2.3

Doug Sherman

Physics - San Jose State University

2.3
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
100%
Would Retake
136
Reviews
2.3
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
2.5
Helpful
2.1
Clarity

100%

Would Retake

136

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

16

4

23

3

14

2

38

1

45

What Students Say

He is completely lacking enthusiasm for the subject which makes for a horrible learning environment for the students

PHYS2A - 2.0 rating

He does a lot of proving and defining the formulas

PHYS51 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

0%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
Not sure yet (2)
B (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 7 reported grades
A: 4
Not sure yet: 2
B: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
May
Jan
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHYS71

5.0

(1)

PHHY5053

5.0

(1)

PHYS52AN

5.0

(1)

PHYS1A

5.0

(1)

PHYSICS53

5.0

(1)
+28 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHYS5053

5.0

PHY51

5.0

PHYSIC50

5.0

PHY50

5.0

PHYSI2B

5.0

Reviews (136)
1.0
5.0
PHYS5053
May 23, 2002

unorganized, sloppy handwriting, extremely hard midterms and final, DO NOT TAKE

5.0
3.0
PHYS71
Sep 8, 2002

Really helpful and funny

1.0
4.0
PHYSICS50
Oct 14, 2002

Very Hard Tests, Makes fun of class, Not a good teacher or nice person.

5.0
1.0
PHHY5053
Nov 9, 2002

You'll either love the guy or hate him. I think he is a great instructor.

5.0
1.0
PHYS52AN
Nov 25, 2002

great guy. understand his sarcasm and you'll be OK

3.0
4.0
PHYS52
Dec 15, 2002

unorganized and unclear. SUCKS!

4.0
2.0
PHYS52
Jan 3, 2003

get on his good side, kinda sloppy, can use notes on tests, sample tests

1.0
5.0
PHY51
Feb 6, 2003

Sucks at telling jokes and doesn't answer the questions.

2.0
4.0
PHYSICS50
Mar 4, 2003

The man sucks. He cann't teach. I would not take him again

4.0
4.0
PHYSICS50
Apr 25, 2003

he doesn't even remember the problems that he does in previous lectures, he jokes around with peoples mistakes and HIS OWN!! thank goodness he curves on his exams or else i wouldn't be passing right now. his lectures don't help much.

1.0
3.0
PHYS52
Apr 28, 2003

His favorite words, well anyway and you get the idea. Sherman likes to scribble on the board in his lectures and basically, my 4 year old sister can write better than he can. He is a mahu IMO! I wouldnt recommend him period!

4.0
4.0
SCIENCE
May 10, 2003

he is funny and a good guy. however his tests are difficult and he grades inconsistently on the homework. decent teacher, but the notes he gives on the bored are hard to understand.

1.0
4.0
PHYS53
May 21, 2003

He will make you hate physics, unfortunately he might be the only one teaching phys53, so be prepared for miserable semester!!!

2.0
3.0
PHYS50
Jun 19, 2003

Sherman cannot teach and makes too many mistakes. He'll try to be funny but he's not and lectures will not help at all. It's all scribble and you have to learn the material from the book or friends cause he won't teach it RIGHT and clear.HORRIBLE TEACHER!

1.0
5.0
PHYSIC50
Jun 19, 2003

lecture is useless, cannot teach, not is also useless. Arrogant!

1.0
5.0
PHYS52
Jun 22, 2003

he's the worst physics teacher in the whole dept. He cannot teach!!! absolutely cannot teach!!

1.0
5.0
PHY50
Jul 1, 2003

well, this professor is horrible..both his lecture and his hand writing are worst. Test r horrible..neither from his lecture nor HWs. Worst professor.

1.0
3.0
PHYSICS2B
Aug 26, 2003

He sucks. Flat out. Get out. Leave. Your best hope in this class is his generous curve. Don't expect to learn anything.

2.0
3.0
PHYSICS50
Sep 7, 2003

He has the worlds worst handwriting. He likes to make fun of students. He never gets to class on time.

5.0
1.0
PHYS52
Nov 3, 2003

he is a nice guy...good lab teacher...funny...

1.0
5.0
PHYSICS50
Nov 21, 2003

Very unclear, lectures/notes are messy incomplete and hard to understand. Hard tests, does curve, but wont lean any thing in the class.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2B
Nov 26, 2003

I took his class but didnt learn a thing. In fact it was a waste of time. He does curve but that is to only makeup for his intermediate teaching ability. Real smart guy but he teaches apples and tests on oranges, find a different teacher.

