2.3
Quality4.3
Difficulty54%
Would Retake83
Reviews54%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
83 total ratings5
13
4
13
3
10
2
17
1
30
What Students Say
“Take someone else or you'll regret it like I did”
GEOL101 - 2.0 rating“All I can say is "Yikes" and "Ay Dios Mio"”
GEOL101 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
65%
Textbook Required
72%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.34 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOG101
5.0
(1)GEOLOGY
5.0
(1)GEOLO101
5.0
(1)ENV101
5.0
(1)GEOL101L
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
4002
5.0
GEOLO101
5.0
GEO102
5.0
GEOL4002
5.0
GEO4001
5.0
Reviews (82)
This teacher is probably one of the most difficult teachers on campus. I have to agree with the other raters that she teaches the class as if you are a Geologist, not a 101 beginner. She needs to lighten up. She should take a look at how many people drop her class and figure it out.
yeah i have to agree with the rest of the raters. I had to drop her clas, you would think that having a cheat sheet would help, it does, sort of... But she talks on and on thinking that u understand it, and it's really, "boring"...just the same day to day, she needs to live it up a little.
I dropped this class because she was sooo bad.
Completely unapprochable. It's like she brings her problems to class and takes her stress out on her students. She isn't afraid to chastise since she's TENURED. She has a great knowledge for the subject, but she isn't cut out to teach.
I can’t believe some of the ratings of this professor. I do not agree with them at all. Just a bunch of whiners who can’t handle a real college class. If you think this is a laid back, never have to study for class you are wrong and should not take this class. I thought this was a great class and a knowledgeable instructor. I would definitel
If this were a "real" college course, this woman would've been canned long ago. The way she berates her students is inexcusable, and her lectures and tests are muddled and disorganized. In a word, AWFUL.
gayle is crazy wither her sweaters, brown sandals and socks. i am interested in geology and she ruined it for me. listening to her talk was hell. DONT TAKE GAYLE!!
I loved her! Martin, and Bud are the reason I became a geology major. Her class isn't a bird course, but if you study and review the material you will be fine
This woman is so full of herself, it makes you want to vomit. I was very interested in geology and she made me think again. Yes, take Geology, but don't take Gayle. The college should dump her back end.
This professor teaches the class as if you are a geology major. She is very unrealistic and is extermely boring. Unforantely she is the only geology teacher at CCSN. I'd advise all not to take this course
Do not take her. Go to the chyenne campus and take bud Breddamin. He is listed as staff.
This woman does not know very much regarding what teaches. She attempts to make HERSELF feel capable of teaching by using unrealed things during her lecture. Her tests are absolutely horriable.
Great class to learn about the natural world around you, especially the lab. Comprehensible teacher that will gladly help clear any class misunderstandings in class and during her office hours.
She knows her subject and the cheat sheet helps. This is a really tuff subject and to get good grade you have to think of it as learning a new language. I got a B+ in the class and had to work hard to get it. Hardest class I have ever taken. The lab makes up for it. I have forgotten most of what I have learned.
took what should be a fairly easy class and made it equivalent to algebra or trig. Her test are very ambiguous. Take someone else if you can
Almost unapproachable.Asking a legitamate question leaves you belittled with an exasperated eyeroll and utter confusion. EC Fieldtrip was interesting, though more grueling than work and for minimal points.Doesn't allow enough time for tests-most students scrambling to finish! Count as 2 classes, study alot and you'll get through. Hardest class yet!
She knows her stuff, no doubt about that, but I think she sometimes got frustrated when students didn't understand the concept. She says her tests are from her lectures, but you need to read the book also because the lecture isn't enough. Don't take if you have poor study habits, I did and barely passed with a C.
I laugh at everyone who dogs this teacher. This was one of the first classes at CCSN that was actually like a real college class. The pace was great, she really does know her stuff, is passionate about Geology, & does have some personality quirks. SHe allows cheat sheets for tests, so, anyone who has trouble isn't working hard enough.good class
The only reason people complain about her is because she is one of the few teachers at the college that do not gift wrap A's to students. If more teachers at the college treated class like she does the students would not get the false idea that college is a place where you do not have to put in any effort to get an A. WAKE UP PEOPLE ITS COLLEGE.
Lacks patience. Either laughs or just plain doesn't answer your questions. Test was a lot more technical than her lectures. Bad attitude. Obviously flustered when you don't get her horrible explanations. Try's and acts like she wants to help.
This teacher seriously unhelpful. She cannot tolerate questions . No help very hard tests . hey we are students not rocket scientist .!!!!! God!!
My love for geology before taking this class was enormous. I read about rocks, earth formation etc. And now I hate geology. My love interest has gone from 10 to 0 and all because of Gayle Martin. I regret so much taking her class but don't want to waste my parents money. Pls don't treat students badly karma comes back.
