3.6

Don Groninger

Mathematics - Middlesex County College

3.6
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
59%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
3.6
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
3.6
Helpful
3.5
Clarity

59%

Would Retake

95

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
95 total ratings

5

46

4

15

3

8

2

9

1

17

What Students Say

this only course is very time consuming, but it was because I took it over the summer The great thing is that its through a program that explains how to do each problem

MAT014 - 4.0 rating

Great Professor I took him for Summer Part II

MAT129 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

24%

Textbook Required

77%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

92% confidence
Based on 14 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
Not sure yet (3)
B+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(2)C(1)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 18 reported grades
A: 4
Not sure yet: 3
B+: 3
A-: 2
Common Tags
Gives good feedback (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (3)
Caring (3)
Group projects (3)
Respected (3)
Test heavy (3)
Participation matters (2)
EXTRA CREDIT (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.25 avg change
Aug
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MAT206

5.0

(1)

MATH

5.0

(3)

MAT123

5.0

(2)

MAT013MAT014

5.0

(2)

MATH101

5.0

(1)
+27 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH123

5.0

MAT12910

5.0

MATPREC

5.0

NONENONE

5.0

MAT

4.5

Reviews (94)
5.0
4.0
MAT131
May 1, 2003

pretty difficult, but a great person/professor. he will definitely challenge you. highly recommended for mature, responsible students.

1.0
5.0
CALC1
Apr 12, 2004

dont take his saturday class for 4 hours cause it is horrible. everyone in class is clueless. he totures us and finds it funny. he is a dr and he is horrible. some people shouldnt teach and he is one of them.

5.0
1.0
MAT206
Jun 22, 2004

If you're up for a challange, this is going to be a very special class. very untraditional teaching method, group discussions, group work.. take home tests. Hard, yet rewarding. If you can't think or present stuff infront of the class, don't take him. A++

2.0
2.0
DIFFEQ
Jul 2, 2004

If you despise the concept of "teachers" and "teaching" this is the class for you. There are absolutely NO lectures, and the way you learn is on your own by reading the book.

4.0
3.0
MATH014
Jan 11, 2005

pretty good overall, does have few weaknesses but not bad,listen listen listen you'll be ok. helps with questions and can quickly identify your problems. he'll focus on ur problems and will pick on you until he knows you know your stuff.

5.0
2.0
MATH
Jan 13, 2005

he is an awesome professor! He is very helpful and makes sure you understand the material. I've learned alot in his class! Take him!!

5.0
2.0
MAT014
Jan 30, 2005

Excellent teacher! Very smart and pushes his students to excel. Tests are hard but fully prepare you for the final.

1.0
4.0
MAT129
Mar 11, 2005

Very poor grading system. If you are not savy in Math, don't take this Prof. As mentioned in another rating, he appears to get a kick out of his students frustration. 7 weeks into the semester and never gave a test, nor did he take attendence. Not worth the $.

1.0
5.0
MATH123
Apr 13, 2005

he can't teach. the whole class was failing when i dropped his course.

1.0
5.0
MAT12910
May 13, 2005

i had him for pre calc., and boy did he make our lives a living hell.He would assign 20 problems for hw where the next day in class, he only went over two problems throughout the entire period.I was learning nothin in his class and failed every test where i had to drop it for the sake of my gpa.

5.0
1.0
MAT123
May 27, 2005

makes class teach themselves with little to no instruction. will surely pass all who dont drop. show up, open your mouth from time to time, and you'll be fine. makes class teach themselves with little to no instruction.

4.0
4.0
MAT014
Jun 1, 2005

o.k professor, but he totally owned this idiot whiny kid. Our final got moved up, and he let all the absent kids know except him. He is the man for that.

3.0
5.0
MAT
Jul 13, 2005

He is fine, but not his quizes. .........Not recommded.