1.0
3.0
PHYS53
Dec 17, 2003

He talks about his fuking jokes more than the lecture materials. Always late for class. Never give u a straight answer. Lecture notes are like crap.

2.0
4.0
PHYS51
Jan 5, 2004

Intimidates his students, shows no care or concern for his students, seems to put about 5 minutes of planning into his lectures.

3.0
3.0
PHYS53
Feb 3, 2004

You better do you HW. Concept and things he talks about in class goes right over your head. Test are hard and tricky. He has stupid jokes and laughes at his own jokes. Remember, if it's hard for you, it's hard for everyone else also. I got a B-.

1.0
5.0
PHYS50
Feb 4, 2004

He's no doubt the worst teacher I have every had. He doesn't take time to explain any of the content and spends almost every lecture going over problems in the book. He's also got a terrible attitude and constantly makes rude comments about his students.

4.0
3.0
PHYS5153
Feb 4, 2004

If you do the homework and you understand the homework you will do fine. I really dont understand all these people who complain. I mean he gives you a note page, that of which you can put anything on. What else do you need?

3.0
1.0
PHYS52
Mar 9, 2004

He is a bumbler and makes frequent mistakes on the blackboard. Also a bit disorganized and late. Luckily the class is trivial. Just read the textbook and do the homework, you will be fine

2.0
4.0
PHYS52
Apr 8, 2004

talks about random stuff a lot!!! which is really distracting. makes me wonder if he really cares about teaching at all. gives you practice tests that are nothing like the real exams.

2.0
3.0
PHYS52
May 30, 2004

No Comments

2.0
3.0
PHYS53
Jun 1, 2004

I had no idea whatsoever what he talked about during class. But his homework is really easy. And he has a mad curve! So, i still got an A looking grade. Basically, i just did homework, and that was it.

1.0
4.0
PHYS53
Jun 8, 2004

Lectures are disorganized and hard to follow. I learned the material just by reading the book; I only refered to his lectures a couple times. Midterms are okay, but the final is a killer. He had a curve in the end though so I managed to get an A. :)

3.0
2.0
PHYS50
Jun 26, 2004

Writes really sloppy, need to pay attention his lectures because it might show up on the exam. He curves, but still need to study by urself a bit

5.0
1.0
PHYS1A
Jul 5, 2004

super easy A.

4.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Aug 25, 2004

Lectures pretty fast but if you read the book an do the homework you will do fine. Hes a fair grader and gives partial credit.

4.0
3.0
PHYS52
Nov 22, 2004

He teaches very well, but he does not really care about the students. The lecture is not too boring. I never missed his class and never fell asleep. The exams are fair, and he curves. I recommend you take this guy.

2.0
3.0
PHYS2B
Nov 29, 2004

He is not a good lecturer.He seems to think that because physics is easy for him, it should be easy for all.Do the homework and read the book for easy points and help studying.Gives you a formula sheet for the tests and curves, but they are really hard tests!

3.0
4.0
PHYS51
Dec 20, 2004

Curves, but unfairly: adjusts the weight of each question based on the person who did best before the "curve". Screws you over if you miss different things than they did. Thinks he's the smartest person alive, and isn't afraid to share it. Makes you look stupid if you ask questions during tests.

3.0
4.0
PHYS52
Jan 3, 2005

Always go to lecture, he likes to put things on the test that are not in the book. He gives out sample exams and the test problems are much more similar to those than of the book. Over all its a pretty easy physics class.

5.0
1.0
PHYSICS53
Feb 1, 2005

Great Physics Teacher. Does a good job of lecturing. Makes class interesting and makes alot of jokes. Tests are hard but are curved. Homework is not too bad. Would take again if I needed more physics.

4.0
2.0
PHYSICS2B
Feb 7, 2005

I did not understand his lectures. He tries to crack jokes, but sometimes is so stupid, you just got to laugh. Just read the book! Study your ass off! Do the homework cause the points are easy. He will try to give hints on exams, write them down! Overall, I would recomment Sherman.

2.0
2.0
PHYS2B
May 18, 2005

If you can't teach yourself from the book, don't take this instructor! Lectures are disorganized and mistake ridden. I erased more than I wrote!! He knows the info so well that he forgets we've not seen it before and goes too fast.Exams are fair with a generous curve. He's a pretty funny guy and does listen to the class when we suggest changes.

