4.1

David Singman

Mathematics - George Mason University

4.1
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
50%
Would Retake
92
Reviews
4.1
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.0
Clarity

50%

Would Retake

92

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

57

4

13

3

9

2

9

1

4

What Students Say

He's a nice guy, but a bad teacher

MATH213 - 1.0 rating

He's a wonderful, wonderful, great teacher and everyone should have him

MATH315 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

86%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

74% confidence
Based on 8 grades
Most common grades:
B- (2)
A+ (2)
A (2)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 9 reported grades
B-: 2
A+: 2
A: 2
B+: 1
Common Tags
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Respected (2)
Tough Grader (2)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
TEST HEAVY (1)
Would take again (1)
Gives good feedback (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.18 avg change
Nov
Dec
May
Jan
Nov
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

113

5.0

(2)

290

5.0

(1)

MTH113

5.0

(1)

MATH114203314

5.0

(1)

MA113

5.0

(1)
+21 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MTH108

4.0

MATH290

3.7

MATH114

3.5

MATH108

3.5

MATH351

3.5

Reviews (92)
5.0
2.0
MATH213
Jun 3, 2002

Best prof. for Math 113. He knows what he is doing. His lectures are great.

5.0
2.0
MATH213
Aug 19, 2002

Great Professor

5.0
2.0
MATH114
Nov 14, 2002

this guy is an awesome teacher. you WILL enjoy his class.

3.0
2.0
MATH113
Feb 24, 2003

he moves very quickly, for a beginner class.

5.0
1.0
MATH113
Aug 26, 2003

very good professor, he knows his stuff and teaches very well. you should take his class.

4.0
5.0
MATH108
Apr 14, 2004

Fair teacher but moves extreamly fast. If you are good in math i would totally say hes great but otherwise i wouldnt. He will work with outside of class which i think is helpful.

5.0
2.0
MATH113
Mar 23, 2004

He is the BEST in the Math Department...Take him, no doubt. Best lecture, kinda hard exam...but dont worry, if you understand in class, you will be fine...

2.0
4.0
MATH110
May 5, 2004

Goes really fast, and doesn't answer questions clearly. Tests are extremely hard and he doesn't provide review.

1.0
5.0
MATH108
May 9, 2004

!!!!!!DO NOT TAKE. He will be very hard to pass. I would say he was my worst professor i have every had at Mason. Stay away if you want to pass.

5.0
1.0
MATH108
May 9, 2004

very easy teacher. He makes his test based on his quizes and then he bases his quizes on his class notes. Go to class, take notes and your set for his ENTIRE class.

2.0
4.0
MATH108
Jul 3, 2004

Moves very quickly! Quizzes and tests are difficult. Many people taking calculus for the second time failed by him. If you are not extremely proficient already in math, pick another professor.

5.0
3.0
MATH213
Oct 6, 2004

Awesome teacher!

4.0
4.0
MATH113
Oct 28, 2004

This guy is hillarious. Some people didn't like him but when you get his jokes class goes by fast. I got a C in his class but I still very well enjoyed his unusual method of teaching.

4.0
2.0
MATH108
Dec 18, 2004

His quizzes are very similar to his test questions so you can fail all the quizzes and still get an A for the class. If I got a B in calculas, then anyone can get a good grade in calculas. Just make sure you understand the quizzes. Solutions get posted. And his final was easy.

3.0
4.0
MATH110
Dec 31, 2004

Moves too quickly on new material

5.0
3.0
MATH110
Jan 25, 2005

His teaching method is awesome, because it is similar to high school standard. Quizes are okay, but study. Test are a bit challenging, but if you study, you can pass. Sit in front if you have difficulty. He gets mad if class fails the stuff that really meant soemthing to him.

5.0
1.0
MATH113
Mar 22, 2005

awesome guy perfect timing to teach in the class quizez are easy

5.0
1.0
MTH113
Apr 12, 2005

Wonderful professor and easy exams. Show up to the lectures, do the homework, and get an easy A!!! (P.S. I haven't taken a math course for 5 years)

5.0
1.0
MATH114203314
Apr 15, 2005

Department chair. He gave me permission to take 314 instead of 114 even if i didn't have the required AP score. He is fast i should say, but if your attention is fully dedicated to him when he is teaching, you should have any problems. He gave me A's for both Math 203 and Math 314.

1.0
4.0
MATH110
Apr 27, 2005

No Comments

5.0
1.0
113
May 10, 2005

he is hard but explaines things well

5.0
3.0
290
Apr 28, 2005

Dr. Singman is pretty anal about getting proofs perfect, but he does give detailed instructions on how to do the proofs. If you come to class and do the homework, the tests are easy-ish.