1.0
4.0
MATH233
Aug 23, 2005

very tough professor.YOu dont learn anything in his class. you have to learn yourself. he gives you problems on the test which are not covered in class. he expects you to know everything

1.0
4.0
PRECALC
Aug 25, 2005

Great guy, bad teacher. Assigns everything for homework, does not review anything or even teach, goes through one, maybe 2 problems a day. I slid by with a C and so did a few others, but I got absolutley nothing from the class

1.0
3.0
MAT
Aug 28, 2005

Bad teaching, low grade. You can't learn anything from his lecture. Definitely nothing! Don't take him. Never ever!

5.0
4.0
ALGEBRA1
Aug 31, 2005

was the only teacher in history able to teach me math. and he did it well. I not only learned algebra i understand the concept.

2.0
4.0
MAT129
Sep 1, 2005

He was difficult to understand. he really didmn't teach. it was like he expected youy to know. Outgoing guy though.

1.0
3.0
MAT014
Sep 21, 2005

If u know what ur doing, he'll find a way to confuse till no end. I do better off teaching myself. Although he's great at math but definatly not teaching.

4.0
3.0
CALCULUS1
Oct 30, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
MAT
Oct 31, 2005

What a jerk!!!

2.0
4.0
MAT131
Nov 7, 2005

very unhelpful

5.0
1.0
MAT129
Nov 17, 2005

If you know the math then take him, but if you don't know math and are not willing to work hard then don't take him. Also he is really cool becuase no home-work, but the quizs ar hard and if you go on the board and do problem then you get A in his class. Just the way I got it. Over 05/ Fall

4.0
4.0
MAT014
Dec 22, 2005

He definatley knows his stuff. Great Teacher. Very hard though. He'll pass u if he know's u understand or tried hard. He told our class that our grade will be what we get on the final, because the whole class failed all his exams. Volunteering to go to the chalkboard gets u points. His class was always fun though too. He's very down to earth

1.0
5.0
MAT129
Jan 3, 2006

not a great teacher.....hate him with passion...

4.0
3.0
MAT013
Jan 7, 2006

He's very weird but he's cool for the most part. As long as you're trying hard then you'll pass. He doesn't give you homework and he'll throw in some extra credit work.

5.0
2.0
MATH
Jan 9, 2006

gronigher is the man.. extremely funny and nice and very helpful

5.0
2.0
MAT013MAT014
Jan 18, 2006

Excellent teacher who cares if you do. take good notes and participate if you want to do good.

5.0
2.0
MAT013
Jan 20, 2006

Very easy class.He doesnt give you homework. If you participate in class you will get good grade

1.0
5.0
MAT
Jan 23, 2006

worst teacher ever, he doesn't explain anything and he's a jerk... DO NOT TAKE HIM

5.0
2.0
PRECALC
Jan 24, 2006

if u wanna learn then u will really learn. but if your shy then don't take his class because he will call on u to go to the board and do a problem but the best thing is if u get the answer wrong he wont really mind as long as you know what u did wrong in the end...

5.0
3.0
MAT014
Apr 3, 2006

You are forced to get involved and if you didn't understand it at the beginning of class, you will at the end of it. Just get involved in class, do the work, and you'll be fine.

5.0
1.0
MAT014
May 8, 2006

awesome professor! sign up quickly because he is the kind of professor you can relate to, talk to about anything, just an overall awesome kind of guy. he's very clear with what he says, he answers any questions you have to be answered, and does care and believes you can achieve success. best math professor i've ever had.

5.0
1.0
MAT013MAT014
May 11, 2006

groninger is an amazing teacher. he is awesome and i learned alot in his classes. there was a lot of hard work but he explained it and made it soo much easier to understand. plus side is no homework :)

5.0
1.0
MAT013
May 19, 2006

such an easy class EVER! he does not give you homework or quiz. although he gives you a take-home homework for extra credit. if you participates in his class you will pass

5.0
4.0
MAT014
May 26, 2006

Everyone wants to be in his class! He is very lienent, you want to take him! Do so now, he explains the material very well. Has som much patience. And is funny as hell! thats because of his fowl language....

