3.8
Quality3.7
Difficulty70%
Would Retake219
Reviews70%
Would Retake
219
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
219 total ratings5
116
4
37
3
19
2
20
1
27
What Students Say
“Probably the hardest math class I have ever taken”
MATH253 - 3.0 rating“Unfortunately, he is not helpful in his office”
MATH2 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
81%
Textbook Required
75%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.20 avg changeRatings by Course
MA253
5.0
(3)MATHSECT
5.0
(1)MATH3B3C
5.0
(2)MATH26
5.0
(1)MATH124
4.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
ALGEBRA2
5.0
MATHALGE
5.0
MATHMATH
5.0
CALC3C
4.3
CALC3B
4.1
Reviews (218)
No Comments
Good teacher, knows everyone by name, very helpful, but the tests are on the hard side
"wa" like water... okay? not "HO A" lol. This professor is awesome... quoting from him, "grrh", breathing in, "no" lol :)
Nguyen is a very rigid grader, which means no room for compromise. Saddle up cuz his lectures are so long and boring your ass will feel like you've been sitting on a hard unrelenting saddle for hours. I reccomend finding another teacher.
He's a easy teacher but very unhelpful. He assumes every student should be 100% perfect in Algebra just cause they're calculus student. He really rubs that in. Totally disencouraged me from asking him for help. If you're teacher-dependent, don't take him.
not helpful at all. don't ask questions unless you want to feel like a complete idiot. was too hard, i had to drop, now i'm taking Hada, and he is awesome, best calc teacher in the history of ever
Funny and very helpful, I don't know what all these people are talkin about. He encourages u to ask questions,willing to help u during his office hours. I like his class. He expects u to learn, I don't think that is unreasonable.
He seems nice and helping at first. Then when you go to ask for help he kicks you out of his office unless you beg. Dont not take him, he was a jerk when i asked for help.
He is a very good teacher but he is very difficult. Will drop you if you have more than 4 absences. No homework turn in. Tests are hard-no scantron-expects you to come up with answer or completly wrong
Very clear and thorough. Lectures can be a bit dry, and he is aware of that. Expects you to know your stuff. Quick to learn everyone's name and is just a nice guy.
Yes, like someone else said, he gets very angry if you don't remember all your algebra and trig for calculus. Usually he's a nice guy with a good sense of humor, but sometimes he loses it and flips out. He is shiesty on partial credit, all or none.
Terrible teacher. Really wants to fail his students.
I have to agree. Asking him for help is like a nightmare for me. I can tell the tone of his voice totally changes from his lecture. He's gets irritated super easy. And if you do something wrong, he bite your head off. I'll never ask his help anymore.
Very strict attendance! Locks the door when the class starts. Calls you to solve the math problems in blackboard. Scary...
Very fast paced, and he doesn't take the time to really explain things. If you ask a question, he'll explain it in almost the exact same way, and get mad if you ask him to elaborate. Bad sense of humor. Avoid at all costs.
he is an awesome teacher! i have no clue wut these ppl r talking about! just go to class & take notes & u will be fine! he explains things very well.if u dont get it he is very helpful! he has a good sense of humor! great guy with good intentions!
Ok, here's the deal: Don't miss lectures and take good notes. Hoa's a good teacher but the tests aren't easy. He is pretty funny and I was never bored in class. ASK QUESTIONS if you have them. He does not give away grades. You have to know your stuff.
He doesn't like questions, tests are very difficult, puts in trick questions, study guide is nothing like the test, terrible attitude, wants you to fail, ask for help-IF YOU DARE
Nguyen is the best MAth teacher in saddleback. He is hard but all math teachers are hard MAth isnt easy unless you are motivated to learning it and try in math. Trust me pass all his test from the beginning at least 3 of 5. Study HArd!! HE is funny too!!
No Comments
Doesn't like to answer quesions
I thought he was a good teacher. He makes you work hard, but he is a good teacher- just make sure you go to class and take notes.
He is a terrible teacher. Toughest class at saddleback. Lowest pass rate of anyone. Class is a terrible waste of time. He is a cool guy though.
he is HARDdddd!!!
This class is for people who have taken this kind of math before in high school. If you're not very familar with Algebra or hate- Take notes- go to every class and ask questions. If you want a cake walk- take Watkins if avail...
If you're straight out of HS, and not so good at math or forget stuff easily, this guy is NOT for you! He assumes you've retained all the HS info you learned, and doesn't pause to refresh your memory. Take another teacher.
Worst teacher i had. dropped his class cuz he barely speaks english and is hard to understand, which is not good in a math class. do not take him!!
Nice guy. Can be goofy at times.
Class is a joke if you are good in math. Tests are based off his ditto's. Knows what he is talking about.
very hard class but he'll work with you if you go to office hours. I think he truely cares about his students and knows his stuff but at the same time don't expect kindness. He's a tough one
Very good teacher. If you pay attention, he explains everything throurougly and tells you exactly what you need to know.Whoever said he cant speak english is wrong.Very nice guy, a lot of people had diffuculty, make sure u study the night before EACH QUIZ and do review sheets 4 the EXAMS. IT HELPS!
Do NOT take this class unless u want to struggle for the whole semester. I aced my first test and it was all down hill from there. Unless u want to be actively doing all hw he gives do not take. The tests were terrible, goodluck on those. He has no compasion and doesnt give a**** if u pass or not.