2.0
4.0
PHYS53
Jun 7, 2005

Makes hella mistakes on board.Just read the book, but come to class for other info like ext crdit, or tests. Very boring! Honestly, everything I learned I got from the book. He moves like a puppet sometimes. He is Captain Picard! He puts Trekkie problems on tests. The class is interesting but he makes it boring! No punch what so ever! Easy C!

2.0
2.0
PHYS52
Jun 22, 2005

So many terrible jokes and time wasted that I always felt like yelling "SHUT UP AND TEACH!" Made a lot of mistakes in lecture & material we discussed was always made impossible on tests. U will have to copy ur sample midterm and its solutions onto your notesheet as they are similar to midterm q's. Im going to drop phys53 if he's the prof

1.0
1.0
PHYS52
Jul 1, 2005

This guy teaches like he read the material just before class started or some time not even read. Many bad jokes and wasted time. HW due date always being changed. Tests are easy as long as you do HW

4.0
3.0
PHYS52
Jul 7, 2005

He was pretty lenient on the HW. Midterms were kind of tough, but had a great curve. Final was extremely hard (I heard many were stumped after the final). As long as you pay attention to lectures and do the HW, you will pass. To get an A, you better work hard because a lot gets passed by you.

2.0
3.0
PHYS53
Aug 14, 2005

I love Physics and this man made me hard Modern Physics. His lectures make no sense at all; I had no idea what's going on in class, and I'm I had never gotten anything below an A in Physics before (see above professed love for physics). He's a nice guy and all and had a strangely funny sense of humor; but he just sucks as a professor.

2.0
4.0
PHYS52PHYS53
Sep 17, 2005

No Comments

2.0
3.0
PHYS50
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2005

He is the funniest professor. The best jokes about the parking at the garages. HA!

4.0
1.0
PHYS52
Dec 14, 2005

One of the easiest and hardest classes I have ever taken. Do the homework and the sample exams (and put that on your study sheet) and you'll pass with no problem at all.

5.0
2.0
PHYS53
Dec 14, 2005

Don't listen to everyone else who gave negative comments. He is a good teacher. Kind of a dork, but that makes it fun. He is really into the subject, friendly, and knowledgable. I highly reccomend him.

1.0
4.0
PHYS50
Feb 28, 2006

He's a nice guy, very funny, but he cannot teach. He doesn't explain anything, he just does homework on the board and you listen. He allows cheat sheets on the test, but the test is nothing like the sample test. Good guy, bad teacher.

5.0
3.0
PHYSICS2A
Mar 7, 2006

He makes the class interesting for a boring subject. I hate Physics but he makes it kind of fun. He is a fair grader on tests and shoots straight from the hip with the test questions. There are no trick questions and he even tells you what you need to know on the test. One page of notes for the test too. Do the homework, it's easy points. Always go

5.0
3.0
PHYSICS2A
Apr 25, 2006

I highly recommend him! He is great professor and explains very well! He goes out of his way to help you and even shows you short cuts in Physics. I would take him again!

2.0
3.0
PHYS70
May 30, 2006

He thinks that physics is easy and everyone should know what to do. However, physics isn't easy for everyone, and the reason why we're in class is to learn what to do. So he just keeps doing examples on the board and expects that we know how to piece bits and pieces together and form a general concept. Try to avoid him.

3.0
3.0
PHYS53
May 31, 2006

interesting course, but moves very slow, also talks about weird thing not related to the class. tests are hard but he curves, so be sure to study hard!!!

5.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Aug 2, 2006

He makes the class interesting for a boring subject. I hate Physics but he makes it kind of fun. He is a fair grader on tests and shoots straight from the hip with the test questions. There are no trick questions and he even tells you what you need to know on the test. One page of notes for the test too. Do the homework, it's easy points. Always go

1.0
4.0
PHYSA
Dec 8, 2006

This professor is really bad! Believe me! He goes around in lecture and does not explain anything... just start solving problems on the board without telling us the problem. We actually have to figure out ourselves what the problem is. Avoid him! However, he is very flexible on hw. Give extensions. Sample tests are useless....

1.0
4.0
PHYS70
Dec 20, 2006

completly useless. he doesn't teach, doesn't explain physics very well, and very uncoordinated. plus he's very lazy. he always rushes us during tests; one time he wanted us to finish early so he can go to a stupid hockey game. the worst teacher i ever had for physics. two thumbs down for him.

