and self teaching. I took her for a 6 week and managed. Keep up with the work and go to class and you should be okay. Not good for students who have never taken spanish before. Tells good stories.

She gives a lot of homework, but it's spanish you can't expect to actually learn anything without homework. When she corrects you it's FOR benefit, Not to be rude. Tests aren't hard if you study, if you don't then of course it will be hard. She holds you accountable, which personally I don't think enough professors do. She's a great professor!

I loved taking her class. She is willing to help everyone . But be prepared to study and come to class regularly. If you don't you won't pass. I'm taking her again next semester.

Took her for Spanish 101. I've taken Spanish before in high school and I am glad I did. If not I would not have gotten the grade I've gotten. She won't hesitate to point of your flaws in front of the class and basically if you miss a day your screwed because she moves at a super fast pace. I will say she does help if you ask for it.

She was very helpful. As long as you came to class regularly and studied it was easy. She went over everything and made sure we understood what we needed to for the tests. Great professor!

The complainers must be the people who don't show up, don't do work and expect and A. It is SPA 202!! She expects us to do the work and come to class prepared. She helps anyone who needs it, and corrects pronunciation bc IT IS A SPANISH CLASS. Those complaining just don't do the work. Fantastic teacher. Will miss her when I graduate NOVA.

Took 101 with her in the fall, now taking 102. It is a 5 credit class, so it is more work. Not mean vicious & caustic. Funny and caring. She corrects people b/c she speaks Spanish & they don't-that is her job. Too many sensitive people who got trophies for everything. Do ur work, participate & study. Ur grade reflects what u do. Stop whining.

Great professor.

The class IS hard but it's college... so we should all expect that, honestly. She will go above and beyond for any student if you care enough to talk to her about something. She is extremely knowledgable about the Spanish AND the English language. GREAT professor and even better person. Do homework, show up, study before EVERY class & you'll pass!

Professor Sparks-Early is an outstanding teacher for the student who really wants to learn to speak, read, and write Spanish. Classes are always goal-oriented and focused, active participation is encouraged, assignments are well-selected, and exams are well-constructed. For the student not committed to learning, this class can be difficult.

I took her for a 6 week Spanish class in the summer. She is hilarious! She's the type of teacher that she's strict and there is a lot of work. But as long as you do your work and are respectful she'll love you! She is really funny and is very knowledgable. She has amazing stories about traveling to and living in Spain. I recommend taking her.

She is a really good teacher. Learned more in her 6 week summer class than I did taking 2 years of spanish in high school. A bit strict, but for good reason; she wants you to learn. Prof Sparks-Early has a great sense of humor and also tells very interesting stories. Her 3 hour class went by pretty quickly... Also, I found her pretty attractive lol

Tough, but fair. Professor Sparks-Early will truly make sure that you actually learn Spanish! Lots of homework, but none of it is impossible. She gives out grade reports which help students stay on track. She is very helpful and is always willing to take time to talk to the students. Do the work, participate, and you'll do fine!

Professor Sparks-Early is excellent. If you really want to learn Spanish, absolutely take her. I came into her Spanish 202 class thinking that I'd already learned everything from high school, but she found a way to teach me more. She's organized, kind and will help those who are willing to put the effort into learning a new language.

Profesora Sparks-Early is by far the best professor I've ever had. She teaches in such a way that makes it much easier to understand. I had 4 years in high school but this class taught me more than that ever did. She offers a lot of extra credit and is very kind if you need help, and willing to give you some extra assistance if needed.

I wish I had taken her for ALL my SPA classes, I learned so much! There is no sliding by in a Sparks class, you must try to learn the material or you will fail. She is tough but is so patient when you're stuck during class. She gets to know you and jokes around with you too. If you go to class to learn, you will love her and have no problems.

Honestly, it is all about the work you put in with her and the class, if you are lazy and don't care, it will definitely show in your grade. She took the time to explain literally everything you wanted and classes were always fun. She makes the material interesting and easy to understand. Not an easy A, just have to work. Overall, she was amazing!