5.0
4.0
MAT131
Nov 22, 2006

Professor Groninger applied Precalculus (and beyond) to real life situations. I always thought this Precalc/Calc stuff was pointless but not anymore! The class is tough, but it's totally worth it. (Besides, the guy's got a good wisecrack for just about everything!)

5.0
2.0
MAT129
Dec 14, 2006

although i only had him for wintersession, he was awesome, the class seemed hard at first, but he made it very easy to understand, i feared the whole session that i was gonna fail but due to his fair grading i actually passed with a C, and im def. no math wiz.....i'd highly recommend him!

4.0
2.0
MAT124
Feb 8, 2007

Was very helpful and understanding, however there was no basis for grades! I did not receive one grade the entire semester, excpet for the one on my transcript! No idea where grades even come from. Beg him for your grades while still in the classroom or you will NEVER get them once the class is over.

5.0
1.0
MAT129
Mar 26, 2007

HE is awesome, this prof. will go out of the way t help a student if you are committed to your grade. Morover he is concept based teacher he uses the textbook very little so be prepared to learn a lot of computer programmes in his class.

5.0
4.0
MAT124
Mar 31, 2007

took WN, so i was scared! usually hate math. anything associated with numbers. hate it. but Doc G explained it so that not only did I understand it, I was even curious to know how the next section fit. he's a great prof. great sense of humor. makes you feel like you can use what you learn. have to work, but he doesn't give you what you can't handle

5.0
1.0
MAT014
Apr 11, 2007

this professor is one of the best to teach math. he teaches 2 or 3 problems a day but when it comes to the midterm and the final its an easy A or even a B hes more of a friend because he picks on students randomly but its good for you it will help your grade..if you hate math you will hate it more.because of his problems..but youll learn alot

5.0
3.0
MATH101
Jun 13, 2007

This man is awesome.. As long as you participate in class, he'll like you.. He sometimes OVER simplifies things, and that makes things confusing, but other than that, he's great

5.0
1.0
MAT129
Apr 30, 2008

Hands down the best math professor I have ever had....i wish that he could teach calc as well...

5.0
3.0
MATH014
May 7, 2008

Good professor hard class but he helps u until u get it what sux is the online course that goes with it as long as u bust ur behind the whole semester and especially in the beginning on the online aleks then u will def pass the class.....i enjoyed his class not sure what im gonna get but a great guy and teacher as well

5.0
1.0
STATS2
Jun 11, 2008

very easy teacher

3.0
2.0
MAT285
Jan 12, 2009

you will feel that this class is easy coz there is no test in class except some online test. therfore you wont have any idea how his final will look like. He is very intelligent his classes are bit boring coz you have to sit there and come with formulas as a class. lots of class participation. But in the end he is very easy to pass

5.0
1.0
STATS1
Sep 8, 2009

DON IS GONE!

5.0
1.0
MAT014
Sep 15, 2009

Bow your heads please. Dear Lord we give you thanks for this son of yours whos the best professor in the campus. Please bless this Dr. in math. May he continue to pass... excuse me, may he continue to teach and enlight the mind of the so most bless people who are gracious enough to have the priviledge of having him as professor. Amen!!

4.0
1.0
MATH121
Nov 24, 2009

Fun class, fucn guy. I'm amazing at math and i love it, and i swear in the 13 years ive been going to school his class was the best one i have ever had. hands down a good guy to have as a teacher

5.0
4.0
MAT129
Dec 15, 2009

great class

5.0
1.0
MAT121
Apr 14, 2010

he is great. his teaching is crystal clear. i will def. take his class if he is talking. i took his class second time. take his class.

3.0
4.0
MAT129
Aug 20, 2010

I hate his stupid jokes.