3.0
1.0
PHYS2B
Feb 28, 2007

A's don't come easier than that. Make sure to take notes and show up. Warning: you'll pass, get a good grade but learn null...nothing.

2.0
3.0
PHYS2B
Apr 10, 2007

This professor is absolutely all over the place when it comes to notes. He hardly ever responds to people's questions in class, and instead tells you to see him at office hours. His exams are nothing like the homework done from the text. Only good thing is you get a page of notes front/back. Avoid this professor, unless you absolutely are a genius!

1.0
4.0
PHYS72
May 20, 2007

Not a professor you want. His lectures are unclear. Knowing people who tutor, and having helped out other students myself, nearly every one of them have Sherman as an instructor, because he doesn't know how to lecture! I'd suggest trying another professor, if you can.

2.0
4.0
PHYS2A
May 22, 2007

Worst Professor I think I have ever had. Terrible at teaching.

2.0
3.0
PHYS2B
Jun 13, 2007

Sherman is a nice guy, but is class is pretty poor. The lectures are really boring and are pretty useless. The tests are hard, but he does grade fairly and will give a lot of points for attempting the problems. You don’t really need to go to class. DO THE HOMEWORK! It is the only thing that kept me from failing the class.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
Jun 16, 2007

I have never hated a class as much as this one! Everything is very much on your own the labs are easy but the tests are not. He likes to put random questions on the midterms and they tend to be like questions he does in class.

4.0
4.0
PHYS2B
Jun 21, 2007

well, i thought this guy was pretty funny. physics is a hard class but he gives lots of partial credit on his midterms. see him in his office and he will definatly help you out.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2B
Jun 23, 2007

I came out with an A from Phys2A so I thought this 2B class was going to be a breeze. Instead it turned out to be a nightmare. This dude is utterly useless- his lec is nonsense a tutor can explain better than dis prick. He shows no enthusiasm in teaching and always shows up late to class and tries to keep students late. often laugh at his own jokes

4.0
3.0
PHYS2B
Aug 25, 2007

he is a bad lecturer because it's really boring, but he grades his tests really easy and gives a lot of points, the final gets everyone, juss do da homework and try to be on his good side and try to go to his office and get to know him and he'll give u a good grade.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2B
Sep 13, 2007

The other ratings on here are not exaggerations. You really ought to avoid Sherman if possible. Nice guy, means well, but can not simplify concepts and can not teach in a clear, logical way. His lectures are all over he place. I am now really worried that I'm not going to pass, because the book is NO help.

4.0
2.0
PHYS51
Jan 10, 2008

Show up to class, do the work, and study your butt off. Test are kind of tricky. Good guy tho

2.0
4.0
PHYS2A
Jan 12, 2008

Strange man, but he knows a lot. Problem is he doesn't know how to teach! Lectures are horrible, but he gives "helpful hints" about exams. Go to class & do the homework and you should be ok. Notes allowed for exams & a curve is implemented at the end of the semester.

5.0
1.0
PHYS2A
Jan 24, 2008

Great professor! Quirky and hilarious.. Gives lots of time for homework and is open to extensions, very accessible. Do ALL your homework and come to class. Drops lowest midterm score AND curves overall - what more can yous ask for?! Midterms are easier than the homework probs with an occasional tricky one, but the final was VERY HARD...

5.0
1.0
PHYS2A
Jan 25, 2008

People need to get over it. For heaven's sake, he spends class time showing us how to do each specific problem on the hw BEFORE it's due, and tests us on only that. No textbook use at all. Got 100% on two midterms and missed only one problem on the third. This is not a tough class, and Sherman requires only the bare minimum from you to get an A.

4.0
5.0
PHYSI2B
Feb 17, 2008

Dr. Sherman is a respectable gentleman, yet, a difficult & challenging teacher. At times an anguish to study under & yet a national treasure (an incredible mind). He’s not for beginners or the weak, so buckle down. The course is listed as 4 units – you should treat it as 7 units. Toughest teacher I ever had, but, walked away truly knowing physics.

1.0
4.0
PHYS53
Apr 3, 2008

I graduated last semester. But here is a super tip. Sherman is completely incomprehensible and useless as a teacher; however, just study the book and use the following tip on exams. Even if you are stumped on a question.. write something...write something.. he will give a lot of partial credit. Try to solve it. Fairly easy to get a B-!