She gave me F twice and I am always A grade student. I talked to ppl in my class and mostly everyone has D &F. And she keeps saying we are not studying and keep sending everyone to retention. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!
I agree, worst instructor at CSN but she thinks she is all that. Well, not true. She embarrassed me twice for asking question in class relating the subject. How awful!
Honestly, it's a college course so it's going to be hard, but you get cheat sheets for the test & everything is outlined & put on Angel, so all the resources are there. It's all about how hard you want to work & how much you truly care about your grade. Ms. Martin isn't very eloquent, so good luck. Also, she isn't helpful & has a negative attitude.
A tough class! About 35 of the 55 students dropped the class. She is passionate and knows her stuff, but she is not flexible at all. You MUST read the book and take notes if you plan to pass. She has a tendency to snap at you when you ask questions. Take this class if you really plan to work hard, otherwise I would recommend avoiding it.
She is not helpful at all. Wouldn't answer your questions. Worst instructor I have ever had in years!
Still the worst professor, I wish I had known about this site before now. She teaches like you are a scientist. She will blame the class and basicily called everyone stupid. She fails a lot with a class average in the 60's not counting the ones who dropped the class. The worst professor,Stay away from this class or you'll regret it.
Horrible teacher do not take, i as well am challenging my grade with the chairman. Hopefully this will be a wake up call for CSN to fire her!
Do not take this class! she is the worst teacher I have ever had. The average grade for the final was 42%. The average grade for the class was 52%
OK, so yes this class is hard but it's not impossible to get a good grade. You HAVE to read all of her lecture notes, read the book, read all lab manuals AND take really good notes in class. It's the only way to pass. Her grading is all about points so don't miss anything. I was stressed all semester but ended up with a B,
If YOU want to LEARN then you will do just fine in this class. If you are looking for an easy A then this is not the class for you. All the posts so far about her are useless. You can't possibly be mad at a professor for actually making you learn material... can you? I would take her again in a heartbeat.
This class is hard so don't expect an easy A, but if you study your notes and put a lot of time into it you will pass the class. She is funny in her own ways but a little out there sometimes, but overall you just need to pay attention and show up to every lecture and lab.
This professor is a great teacher and is willing to answer any questions that you have. She is a college teacher and expects you to act like a college student and STUDY. If you don't like to take notes, attend pretty much every class, and study then this class is not for you.
gale is a great teacher, but this is def, not a teacher i would recommend if you cant get on her wave length. she pretty much juust spits information out at you and expects you to understand it. if i wanted that i wouldve just taught myself. CSN has my money now and theres nothing i can do about this horrible teacher. Do not take any of her class's
Not a good lecture teacher. Extremely knowledgable about the subject, but her organization and clarity are horrible. Her test and homework questions are vague. If you are an intelligent person, do not frustrate yourself with her lecture class. Her lab on the other hand, is good. She's better with hands-on teaching.
Extremely knowledgable about the subject, but cannot teach it to her students. When you try to ask questions she gets frustrated. She will instruct you as if u were a geology major. Worst teacher I've ever had. I would recommend avoiding it if you can!!!
she is very confusing in her lectures and doesn't really give strong information that is relevant to tests. She knows the subject but doesnt at all TEACH the subject. as of now 3/4 of the class are barely getting by and it does not look like anyone unless an major in geology will be able to do good in her class.
I came away from this class feeling as though I had gained useful and interesting information. Yes you do have to work hard at it, yes you need to attend the lectures. Yes you MUST preread the lab PDF's, and yes, she will help you if you ask. Don't be put off by her crusty persona. She does not babysit, but she will help if you ask.
If you value your GPA this class is NOT for you. Geology is a fun and fascinating subject, but nobody who teaches at CSN retains any enthusiasm for this subject. Take it somewhere else, where the professor LOVES this subject and inspires his students. NOT at CSN. Students do not get a clear direction about material to study and its just no fun.
she was fun to interact with in class but there was no sense from what she taught to the test stay home and read the book! but labs are fun study the rocks for the exam map are basic and easy
Gale Martin is an A+ prof. She's a passionate, prepared, and interesting lecturer. This prof goes all out to help students succeed. One out of three tests are dropped. She allows the use of a crib/infomation sheet for tests. SHE ROCKS!
This is the worst class ever. DO NOT TAKE IT BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE. The work load is that of a 212 class and not of a 101 class. She is not clear about anything on the test. Plus she acts very crazy and with weird gestures. I once saw her slam her head on a students desks!!! Not sure if she should even be aloud to teach??!!!
AVOID BY ALL MEANS!!!! She makes no sense. Does not like when students ask her questions. Act wired in class. Just avoid.
Professor Martin is weirdly passionate about rocks, but she is a good professor. She talks crazy fast, and rambles about 90% of the time. Allowed a crib sheet for the test, which makes them super easy. Lots of extra credit opportunities. Lab is enjoyable. She will help you outside of class if you ask her to. Overall decent professor but hard class.