5.0
2.0
MATH113
May 13, 2005

Easy class as long as you go and do the work. Easiest calculus test ive ever taken great for calc 113. DONT TAKE ANY ONE ELES THERE ALL IDIOTS COMPARED TO HIM

5.0
2.0
113
Oct 12, 2005

Awesome professor. He made Calculus easy.

5.0
1.0
MATH113
Nov 10, 2005

VERYYY GOOD TEACHER! i've never taken calc in high school or anything, and i was scared to take it but he made it very easy very clear. his tests are straight forward

2.0
4.0
MATH113
Nov 13, 2005

F this guy, benstein "clear eye commercial guy" in the flesh, monotone voice very boring, hard to follow, try not to fall asleep.

5.0
1.0
MATH113
Nov 23, 2005

What are you talking about? Professor Singman's got the nicest voice, and his lectures are crystal clear. Take him.

5.0
1.0
MA113
Dec 13, 2005

He teaches very clear, and he's very nice and helpful. Take everything he teaches!

5.0
1.0
MATH203
Mar 12, 2006

He's a wonderful professor. Don't miss class (you don't really have to, since his lectures interesting and goes by fast) and do the assigned homeworks. There's no need to read the textbook since he teaches well and it's easy to digest.

5.0
3.0
MATH203
May 19, 2006

He's the best in the GMU Math department. He can be a little harsh on the gradings but if you do your work properly, you won't have a problem. Definitely take whatever he teaches.

5.0
3.0
MATH203
May 28, 2006

Dr. Singman's excellent teaching style and the organization of the lectures resulted in a great learning experience. He offers help to anyone who has feels they need it. If you have any questions after a lecture, you only have to ask him to help. There is no excuse for not doing well in one of his classes.

5.0
2.0
MATH111
Sep 11, 2006

He was excellent ! He knows the subject extremely well.

5.0
3.0
MATH213
Dec 9, 2006

Humerous guy - pretty approachable. Technical grader (duh it's math), but fair. Horrible handwriting, but posts handwritten notes and sample tests/quizzes online.

5.0
3.0
MATH290
Dec 21, 2006

I had Prof. Singman for 203 and 290. Hands down the best professor at GMU. Really learned the subject well and his teaching makes you really feel comfortable to move on to more advanced classes. He also posts his lectures online so you can pay attention in class rather than rush to write down notes. He's very approachable and a pretty funny guy.

5.0
4.0
MATH290
Jan 12, 2007

Extremely difficult subject, the homeworks were graded very harshly. Tests were straightforward, but they tested you very thoroughly. You really needed to know the subject well. He's not an easy A, but he's a great teacher. Take him, but expect to put a lot of work forth.

5.0
2.0
MATH290
Jan 19, 2007

Math 290 wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Prior to taking it, I heard some stories about its difficulty but I must say: The class isn't half as hard as many people make it sounds. Or perhaps Dr. Singman teaches so well that he makes a course like 290 easy. I've already taken three classes with him, so obviously, I think he's the best.

4.0
3.0
CALC213
Apr 4, 2007

He gave me the first 'C' I have recieved at Mason. Regardless, he was the most clear out of all 3 Calc classes I have taken. If you work through math quickly, he's an awesome teacher. A hard grader on exams though.

5.0
2.0
CAL213
Apr 8, 2007

He is one of my favorite profs at Mason. He explains things clearly, answers anything you doubt. If you do homework, exams are just easy as 1, 2, 3 (nothing new in the exam, everything similiar to homework). He is a fair grader and an excellent professor. He will be your great prof if you want to learn. I strongly recommend him.

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Apr 16, 2007

I have struggled with math all my life until now.He is an awesome teacher. He teaches the material soooooo well that it is not even necessary to read the book because that confuses you! There are no surprises on his exams. GO TO CLASS, Take notes, do the quizes and ull ace the class

2.0
4.0
MATH110
May 2, 2007

Maybe it's just b/c I hate math, but he was not a good prof. Very unclear on concepts and probability is the worst math ever! Grades extremely hard on quizzes and tests, no sympathy whatsoever. Pretty much the whole class failed. Take someone else.

3.0
3.0
MATH110
Nov 11, 2007

Nice guy, can be funny at the most random times just cause of the way he acts. He works out every single problem and shows all of his work, its amazing, although he has quite possibly the worst handwriting I've ever seen. His tests, quizzes, and homework are all the same with just different numbers. Just make sure to take this class seriously.

5.0
4.0
MATH213
Dec 31, 2007

Highly recommended. He teaches well, grades fairly on hw/exams, and is available to give extra help if needed.