2.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Apr 30, 2008

Lectures are total blather. Better to read and study in the book before class, it'll make more sense. Kind of a jerk it seems like. Doesn't really seem enthusiastic about teaching. Loves to laugh at his own "jokes"!

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
Apr 30, 2008

Bad teacher, definitely avoid if possible. Lectures are terrible and he is all over the place. Don't bother going to him for help either, he is useless for that. I'm worried I won't pass just because of him.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
May 14, 2008

-Sherman's writing is impossible to read. He skips steps when showing problems, makes condescending remarks about how other people don't know as much, gives partial credit on ONE test, not all of thems like other people say. He is a useless teacher. Study the test, go to the help enter. Dont count on him AT ALL.

3.0
4.0
PHYS2A
Jun 4, 2008

You have to teach yourself. He is willing to help but not the greatest at explaining how to do problems. There are plenty of homework extensions and he gives you almost all the answers and quizzes are taken in groups(which in the end is not helpful). His witting on the board is hard to read and he goes off on tangents. DO NOT TAKE SHERMAN!!!

4.0
2.0
PHYS2A
Jun 19, 2008

People, stop hating! Sherman's not that bad! He gives you plenty of opportunities to succeed. There are 3 exams which he curves AND lets you drop your lowest score. There is homework online-but he works them out in class if you ask and he gives extensions no matter the excuse (I used laziness once). Cheat-sheets are allowed on all exams/final.

2.0
5.0
PHYS2B
Jun 21, 2008

Knows his stuff, but can't teach it very well. Seems disorganized and jumps around a lot without actually explaining what he's doing. He does go over homework in class, but sometimes it's still hard to understand. He's a pretty lenient grader, though.

5.0
1.0
PHYS2B
Sep 4, 2008

Omfg, just come to class and ask him to do the hw problems for you. Study those few problems; copy em onto your cheatsheet if you got to, cause his test problems are extremely similar. I never touched the textbook, and got the easiest A of my life.

2.0
4.0
PHYS2B
Nov 25, 2008

This was the most frustrating class of my undergrad career. Unless you already have a working knowledge of physics you should avoid this guy at all costs. His lectures are disorganized and he spends most of the time doing math in his head instead of teaching. You have to be the one asking questions through class or you wont learn anything.

4.0
4.0
PHYS2B
Dec 16, 2008

He is a bit of a wise guy and his lectures are somtimes hard to follow, but if you do the HW and study hard you will do fine. He will always answer HW questions in class and is in his office a lot if you have questions or need help. There is no reason anyone should fail this course unless they are lazy.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
May 22, 2009

Terrible! Avoid! Avoid! He makes no sense during lecture. He doesn't even know how to do some of the homework problems!

2.0
1.0
PHYS50
May 24, 2009

The man thinks he's hilarious. He is very difficult to understand and doesn't answer questions very well. Read the book and you'll do fine. Homework is done online; you get 10 tries per problem, I think. He drops 1/3 of the midterms, so his class is pretty easy. Take if you want to pass and don't care to learn much. Overall, *EPIC FAIL*

4.0
2.0
PHYS52
May 25, 2009

In my opinion, you should take his class. He is very helpful if you show him that you are serious and deserved an A in his class. If you do all the 11 hw right and you do ok in the three midterms, you will get an A for sure because he grades on a CURVE.

3.0
1.0
PHYS72
May 27, 2009

It is very important that you read the material before you attend the lecture class. Otherwise, everything will be new and it will be difficult to follow. He is approachable and accessible. He is a nice guy in general and his homeworks are very useful. Midterms are very similar to HW. If you do well on the 3 midterms, you skip the Final. Do reading

3.0
5.0
PHYS2A2B
May 28, 2009

I had Sherman for both 2A and 2B, not by choice. He is a human calculator and fun to listen to because he tells really bad jokes. Stay on top of your homework and show up to lec. He loves doing pop quizes...

1.0
2.0
PHYS72
Jun 1, 2009

Real bad teacher. Can't read his writing, his lectures are unorganized. Jokes aren't funny. Doesn't give you equations for exams, you've gotta write them down yourself so be sure to write down every equation and thensome. Exams aren't too hard, but you can get an A without learning a thing. He'll annoy and bore you out of your mind. Just stay away.