3.0
3.0
MAT014
Oct 21, 2010

Class is solely based on online program, no book! Halfway through semester and still teaching myself! Midterm was based on how many hours you logged in online program! Spend alot of hours=get a good grade? Problem:I LOVE MATH AND WISH I WAS BEING TAUGHT!! Wonder what's going to happen next level. Will I have taught myself everything I need to know?

3.0
3.0
MAT014
Oct 24, 2010

I did'nt enjoy his class at all! I agree with the comment below, his entire class is based on the online program. I had to teach myself also. Another thing about Groninger, he likes to pick on people and put you on the spot, I hated that!

2.0
4.0
MAT014
Dec 13, 2010

His personality I would say is pretty good for the most part. But his teaching, I was pretty disappointed. Most of the time I was teaching myself math, which isn't very good! We had about two hours in class, in which we spent time on only one problem, EACH CLASS!. So I didn't do very well, I hope I pass still though because I did try!

4.0
5.0
MAT131
Dec 21, 2010

i think hes great.. the class might be hard and alot of it might be self study but in the end he mostly cares about how hard you try

5.0
1.0
MATH131
Jan 7, 2011

Dr.Groininger is an excellent professor.He really knows what he's talking abt,and even though he spends an hour on 1 problem hes just tryin to make sure that everyone understands it nd that everyone is ready for the next step.u need to attend his classes.He's very helpful and makes math fun.Hes rlly big on making sure everything is clear.I got an A

1.0
5.0
MATH131
Jan 12, 2011

He is an AWFUL professor. I got A's all throughout high school and took his calc class and cried for 2 weeks until I withdrew from his class. His teaching technique confused me so much and I was completely lost!! I am too scared to take calc again with another teacher because he made me sooooo worried!

5.0
3.0
MAT013
Jan 13, 2011

I hate math and all I can say is Prof. Groninger was the best math teacher. Very nice and extremely patient with the students and he makes sure that you understand everything. Don't hesitate to take his class and don't listen to negative comments because he made me understand everything I know. One of the best professors I ever had hands down

5.0
3.0
MAT013
Feb 2, 2011

This teacher gave me the confidence to pass this class when I was ready to give up. Very smart, professional, and knows how to teach. I hope he teaches Algebra II. Take his class!!

1.0
5.0
MATH131
Feb 14, 2011

Don puts students on the board to complete Calculus problems before giving them the tools to actually complete them. This can be embarrassing for the serious student. In my class, this caused a situation where the most successful students at the board were repeating the course so, they had some tools from their last class. He jumps around the book

3.0
4.0
MAT131
Apr 12, 2011

if u are trying to take this class with him just dont. worst math professor ever. inly solves one question during the whole session. and gives mad hw to do on ur own which u never even saw in ur life

4.0
4.0
MAT132
Jun 6, 2011

I'm so grateful to have this gentleman Dr. Groninger in Calc II in the summer. Calc II isn't that easy though, you need to fully understand this material by devote long hours of study time and do plenty of practice. Patience is also required! He taught Calc so nicely, but he takes a step further to real-life apps and its historical perspectives.

3.0
5.0
MAT129
Jul 16, 2011

i took him for precalc and he was horrible! he made his students use ALEKS. he'd only do one problem per day and then give you stuff on things you've never learned. like he'd only teach one topic and the test would have like 20 different topics! he made me hate math.......

4.0
3.0
MAT129
Sep 14, 2011

Summer with this Professor was a challenge. His teaching was great but, he over used misdirection with in class quizzes. If you don't like ALEKS, this is not the class for you.

5.0
5.0
MAT129
Oct 7, 2011

I took him for Precalc and he was good.

5.0
2.0
STAT123
Oct 16, 2011

I had Prof Groninger for Statistics 1. I find math to be difficult but he was very helpful for anyone who needed help. Gives a lot of assig. on Connectmath that must be completed by the date he sets but it definitely makes u learn the material. The topics arent THAT hard, they're manageable. Hard work and you should be okay. Makes class fun!