She is a great teacher. I took her class last year, and I still remember what she taught me. She moves quickly because there is a lot to learn in a short time. Go to class, and listen, and you will pass.
Not Helpful- Makes you feel dumb. Tests are not what she teaches and in your notes, keep in mind a 68% is a C which is your only hope. This is a 101 course that is treated as if you should wright Thesis after. You'll get your money's worth at UNLV- paying more is the better option. Otherwise you'll be left frustrated, loss of interest in the topic.
She's a thorough teacher. All material from the test is in the lecture. If you show up for class, you'll have no trouble. I recommended her to all my friends.
This class was so hard. If you can choose whether or not to take her. DON'T! She gets angry with some students when they ask questions and sometimes treat people like their stupid. She can sometimes be funny but it doesnt make up for the hatred of how hard her test are. The only good thing about the class is the lab and the crib sheet for the test.
Knows her subject well. Puts needed information on board before class and breaks it down to make sense. Make an effort to pay attention and understand and she'll be more than happy to help. She walks around during labs to answer questions and correct mistakes. Has a kooky geology sense of humor and enjoys response she gets from licking rocks.
All I can say is "Yikes" and "Ay Dios Mio"
Amazing teacher! If you want to actually learn about the Earth and you have tough skin take it! Dr. Martin can come off as rude but only if you take it that way. The class went very fast, ALWAYS read the lesson beforehand, ALWAYS make a crib sheet, and ALWAYS go to class! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE TOOLS! Great class, great instructor. TAKE IT!
This instructor is not organized at all. Character limit prevents me from going into detail, but no one knows what they're supposed to be studying. This teacher seems to be setting students up to fail, constantly telling us how hard her tests are going to be, and using scare tactics instead of keeping us interested in the topic. Take someone else!
First time ever I''ve forced myself to drop the class. After the first exam I knew there was no way I was going to pass this class. Mind you I studied with the a study guide given to us. You''d swear you were being punked and handed a french test She says in order to pass her class average study time a WEEK is 14-17 hours. Save yourself the grief
Despite the fact that she has extensive knowledge on the subject of Geology and is genuinely excited about it, she is NOT a good professor. Her lectures, notes and study guides absolutely do NOT match her exams; which are about one exam every week. She doesn't have the ability to lecture properly and efficiently. Even if you study, you'll fail.
WARNING!! AVOID THIS PROFESSOR AT ALL COSTS!! Go ahead and attempt to study her lecture notes and study guides 5-6 hours PER NIGHT, you will still fail her extremely difficult and confusing exams. They do not help and are not organized whatsoever. She is unhelpful; even acting as if you're annoying her when you ask her to clarify on the topic.
Get ready to study 20 hours or more a week and still not pass. Study guides do not reflect material that will be test. Avoid this teacher if you can !
Don't do it! Wasted $ GPA I put aside work for other classes, I got a Tudor, created a study group, requested help from prof, and even spoke to the dept chair regarding this class. So much time and energy into a class that I have genuine interest in. All so I could DROP IT because it seemed practically impossible to pass this. Very disappointing!
Hardest class I've ever taken and she makes it even harder for you by getting mad when you ask questions. She's always complaining, rude, always gets off topic and expects way too much in so little time. If I emailed her questions she'd just say we discussed it in class without answering. Take someone else or you'll regret it like I did.
Why such bad reviews? Yes, you have to put some time and effort into this class, but you should really be doing this with all of your classes. I liked Gale. I thought she was quirky and amusing. Base your crib sheet on the topics listed on the study guides and you shouldn't have an issue. Learn to link all of the concepts together! Great class!
I studied all material over and over. I felt super prepared for her test. I took the test and ended up getting a 53100. Gale is, by far, the worst professor I've ever had. I felt that there should have been more clarity in the material covered. I studied so hard and I'm getting really bad grades. I have a good GPA too.
Very hard class. I passed with an A, but I worked my but off. She's more than willing to help if you ask for it. Knows her material and is very good at explaining it. She didn't seem to mind questions during lectures. Take advantage of the online resources and tutoring. This class is what you make of it. EC available. HAVE to study. Tests are HARD.
This class can be extremely interesting, but this professor makes the class horrid. Professor Gale goes on the most random tangents that are irrelevant to the class. As well as she belittles you when you ask a question. Professor Gale will give you study exams on canvas but do not even bother using them, sadly they are useless for the exam.
No doubt she makes you work for you grades, but as long as you go to lectures (which are fairly entertaining for the most part), read the chapters and take any necessary notes from those 2 sources, you'll pass with at least a B-. I slacked off quite a bit and still did pretty well. She really knows her stuff. Lab with her is fun too.