2.0
4.0
PHYS72
Jun 14, 2009

Well.... he's not the best teacher. I ended up just teaching myself. He gives you an attempt at examples but sort of falls short. Also he mumbles, scribbles on the board in unorganized patterns, and doesn't really give you the examples you need to figure out the homework. However, he does curve the tests and uses mastering physics, instant feedback

2.0
1.0
PHYS50L
Nov 19, 2009

Super easy lab instructor, basically says just write anything. Dont know about his lecture though

1.0
5.0
PHYS50
Dec 19, 2009

Don't take this class because you will regret it. He doesn't really teach. He talks and laughs to himself, and he assumes that we know this and that. When you ask for help on a hw problem, he'll be like "Oh this is easy." I've learned just about nothing in this class. I only passed because I kept my notes from my HS physics class.

1.0
5.0
PHYS50
Dec 22, 2009

Horrible instructor when it comes to teaching and explaining the subject. He is nice and has a fair grading system. The course is curved so you have a better chance of passing. You will need to read the textbook and learn on your own if you want to pass this course. Homework and Quizzes are online. Midterms and Final are multiple choice.

1.0
3.0
PHYS50
Dec 22, 2009

If you know your physics, the class isn't too hard. Your test scores generally increase by 20% because of the curve. If you don't know physics well, I strongly recommend taking anyone else, even at a community college as a last resort. Sherman can't teach. You are completely relying on yourself to study the textbook if you take this class.

1.0
5.0
PHYS50
Dec 24, 2009

HORRIBLE!!....stay away!!..anyone who wants to learn should NOT take this guy...he isnt clear on anything, is late on the days we have a midterm. Laughs at himself all the time. you KNOW when he is coming...if you wanna learn physics take something else, if you wanna learn absolutely nothing, then take him...

4.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Jan 3, 2010

I liked Sherman. Yes, he'll waste lots of class time telling bad jokes and *most* of what he writes on the board is nonsense, but he's predictable w/ exams and will literally give you countless attempts on online homework. Make an effort to show you care, see him in office hours and he'll have your back. If you do your hmwk, you'll survive!

1.0
2.0
PHYS50
Jan 4, 2010

More interested in impressing class with his knowledge and quick calculations than teaching material. Writing is illegible and hard to follow with many mistakes. Read the book, show up to class for random extra credit & you'll be fine (just bored). All homework online and tests are multiple choice. Get >95% on all tests & you can skip the final.

2.0
5.0
PHYS2
May 10, 2010

he has such bad ADD that he cant focus enough on the class..he likes to talk about everything but the class and has trouble relating real experieces into the lecture even thoguh he tries and fails every time

2.0
3.0
PHYS2A
May 22, 2010

Not very good at lecturing. Curve is pretty low and can avoid final if you get A's in all exams. Exams are pretty much rephrased homework, final uses some recycled exam questions. If you can put some effort and wanna get by he's the man. If you wanna learn physics try someone else

2.0
3.0
PHYS52
Jun 2, 2010

Sherman is a horrible teacher! Gives hw online and can't even solve the questions when students ask questions in class!Students who went to class slowly got dumber and dumber listening to him speak. Read the book, do the hw, study the book, don't go to class and you will do better then people that go to class and try to understand what he is saying

2.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Jun 5, 2010

Worst professor I have ever had.. Useless.. You can't learn anything in his class.

4.0
2.0
PHYS2A
Jul 29, 2010

He is a very forgiving grader. theres online homework and quizes, 3 midterms, and a final. he drops the lowest midterm and pop quizes are just attendance. I did all my homework and quizzes, got a 66 on 2 tests and a 90 on the 3rd one, and got a 89 on the final and ended up getting an A- in the class! It was the easiest physics class. READ THE BOOK!

1.0
2.0
PHYS53
Nov 7, 2010

Makes fun of you if you ask questions. Cant write clearly, mumbles, tries to be funny but after 2 weeks it's not funny any more.

1.0
2.0
PHYS2B
Dec 4, 2010

Easily the worst prof. I've had at SJSU. Always late to class, is never prepared, incapable of focusing on the lecture, and can't focus on the lecture material. Does not explain what he is doing on the board. The textbook is useless. I had to rely on Schaum's outlines for good example problems that are well-explained.

1.0
1.0
PHYS2B
Dec 29, 2010

Absolutely terrible. He revealed my grade to the class 3 times, openly mocked students, didn't do the SOTES, and was utterly useless as an instructor. He puts up pictures from the book he clearly hasn't read and makes up problems. Ignore him and self-teach.