5.0
3.0
MAT123
Jan 10, 2012

lot of work but amazing professor

4.0
4.0
MAT132
Jun 6, 2012

I seems all nice in class, but once you get home and are on your own, good luck. Spends sometimes 2 hours on just one problem. He gave us examples from the book to practice for the final exam; these questions were ridiculous and stuff he would never do in class. Everything is online and that is frustrating. Overall, it's a frustrating class w/ him.

2.0
5.0
MATPREC
Jul 16, 2012

He's making this class unorthodox and uncomfortable. This is precalculus not a literature or expository writing course. He doesn't tend to teach leaves it to his students to do the work by picking on us without us having chance to learn the topics. All course material is online complicating the course conversational mathematics load of crock!!!

5.0
3.0
MAT129
Aug 24, 2012

Great Professor I took him for Summer Part II. He's a great help and explains in detail. Im taking him for MAT-131 in the Fall and look forward to his class. He does give homework and is very helpful. He also give mandatory assignments to help better your grade. Extra credit is also given at the end of the final.

5.0
3.0
ALG103
Jan 14, 2013

I despise anything that consists of any type of math but I have to say, Dr. G is the "Math Doctor". I am so thankful to have had him as a professor.

1.0
5.0
NONENONE
Jan 22, 2013

just want to say that as head of the dept he is useless. hes blown me off whenever ive had an issue. when I was in the math building even the secretary was complaining about how he blows off his students. I could never get in touch with him unless I waited outside his office. I haven't seen him do one thing but ignore students that need him

5.0
3.0
MATH113
Nov 20, 2013

I learned a lot in his class! Take him!

4.0
3.0
MAT014
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 30, 2015

this only course is very time consuming, but it was because I took it over the summer The great thing is that its through a program that explains how to do each problem. DONT BOTHER BUYING THE ACCESS CODE, trust me you will see on the 1st day of class Also remember to check your emails

4.0
1.0
MAT014
Grade: B-
Sep 1, 2015

Dr. G is an awesome professor! I highly recommend him and would definitely take him again if given the opportunity. He's an easy grader, he allows test and quizzes to be retaken and gives extra credit to improve your grade. I find him to be very helpful, he's very lenient, he even lets you hand in assignments late w/o penalizing you. He's the best!

5.0
4.0
MAT131
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2016
Would take again

Calc was by far the most challenging class I took in MCC. My advice is if you are taking this prof online - GO SEE HIM! He is the one of the most understanding, caring, charismatic professors at MCC. Expect a lot of homework, expect to spend time in the tutoring lab with Stephanie (she is great), and hope to have some sleepless nights.

Gives good feedback
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Caring
5.0
3.0
CALC1
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2017
Would take again

Doctor G is absolutely amazing! I took him for 2 online classes and he is quick to reply. I've had other professors who ignore you but he is on top of everything and super understanding. If you need help go see him, if you have a full time job and other classes, let him know and he will accommodate. It's a lot of work but TAKE HIM! Worth it!

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Would take again
1.0
5.0
MAT131
Jan 24, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Way too much work. Would not have time to finish other classes work. Not an easy processor.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
MAT131
Grade: C
May 16, 2018
Would take again

The first online class that Ive taken .He doesnt do any video lectures. He gives homework on both the math lab and on Canvas. The midterm wasnt too hard. He gives you practice exams before the midterm and also before the final on math lab . ALWAYS check canvas for the next assignments due. ALWAYS do Mathlab, try to keep your average above a 70 .

Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
MAT131
Grade: D
Mar 9, 2020
Would take again

This is one of the good Professors, trust me. When I say good I mean really good. Ive taken an online course with him and have never had the privilage of taking a class with him in person, but he's just amazing. God bless him. Very understanding professor. He really wants you to pass and succeed. He will go the extra mile to help you do so. :)

1.0
1.0
MAT131
Grade: A
Jul 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I honestly don't even know what to say about him because he did absolutely nothing during the duration of this summer course. No lectures, and the only program we used was a FREE software that provided videos from YouTube. I don't understand how this can be a real class with the lack of work from a Professor. Would not ever recommend.