She's the best Spanish professor I've ever had. She actually teaches. She is really big on grammar "grammar is fun". There is A LOTTTT of hw. She gives a lot of tests and quizzes. Her lectures are really good tho. She comes off as really harsh but after a while you'll learn to like her.

She would assign things on Portales as due the wrong day and then when confronted, she reassigned MOST things. What she didn't reassign hurt our grade, but that wasn't fair because the way the website works, we can't see things past their due date so we didn't think anything was due. Other than that incident she's AMAZING

Professor Sparks-Early cares deeply that students in her class learn Spanish and is always willing to answer questions and help students that need help with the content of the class including pronouncing Spanish words correctly. She actually goes out of her way in class to be helpful to students. One of the best teachers I have had in college.

Prof. Sparks-Early adjusts her teaching to the level of the student's understanding of Spanish and patiently assists students who need help. She has earned numerous university teaching awards based upon student's evaluations. Am very thankful to this Spanish teacher for all the Spanish that I have been able to learn so far.

She is an outstanding Spanish teacher. Expectations are clearly outlined in the Syllabus. Exams are comprehensive but very fair. Is very respectful and helpful when students ask questions. Encourages each student to participate in class. Truly wants to see her students succeed. She is one of the very best university professors that I have had.

Prof. S-E is tough, but it is a 4 credit class. Attendance isn't mandatory, but if you miss class, you'll be behind. She makes us participate & speak Spanish (duh) and corrects us (duh). It's the best way, as if traveling to a spanish-speaking country. My HS was a 93-A, 65 F, so her grading scale is actually easier. Haters wanna hate. Whiners got

This class was fantastic. Professor SE very noticeably takes her job seriously and because of this, I feel as if I got a great foundation of the language. Do not take her class if you are not willing to put in some time and effort to truly grasp the language. She is fair and gives a ton of tips on how you can succeed in learning Spanish.

Profesora Sparks-Early is serious about teaching. If you're looking for a professor who doesn't expect much of her students, this is not the class for you. I was serious about learning and got over my shyness about speaking up in class because she pushed me to do my best and improve as a Spanish speaker. One of the best professors I've had.

Began my Spanish journey without any previous instruction. I found the classes to be engaging and lessons well planned. She is VERY good at her job in cementing the grammar. Learning a language takes work no matter who you take. She is highly attentive in the classroom and with emails. Incredibly organized and thorough. I enjoyed the class.

My 2nd semester w/ Profe SE. I find her classes highly engaging. She finds unique ways to involve the class in speaking & learning. I have had poor instructors in the past for another language & realize how good she is. If you are a mature, motivated student that understand that there will be homework & assignments. Take this professor please

Ive taken 2 languages before this Spanish class and never before have I had a teacher who knows the correct way to teach the material in a way that makes it so easy to learn.

I am currently taking her class and she is very helpful. In my opinion, as long as you do the work and study, you will be okay. She goes over mostly everything in class and does give a lot of homework, but it did help me when it came to tests and other assignments. I would take her again.

Prof. Sparks-Early is a no BS type of teacher. She is very straight forward with her expectations and if you can't meet them then you won't do well. There is a lot of HW and quite a few exams but show up to class, pay attention, and try, that's all it takes. She seems mean and blunt which she sometimes is but that stern-ness helped me get an A.

I took her for 1 online class and 2 in-person classes. She is very passionate about the subject and makes it fun to learn. You must put in the effort, do the assignments, & you'll do well. She is very helpful and will work with students. Mostly online textbook work, typed journals, and extra handouts for practice. Tests are similar to homework.

Professor Sparks-Early is a tough, but extremely awesome teacher. She will take time out of her day to actively help you. She wont hold your hand through the class, shell still make you work just as hard as everyone else, but shell help you EARN a good grade. As long as you show that you care and put effort into your work, you will pass.

Professor Sparks- Early is one of the best professors I have ever learned from. If you are the type of student who doesn't like to have honest feedback, then she isn't for you. She is very honest. But her being honest, helps you to be better. The tests are not easy and yes, there is a lot of homework. But it's worth it! You should take her.