1.0
4.0
PHYS2A
Jan 14, 2011

probably the worst professor on campus. the only thing hes good for is showing everyone that he can do mental math and then bragging about it. go to class to get credit for his "pop quizzes" which are just attendance checks, but dont expect to learn anything. get a tutor and or teach yourself to pass. Find a different book to learn from too..

1.0
4.0
PHYS2A
Jan 26, 2011

Mumbles a lot, mental math, makes up problems from book's PICTURES. Midterms/final are mult.choice. Online hw due every week. Incomprehensible, so don't take his notes, just use the book & find an outside tutor. Cramster's helpful, sjsu tutors were not. Always show up = "popquizzes" (attendence checks)

1.0
5.0
PHYS2
Mar 17, 2011

Absolutely terrible. Doesn't even understand basic physics concepts like terminal velocity. Mocks the class and has outed my grade multiple times.

3.0
1.0
PHYS2B
Jun 2, 2011

Easiest A ever... The guy does not seem enthusiastic about teaching the class, but the material is so easy, its no surprise. Get B's on all Tests and A's on everything else and you should get a High A.

5.0
2.0
PHYS2A
Aug 4, 2011

Sherman is nice, but a little kooky. He makes inside jokes to himself, and is a little spacey sometimes, but he's a good guy. I sat in his office every day and had him go through the homework. And if I ran out of tries, he'd increase them. He really cares about whether students understand the material, and doesn't care if he finishes the book.

3.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Oct 4, 2011

His teaching style is not very good. He doesnt go by the examples from the book, rather he just uses figures in the book and makes his own numbers. Homework and quiz's were online so that was a plus. Grades on a big curve. Get 100% on homework and quizs (online) and you still can bomb all your exams and still pass.

1.0
5.0
PHYS50
Nov 6, 2011

I did not have to wait for the end of the semester to give my opinion.It is obvious that this professor only has one intent and that is to fulfill his job. His goal is not for the students to learn, but just make a living. He has no clear understanding of physics due to the number of mistakes he makes. He believes that he has a sense of humor...

1.0
5.0
PHYS50
Dec 2, 2011

With pure honesty, It is worth to wait for another teacher than to rip the hairs out of your head. I have been observing his lecture class and sadly, I can never understand his lectures or his behavior. It's no wonder that only 1/4 of his students show up for his lecture and only 1/2 show for the exams. CAUTION: Hire a therapist before taking him.

2.0
5.0
PHYS2
Dec 8, 2011

A bit kookie and goes off tangents quite often. The study guide he gives doesn't help with the tests and has a high standard in terms of what he expects us to know. He's smart I'll give him that.. but he skips a lot of steps and fails & explaining his steps when doing problems. His handwriting is terrible. It makes sense that 1/4 of the class comes

2.0
5.0
PHYS50
Jan 26, 2012

Took this class in Spring 2011 and I was pretty much on my own. I never showed up to class because attending the lectures was not helpful at all. I randomly show up sometimes and would be surprised at the number of students who attend class, which was usually around 10.

2.0
4.0
PHYS2A
Aug 3, 2012

took over summer learned nothing from him, study on your own. his study guides dont really help. tests are hard for the time allowed. show up to class or you will miss points. only good thing, everthing is curved.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
Aug 5, 2013

Worst professor at SJSU. If you value your education whatsoever, Don't take him. I swear to god.

1.0
4.0
PHYS02
Aug 26, 2013

I had this professor for physic 51 and he was pretty terrible at lecturing. Realize e is partially deaf so he speaks in a low mumble. His class is not impossible but u really have to have a support group in that class in order to survive and read the book. Overall good luck and we all just have get through these type of classes :/ (ended up with a B)

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
Aug 28, 2013

It has been only one week into the class and he is TERRIBLE. Cannot lecture for crap. Do not take. No joke. Attendance isn't mandatory but he gives pop quizzes.

1.0
4.0
PHYS52
Oct 25, 2013

Terrible teacher. He is not knowledgeable or interested in teaching the course at all. He does not engage students in any way. This professor is a shame to SJSU and academia as a whole. Avoid at all costs, whether you want to actually learn anything or just pass the class, because this professor makes either task virtually impossible.

1.0
5.0
PHYS2A
Nov 20, 2013

The actual worst. I could list all the reasons not to take classes with him, but everyone else here has done it for me. Avoid at all costs. I am serious. DO NOT TAKE ANY CLASS WITH SHERMAN FOR ANY REASON.