4.0
3.0
MATH213
Jan 8, 2008

He's pretty good. Notes online; although it is better to attend class because you can read his handwriting better on the board. This is not an easy class. Do the homework assignments, you should do fine.

5.0
2.0
MATH213
Jan 8, 2008

Very good math professor. All graded assignments are more than fair. Obviously the graded homework is not enough, do all the problems he assigns in the book and you will fully comprehend the material. His lectures are clear and objective. So, if you want an A, do the homework, go to class (take notes), study, and you will have no problems!

2.0
3.0
MATH108
May 6, 2008

This guy was ridiculous. How are you suppose to learn math when your professor cant sit still for two seconds. It was like he was nervous the whole time, walking back and forth and up and down. His test consisted of a couple questions so if you got 1 wrong you did horrible. Half the times he seemed like he had no idea what he was talking about and

3.0
5.0
MATH108
May 12, 2008

he grades very hard the answer right on my exam but did it the way dictated in the book but not how it was showed in class and he only gave me 3/10. his lectures are extremely boring. he quizes you every other class. he expects you to know most the material entering the class. he is somewhat helpful though if u ask him he does not collect Hw.

5.0
3.0
MATH108
May 15, 2008

He is great! He explains everything very clearly and goes over every problem step by step. If you have a question he will stop the class and explain it to you. If you come to class you'll do good. Gives partial points whenever he can on the tests and quizes.

2.0
5.0
MATH113
Sep 15, 2008

His quizzes are *insane*. The questions aren't hard, but there are 8-10 of them and you only have 15 minutes to do them. It's very hard to do well as a result since you are rushing, and he refuses to shorten the quizzes (which we asked). In fact, he said it was "disgraceful" (his actual word) that students aren't doing well on them. Avoid this one!

5.0
2.0
MATH113
Oct 21, 2008

He's extremely nice, overall the class is a breeze, he gives sample quizzes (w/ solutions) of the section that we would be quizzed on so it makes it 10x easier. The bookwork is pointless imo.. and he makes us use MAPLE from time to time.. hes very speedy, definitely doesnt like to waste time.

5.0
2.0
MATH113
Dec 2, 2008

In my opinion he is VERY, VERY nice and somewhat lenient. He is very nice when it comes to Maple assignments and let's you print things out if you forgot to. (that is, if you tell it to him not during class). 2. Yes, he is very fast when he writes, but he makes sure you get it. and 3. his personality makes you laugh sometimes.

5.0
3.0
MATH203
Dec 9, 2008

Very good professor, though he does focus a lot on the concepts, so his exams will usually have one question on definitions. Only one real issue, non-stop homework assignments that end up being 10% of your final grade. Expect homework every weekend even over breaks. Exams and homework are all fair without being impossible.

5.0
1.0
MATH203
Dec 12, 2008

he is a very nice professor. lectures are imp. exams are straight from hw. but very lengthy. do ur hw and expect an . easy class, easy tacher, recommended

5.0
4.0
MATH203
Apr 9, 2009

Great teacher! Writes EVERYTHING on the board. Very approachable. Very important that you do you work, though. Gives examples of what he is working on in class as opposed to just spewing out what is in the book. He is a very prepared teacher. Would DEFINITELY take one of his classes again.

4.0
4.0
MATH113
May 13, 2009

awesome teacher! he explains as he writes. he writes very fast so you'll end up writing lengthy notes. he explains everything very clearly. his test are hard but if you do all the hw you'll be fine. this class is a lot of work but i would definitely take him again!!!!

5.0
4.0
MATH351
May 16, 2009

Excellent professor.Could not understand Discrete Math a few semesters ago(very related to this class, Probability) with a different professor,but it all clicked in my brain with this professor this semester. He explains so well.A lot of homework and practice problems but if you do all of them, you're guaranteed a good grade!Patient + respectful :)

5.0
4.0
MTH108
Jun 2, 2009

Best math teacher I've ever had! Doesn't seem approachable at first but whenever I had a problem he was very cool in assisting me with it. Go to every class and practice with the quizzes and an A is definitely possible.

5.0
2.0
MATH113
Nov 3, 2009

Can be humorous at times, explains things very clearly, and is very approachable if you need help.

4.0
2.0
MATH113
Dec 15, 2009

he was a good professor. he works fast so you have to keep up. tends to define easy things for a while that are unecessary but it wasnt hard and he does a good job. take it

3.0
2.0
MATH125
Feb 22, 2010

He knows his stuff and I was able to keep up, but He did a horrible job teaching the class. Was not able to explain much and most of the class kept getting confused, which slowed things down a LOT.