2.0
4.0
MAT131
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Wanted a portfolio for a Calc class, and assigned group projects for an online course. The amount of assignments we were expected to do with no provided notes and having teach ourselves everything was so difficult. You would think in a pandemic the professors would try to make the class the slightest bit easier but not even close with this class.

Group projects
5.0
3.0
MAT131
Grade: A-
Jan 24, 2021
Would take again

Professor Groninger is a fantastic Professor. Very understanding when it comes to questions and responds very fast to emails. This course specifically was great for the program used allowed easy learning and quick work. Nothing too tedious or stressful, but make sure you ask questions ahead of time so he will be more understanding in an emergency.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Inspirational
2.0
3.0
MAT131
Grade: Not sure yet
May 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Do not take this class online! The class was completely neglected and assignments were being posted a week after classes were finished. You will not know your grade throughout the semester. Either take his class in person or find another professor.

Group projects
4.0
5.0
MAT131
Grade: B+
Dec 25, 2021
Would take again

Hes the best, take him. Used Myopenmath for everything (Assignments and Exams). However, the class seemed a bit neglected as nothing was barely posted by him. Everything was based on a Free platform (Myopenmath).

Respected
Lots of homework
1.0
1.0
ALGEBRA1
Grade: D+
Aug 25, 2022

Teacher behavior is not good

Hilarious
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
MAT131
Grade: A-
Jan 19, 2023

This was a winter online course so we never met, but the online course was all through MyOpen Math. This is my second course like this and the only problem I have with him is that some questions had no instruction so you are left high and dry on these topics. He also gave us unnecessary assignments relating to the MyOpne Math work. Very test Heavy.

Participation matters
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
MAT131
Grade: B+
Jan 29, 2023
Would take again

Calculus is a tough subject and it is not his fault that it is tough.But he accepts reasonable requests and give late passes and extra time to finish your work which is a blessing.I would take his class again

5.0
1.0
MAT131
Grade: B
Jan 24, 2024
Would take again

He was easily accessible and majority of assignments were due over MyOpenMath. For this course, you get out what you put in.

Accessible outside class
2.0
5.0
MAT131
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 31, 2024

Does not post a single thing on the stream, no updates or helpful material for any of the concepts. Simple makes you sign up for MyOpenMath and has the videos and assignments. The course is online, but the tests were supposed to be in person. Did not really respond to any emails other than once. Would not take him for online.

Group projects
Lots of homework
5.0
2.0
MAT131
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2024
Would take again

This professor was great for an online instructor. Take his class if you work full time or have other things going on. He reply's to emails very fast and will help his students succeed. Very understanding.

EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
Online Savvy
5.0
2.0
MATH
Grade: B+
Mar 4, 2025
Would take again

This professor is very genuine and cares about his students. He gives you extensions when you need it unlike other professors. Great person 10/10 would definitely take again.

Gives good feedback
Caring
Respected
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

24%

Textbook Required

77%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

92% confidence
Based on 14 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
Not sure yet (3)
B+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(2)C(1)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 18 reported grades
A: 4
Not sure yet: 3
B+: 3
A-: 2
Common Tags
Gives good feedback (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (3)
Caring (3)
Group projects (3)
Respected (3)
Test heavy (3)
Participation matters (2)
EXTRA CREDIT (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.25 avg change
Aug
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MAT206

5.0

(1)

MATH

5.0

(3)

MAT123

5.0

(2)

MAT013MAT014

5.0

(2)

MATH101

5.0

(1)
+27 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH123

5.0

MAT12910

5.0

MATPREC

5.0

NONENONE

5.0

MAT

4.5

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