2.0
2.0
PHYS50LAB
Dec 17, 2013

Dr. Sherman does not seem to want to be a professor. He shows no interest in the class or the students. If you do ask for help, he behaves as though he is being bothered. I am lucky that I was fairly good with the material walking into the class because he was zero help. Easy professor though, didn't bother spending too much time grading.

4.0
1.0
PHYS2A
Jan 17, 2014

I don't understand why Dr. Sherman has so many bad reviews! He is a little disorganized but he will answer any questions you might have, including any homework problems. He cares about his students success and he is so sweet even though students treat him badly. Take him and make sure to read the book! He curves majorly and drops an exam!

5.0
2.0
PHYSICS50LAB
Apr 17, 2014

The past reviews are all NOT accurate. Sherman is a great professor, and cares a lot for his students. He will take the time to go over any question that a student may have. He explains Information very well and is easier to learn from than the professors teaching the lectures.

4.0
1.0
PHYS50
Grade: A
May 1, 2014

I honestly do not know why he got so many bad reviews either. He is a great lab instructor, very lenient, and nice. Taking his lab session is actually helping me pass the class. He helps whenever you ask and the workload isn't so overwhelming. Maybe it's only because its a lab class, but overall, he is a good lab instructor.

4.0
2.0
PHYS2A
Grade: A
Sep 30, 2014

Nice Teacher

3.0
2.0
PHYS2A
Nov 3, 2014

Very easy teacher. Likes to joke and laugh a lot. Allows extension dates on HW and will do any problems in there if asked. Multiple choice exam. Gives random quizzes but mostly on days where not many student show up. Quizzes are more like roll call. You get full score if you're here. Wish his hand writing was a bit neatercleaner.

2.0
3.0
PHYS2A
Nov 18, 2014

I didn't really learn anything. He doesn't go off the book formulas and you will have to use web assign for this class. His pop quizzes are super easy and sometimes gives you the answer.

4.0
2.0
PHYS52
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2014

Prof. Sherman is great! his multiple choice tests are not too hard. Each is 20% of grade and he drops the lowest. Final is cumulative but multiple choice as well. Pop quizzes are more like roll call. Class is slow paced. He is a funny instructor.

2.0
3.0
PHYS51
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2014

Sherman's lecture are confusing, he does not tell us what he is doing and why; he just starts doing work on the board. His handwriting are the worse. The bad handwriting and confusion makes you lose attention and you won't learn that much. He's pretty funny though. Tests are average since he puts up examples online.

2.0
3.0
PHYS51
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2014

He does a lot of proving and defining the formulas. For example, he would integrate and derive formulas to make new ones even though it is already given to us. This is useless and a waste of time, because he does not test us on it and it'll lose student's attention.

2.0
4.0
PHYS2A
Jan 19, 2015

Sherman needs to take a step back in his teaching and learn himself. He needs to remember how to conduct a class with organization and passion. He is completely lacking enthusiasm for the subject which makes for a horrible learning environment for the students. I would suggest take someone else. You will have to teach yourself physics.

2.0
5.0
PHYS2B
May 17, 2015

Outstandingly poor skills as a lecturer. Hard to read his writing, doesn't speak clearly, when he does he has a habit of leaving out key words like "devided by" as he reads equations. He's the most apathetic professor I've ever had. Talks about sports a lot. Makes no effort to explain deeper concepts, he just does homework prob.s for the class

5.0
2.0
PHYSICS2ALAB
Jan 9, 2021
Would take again

Always helpful if you have questions about your lab experiments. Pretty chill and laid back! Very approachable!

4.0
3.0
PHYS2BLAB
Grade: A
Jan 28, 2023
Would take again

Good teacher. I liked how he walked you step by step to do the lab. Whenever I got stuck, he always took the time to help me out. This really did make my learning enjoyable in his class.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

0%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
Not sure yet (2)
B (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 7 reported grades
A: 4
Not sure yet: 2
B: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
May
Jan
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHYS71

5.0

(1)

PHHY5053

5.0

(1)

PHYS52AN

5.0

(1)

PHYS1A

5.0

(1)

PHYSICS53

5.0

(1)
+28 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHYS5053

5.0

PHY51

5.0

PHYSIC50

5.0

PHY50

5.0

PHYSI2B

5.0

Similar Professors