2.0
2.0
MATH125
Apr 27, 2010

One of the worst professors i ever had. Keeps getting confused when people ask him questions. Quite funny to watch at times.

5.0
2.0
MATH125
May 8, 2010

OMG!!! Professor Singman was such a great teacher for this class!! He posted his own practice problems and solutions and thats what he went off for his quizzes and tests! Don't get me wrong the material itself is hard but he makes life just a little easier I recommend him.

5.0
1.0
MATH125
May 11, 2010

Great teacher and nice guy. He explained concepts pretty well in class. Our textbook only offered answers to random questions or random parts of questions, so he started creating practice problems for us himself complete with solutions. These were very helpful for studying for quizzes and tests. Highly recommended.

5.0
1.0
MATH313
Sep 2, 2010

Very nice professor.

3.0
5.0
MATH114
Sep 8, 2010

HARDEST CLASS EVER! The first day of class he didn't even review calc 1 he just jumped into chapter 5 and chapter 8. He doesn't explain steps because he does the math in his head, he doesn't use the same formulas as the book, I dropped! The TA taught better than him and shes like 20. DO NOT TAKE!!!!! >:(

5.0
3.0
MATH351
Dec 19, 2010

The best professor in MATH. He is funny and helpful. Probability is a really hard course, but he makes it interesting and easier. He gives homework every class, but they are really useful, keep you studying. He is very nice and respects his students. Highly recommend

4.0
2.0
MATH106
May 3, 2011

Great Professor, easy to understand. Can be very boring sometimes but tests and quizzes are very straight forward. Tests are similar questions to the study guide so do those! Only bad thing is final is like 45% of your grade

2.0
5.0
MATH106
May 10, 2011

Worst class ever. He gets math, and does not understand why you dont. does several problems on the board and assumes you get it than moves on to next section. Dont go see him with questions. He ascts like you are stupied.

5.0
4.0
MATH314
May 12, 2011

One of the greatest math teachers at Mason, I'm a math major and I can honestly say this school is lacking in decent math teachers who aren't either too strict or just outright bad at teaching. Professor Singman gave homework gave homework at each class but it helped me further understand the material, he also provided lecture notes. Take him

5.0
1.0
MATH106
May 15, 2011

His class is SO boring! Monotone all the way. He knows the material and teaches it well. Also he puts his notes up online. Weekly quizzes. I think he's a good teacher, the trick is to force yourself to actually attend and then stay awake in lecture. Just the thought of attending another lecture of his makes me sleepy...

5.0
1.0
MATH106
May 15, 2011

Great math teacher! Yes he can be boring and he speaks in a monotone voice, but everything is very straight forward. I'm not good at math and I'm expecting to get a B in the class. Go to class, or get the notes online, quiz every other class. And if you do well on the final it replaces your lowest test grade.

5.0
1.0
MATH314
May 25, 2011

His homeworks and exams are very straightforward and with the homeworks he basically walks you through them. He is very clear in his explanations and is very nice and approachable should you need any outside help. I recommend him to anyone.

5.0
3.0
MTH313
Dec 6, 2011

Really good, straight forward, and helpful

5.0
4.0
MATH108
Dec 16, 2011

This guy is definitely a mathematician! He knows his stuff and can teach it, but moves a little too quick for me. I had to use YouTube several times to keep up with the topics. There is a quiz every week, 3 tests, and the final. No HW other than learning how to do calculus. Overall, Singman is a nice guy and very approachable. Highly Recommended.

5.0
2.0
MATH214
Aug 5, 2012

Took him for summer class.I mean seriously guys,Professor Singman is the definition of a great professor.Just pay attention in the lectures and you will get at-least an A.I Loved this class.Most Probably the best class taken in mason so far.

5.0
1.0
MATH106
Nov 27, 2012

He is a great professor and really cares about his students learning the material. Very straight forward class and if you attend, you get a good grade. TAKE HIM

3.0
1.0
MATH302
Dec 27, 2012

First of all he had hard time explaining the concepts himself.All the tests were defition, and all the class had to memorie definitions.Now I see why he cant teach graduate levels.This class was great for me since I had to learn all the material by myself..He is not great but be careful with grading

5.0
2.0
MATH302
Mar 8, 2013

He is the best professor at GMU. I took math 302 and for the first time in my life I really enjoyed geometry.

3.0
3.0
MATH106
May 13, 2013

This class was confusing and so was the teacher.

5.0
3.0
MATH302
Grade: B+
Nov 8, 2013

He really goes out of his way to help students succeed in his class. He writes all these additional optional extra practice problems, creates separate sheets with all the definitions and theorems you need to know, and schedules times to help struggling students study for exams. I've never had a professor work so hard for his students. He's great.