Interesting class with a quirky teacher. Dr. Martin is very passionate about geology and knows her craft. Be prepared for homework assignments and tough tests. As long as you tie in the study materials with your lecture notes you should be able to get atleast a B on the exams. Do the extra credit, she gives a lot of it, it will help in the end.
I would consider Professor Martin to be like any other bland professor. Not awful, not great either.
Professor Martin is a very nice lady but it not a good teacher at all. She is very very boring and she will go off topic at least 50% of the time, say stuff that doesn't matter then get stuff wrong, back track only to confuse you even more. Tests are difficult but you can do good with hard studying. Her lab that accompanied this class was fun.
Avoid! puts up vague objectives, & when it comes towards actually taking the exam Q&A's are too specific, which means you have to study every bit of the boring chapters (@ least 3 chpts per exam). @ the minimum you are expected to study up to 18 hours just to pass this course with a C. Gives people attitudes for asking too many Q's. Dont recommend
I started as a computer science major but after finishing this class and 102, I have decided to re major to geology. This class had me read the entire book just to get a B. If you want to find out if you can finish a geology degree, you NEED to take this class with THIS professor. My geology classes compared to this class have been a cake walk.
you have to print so much paper. so much. it really makes you feel bad for the environment. it's not an easy class, if that's what you think. the lecture part is fine, but the vocabulary assignment is horrendous and so much paper needs to be printed. its just terrible.
Challenging class. You really have to devote yourself to studying if you hope to get a good grade. This woman is a very demanding teacher and can appear very rude and crass. I did receive an A, but this was my only class this semester. The hardest A I have ever worked for; 4 hours of studying every day. If you are a hard working student take her
HOW TO GET AN A: Don't read the book, its a waste of time. Read her class notes instead, its the content her test covers. Learn all the vocab. All of it is on Quizlet already, if you search for Gale Martin you should find it. If she writes it on the board it WILL be on the written part so put in on your crib sheet. Do all the extra credit, its easy
Amazing professor. She is a bit challenging though this class is not meant for you to skate by. READ HER NOTES AND STUDY GUIDE. Learn the vocab words she teaches you in the study guide and you should be fine. I suggest reading the chapters after lecture so you understand the concepts. I did get an A. You get the grade you work for in this class.
Lectures are very informative, and she makes them fun! Her labs are excellent, and can really teach you a lot about Geology! Her tests can be a pain though, but if you study her class notes thoroughly, you'll do fine! She allows a half-page crib sheet on the tests, which can help bigly if you make them right! EC offered too! Would take again!
If you are choosing between Martin and Shroba, choose Martin. Shroba does not grade any assignments until very late. Martin will give good feedback and grade promptly. I never read the textbook and got an A. Just read the notes in Canvas and make a decent crib sheet. Your worst exam score is dropped. Field trip is fun make sure you go for xtra cred
This professor should have retired long ago. If you can take this class anywhere else, do so. If you can take another class in its place with a different professor, do so. Taking a class with Gale Martin will disappoint you and it will lower your GPA and be on record indefinitely. Do your self a favor and find another alternative.
Do your GPA a favor and choose any other professor, this one doesnt seem aware of how she leads her students to failure. She once told the whole class certain information wont be on the test and sure enough, it was. She told us to buy the latest textbook and 3 weeks in told us not to study it because she hadnt read it in years.
Seriously great class! TAKE HER. I don't know if y'all know this but not every class in college is going to be an "easy A". She is SO easy to pass. Do your homework, it's so easy online. Go to your labs. She gives you a cheat sheet for every test and her canvas is FILLED with things to help you! She is so great once you put in a little effort!
Tough class. You get what you put into it. Gale Martin comes from a family of geologists and it shows. Love her passion for the field, just wish she would dumb it down a bit for us 101 students. With that being said, I would diffently take her class again (if need be). Connection is the key to passing this class.
I was extremely disappointed with this professor. Very little of the material she had given to us in notes was actually on the tests. She did not seem to care whether her students passed or failed and did not provide a welcoming environment where students were invited to ask for help if they needed. Over half of my class was failing.
She sometimes goes off and share too much personal information. She seriously expects you to be 100 percent invested and study up to 18 hrs of material a week. The key that I learned with her is to print all attachments for this class in canvas and the notes that she already did for you by chapter are in your canvas and that is your key to pass.
shes not the most amazing teacher or anything but she tells you exactly what youre gonna be graded on and the homework is easy, if you just do good on the exams youll be be fine, her lab is a lot more fun
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
65%
Textbook Required
72%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.34 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOG101
5.0
(1)GEOLOGY
5.0
(1)GEOLO101
5.0
(1)ENV101
5.0
(1)GEOL101L
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
4002
5.0
GEOLO101
5.0
GEO102
5.0
GEOL4002
5.0
GEO4001
5.0