Professor S.E. is THE best professor I've ever had-- for language and overall. Although she is tough on her students, you can tell she really cares about you and your progression in the class. Very passionate and incredibly knowledgeable (and I think she's super fun). Show up to lecture, do homework, ask questions and the class will be a breeze!

Great lady. She is quite understanding. However, she is not dumb. If you take her class then be prepared to participate. If you truly want to learn a language she is great.

This professor is tough, but all the reviews saying shes mean are completely false and exaggerated. I had this professor for 3 of the 4 SPA courses I took and she is probably the best professor out there. She will call you out when you are not giving it your all, but this is because she cares. She moved heaven and Earth to help me pass the class

Mrs. Sparks-Early was a pretty amazing teacher! She tries to help you with whatever you need to her best ability, however, she does give a lot of homework, but this is a language class so max you get is about 3/4 assignments.

I understand that a lot of reviews rate Prof Sparks-Early as a tough and rude person but learning a language isnt the easiest thing either. You will NOT be successful unless you study and PARTICIPATE, especially with this professor. She offers extra credit that is about 10% on a test grade, yes, lots of HW but plan ahead and its manageable.

Professor Sparks-Early is an elite professor. There was a time when I was discouraged over my poor performance on an activity and was debating dropping the class. Professor Sparks-Early calmed me down and gave me the confidence I needed. That interaction made a world of difference to me. She cares for her students and will work with you to succeed!

I don't know why she has such bad reviews, I honestly loved this professor. Super funny and you really learn the language. She loves participation and will call on those who don't. So act like a actual college student and show up and do the homework and it is a very easy class with a great professor. There is a lot of homework though it is easy.

The class is straightforward, and the syllabus is very detailed. Participate in class and do homework and you'll get a good grade. I didn't like that Professor Sparks-Early will take away participation points from students that show up late, but not students that are absent. Because it's a "disruption". It incentivizes students to not show up.

Professor Sparks-Early could be extremely tough and at times intimidating. At first I was timid about participating and communicating directly wit her but after time I really appreciated how she directed the course. She gav the push and confidence I needed when I needed it and approached much of her advice in a "tough love" way. Would take again.

Mrs.Sparks-Early is a good professor, you will have to actually go to class and try, obviously because you're learning a new language.responds fast and is willing to help. Go to class, do your homework, read the textbook(vhl/portales) and you should be fine There's a lot of homework and you will be talking in class. (took in fall 2021-spring 2022)

Professor Sparks-Early is an excellent teacher. You will learn how to use the Spanish language. If you are taking this class to check a box, I am sure that there are easier teachers. If you want to learn how to speak, write, read, and use Spanish, she is fantastic. While there is a bit of homework, it is all geared towards helping to learn Spanish.

She requires you to do HW and tests outside of class and those can be time-consuming, but she uses classtime very effectively. Lots of practice and feedback. She knows the innerworkings of language and is good at giving anecdotes. Do the HW, show up, participate, and you'll learn enough to get a B and move to 102

I have had Professor Sparks-Early from Spanish 101 to 201. She is truly the best professor I've had. She is hilarious, & dedicated to her students & what she teaches. Regardless of whether you want to or not, you will learn the language. The homework is not tough, just a lot, and she goes through it well. You will absolutely love her!

She comes off strict but i absolutely loved her class. As long as you put in the work to practice and study you'll be okay. She answers questions, explains things if confused. VHL hw is super annoying at times bc it can be long but it's not bad. 10/10 would recommend her class.

If you really want to learn Spanish, take her class. If you want an easy A, this isn't it. She has high expectations but if you put in the effort she is always super supportive and there to help. Her lectures were very clear and easy to understand, they just cover a LOT of material.

She is a very good teacher who cares and helps her students. There is a lot of homework that is due every couple days but she is very clear about what needs to be done and when. She expects a lot out of you but is willing to help in any way and is a great teacher. You will learn a lot in her class, and she is a generous grader on oral exams.

All the bad reviews are lowkey crazy... she's an awesome teacher. Yes you have to participate but that's what'll help you learn. I loved her she has a good sense of humor, tests are pretty easy if you put in the work. Taking her again next semester!