2.0
5.0
MATH290
Grade: B-
May 12, 2014

I'm not a math wiz but an A student. I poured my time and heart into this class (over 10 hours/wk) and I received only a B-. This was despite seeking out multiple rounds of feedback and instruction. He presumes you know a lot more than many students did and seems more interested in teaching as much as possible than in the learning rate of the class

4.0
4.0
MATH290
May 15, 2014

Our class was experimental in nature. TWe had no in class lectures. Rather class time was for group work, with short videos lectures posted to Singman's website. These videos are the best introduction to proof writing I have seen. They will remain online after our class finishes. I recommend them to anyone planning to take intro to advanced math.

4.0
4.0
MATH290
May 21, 2014

The course itself was difficult, no curve was given and a really tough grader.I spent a lot of time and effort and passed only with a C. Hardest math class I've ever taken so far.

5.0
3.0
MATH108
Grade: A+
Oct 16, 2014

He is one of the best teacher I've ever had. The lecture is clear. If you do homeworks and extra plactices, you'll have a good grade. I wish there are more teachers like Prof. Singman.

4.0
3.0
MATH315
Nov 19, 2015

Pros: 1. Clear lecture. 2, Bit sized materials to guide you. 3. Caring. Cons: 1. Have to strictly follow his methods (won't get credits even if you get them right). 2. Very tough grader (partial grade doesn't mean that much since his cut starts by halving the score) 3. Obscured grading rubrics. 4. Difficult to gauge what will be on the test

5.0
2.0
MATH315
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2015

Cares about teaching and it shows. Puts effort into lecture prep, outlines, notes. Frequent small assignments help you keep up. Expectations for quizzes and exams very clear. Outstanding teacher.

5.0
1.0
MATH315
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2015

Singman is my favorite math teacher here. He's clear and enthusiastic and very helpful, if you go to office hours. He's willing to go over things in class if you didn't get it. He's a bit yell-y sometimes, but that's okay. This class should have been more challenging though. He's a wonderful, wonderful, great teacher and everyone should have him.

4.0
4.0
MATH213
May 2, 2017
Would take again

A very nice professor with clear lectures and provides lots of helpful materials (make sure to do the extra practice sheets). The course has a lot of material which makes it difficult, but he teaches it well. You need to put in a lot of effort in this class to get an A. He doesn't curve even though the second test average was in the 60s.

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
MATH213
May 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's a nice guy, but a bad teacher. Lecture is confusing and he's often clueless on how to proceed since he hasn't taught this class in a while. Exams are really long and your grade depends on 3 exams and the recitation quizzes.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
MATH213
Grade: B-
May 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's alright I guess. Make sure you also study the theoretical side of things, and actually understand the topics. His tests are pretty hard, especially the final exam. He does give you a lot of material to work through however, and tells you exactly which topics to study for the tests.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
1.0
MATH213
Grade: A+
Jan 3, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Singman has been far and away one of the best mathematics professors I've had at Mason. His lectures are logical and easy-to-follow. His tests are straightforward, and he provides material prior to the tests to help you prepare for them. He answers questions, and he is accessible outside the classroom. I highly recommend taking his classes.

Respected
LECTURE HEAVY
Would take again
5.0
3.0
MTH213
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 13, 2018
Would take again

He uses his own website instead of BB, but his lectures are very straightforward and easy to follow. He also posts additional problems for help if needed. On tests, he's a very fair grader. Will still knock some points off for wrong answers, but cares more about you understanding the theory. Overall, I strongly recommend this professor!

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
MATH213
Grade: B
Apr 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

2 exam 25% each, final 35% and quizzes 15%. Not too hard if you can study as he goes through the lectures. He also recommends reading and understanding the lecture before coming to class which helps when he is doing the lecture. questions are answered during office hours as he doesn't like spending class time on questions. Quiz in recitation(easy)

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

86%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

74% confidence
Based on 8 grades
Most common grades:
B- (2)
A+ (2)
A (2)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 9 reported grades
B-: 2
A+: 2
A: 2
B+: 1
Common Tags
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Respected (2)
Tough Grader (2)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
TEST HEAVY (1)
Would take again (1)
Gives good feedback (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.18 avg change
Nov
Dec
May
Jan
Nov
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

113

5.0

(2)

290

5.0

(1)

MTH113

5.0

(1)

MATH114203314

5.0

(1)

MA113

5.0

(1)
+21 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MTH108

4.0

MATH290

3.7

MATH114

3.5

MATH108

3.5

MATH351

3.5

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