I THINK HE'S PRETTY GOOD FOR A TEACHER. HE EXPLAINS THINGS VERY WELL AND HE SPEAKS GREAT ENGLISH. THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T LIKE HIM PROBLEBLY GOT A BAD GRADE.THE STUFF IS EASY IF YOU REVIEW EVERYTHING. ALWAYS REVIEW BEFORE QUIZES AND TESTS.
i never thought someone as incapable as this could actually be a teacher. i would die before having to take a class with this guy again. dont even think about it
He takes the time to make sure everyone knows what hes talking about. His tests and quizzes are directly based of the dittos from class. Seems like he cares about his students and will take the time if you go to office hours to help you understand the material.
hard but good
He's a really nice guy. He will answer any questions. Tests are difficult, but very doable if you are willing to study. It does seem as though he truly cares about his students; he really wants you to learn the material. Class time is sometimes managed poorly, but for the most part he gets everything explained.
He is a great teacher, I don't like math but he does an excellent job of explaining concepts step by step. Homework is not required and if you sudy practice exams and quizes you are good.
Great teacher. Assigns homework but does not collect. Gives quizzes weekly. Tests are from lecture, quizzes and homework. He is good at explaining and wants students to understand material.
He was a difficult but good teacher. He made sure that the entire class understood the material. He gives really good notes. His test are a little hard but just go over the material and its a piece of cake
He's one of a kind.
Fair professor, explains the material crystal clear. Straight forward on the math and tests, absolutely no BS. Study, attend class, pay attention and you'll do just fine.
I got a good grade in his class but I was bored out of my mind! Hes a nice guy & you don't have to turn any of the homework he assigns, you have tests weekly which sometimes changes, but he picks everything apart on the tests; almost no partial credit & things are worth way too much on them. Nice guy decent teacher, recommended if you dont want hw
treats students like still in highschool. no homework. hard tests.
Explains lessons thoroughly. Energetic. Young. No busy work assigned. i loved the class and i usually hate math. you will pass if you show up and take good notes.
hes very energetic and you can tell he loves teaching, and it rubs off. He relates math to everyday life and it makes it easier to understand. the class is fairly easy, the only thing you need to worry about is the tests. make sure you know the different theories and such. its a fun class to take... and i took it at 7 am!
He is a great teacher who has a passion for math. He explains concepts so they are very easy to understand, and if you still have questions, he will explain it to you until you understand. His tests were a little harder than usual for me, but still nothing too tough. I would definetly recommend him.
UGH! Don't take his class if you have ADD; he goes into unnecessary detail and you'll get lost in all that riff-raff. Tests are difficult (!!!), nothing like the examples he does in class - grades super hard too. Seems he wants you to fail - you never know how much questions are worth on the tests, deducts X amount of pts so you get at most a C.
No Comments
Dont take him unless you have to. He does not give credit for homework. He is not always that clear on what you need to know for tests. If you arent as into it as him he is kind of mean to you. He does not do well explaing things. He doesnt show you all the ways to do a probelm. I passed but i hated this class.
He is a really good teacher, not easy though. He really teaches the topics so you will do well in HIGHer level classes
Nice guy and is crazy about math. He's not available to students if they need extra help. Make sure you start off on the right foot with tests and quizzes in the begining of the semester. He starts with the hardest section first. His final was pretty straight forward probably one of the easier tests.
I don't know what the heck the other students are talking about. Prof. Hoa is great! Math is a VERY weak subject for me, but he made it easy to understand. I got an A. He drops the 2 lowest quizes. Very nice man, and funny (in a math nerd way)very smart and helpful. If math isn't a srtong subject for you, take him. He's great! I'd take him again.
He is really hard, but most math teachers are. Anyway he is a good guy, I didn't do so good in his class but i would take him again
He is a great teacher!! He will do everything he can to make sure you understand what he is teaching. He is fairly layed back. He does not grade homework so if you understand what is going on you don't have to do it, unless you want to. 1 quiz a week, drops the lowest 2. I am going to take him as long as I can!!
Horrible!
He is a really hard teacher, but helpful when you need him. He should teach the material at a slower pace & break the tests up into smaller ones (that way there aren't 2-3 chapters to memorize for each test). I would only recommend him to students who catch on easily, but if you are like me & need more help than usual in math, take an easier class!
I really loved having him as a teacher. I have taken him for 253 and 251. I am a student with learning disabillites in math and thought he made it very clear. He does really care about his students. The people who don't like himare the slackers that barley get by in life. Seriously if you need a good math teacher he is your man!!!!
Anyone complaining that he's a hard math teacher likely just needs to try harder. I hate math more than any other subject, and Mr. Nguyen made the subject clear and accessible. He's funny, makes time for anyone with questions and is respectful of everyone. Highly recommended, just be prepared to pay attention and study hard. Weekly quizzes.
Very nice guy. Hard tests. Doesn't collect hw, but has quizes once a week instead. Attendance is mandatory. Great class
Worst teacher ive ever had. going to his class everyday in the morning is like waking up and dying. its soo boring. He has no extra time to help. He just storms in the room on quiz day and says "put everything up now!" quiz time. no pre quiz review. he makes easy reviews for tests with easy questions. then the tests have the most impossible questio
I HATE THIS TEACHER WITH A PASSION, HE IS INCONSIDERATE AND USELESS. DONT BELIEVE IT WHEN PEOPLE SAY HE IS A GOOD TEACHER, HE IS NOT. WHEN HE IS EXPLAINING THINGS AND DOING PROBLEMS HE GETS THEM WRONG ON PURPOSE "SUPPOSIDLY" TO CONFUSE U. I HATE THIS MAN! DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.
One of the better calculus teachers SC offers. He teaches calc where an average precalc student can understand. Four tests, ten quizzes, & a few labs... straight forward guy. You do your work & put effort into studying, you will do well. Not a bad teacher at all... Ps. Take his MWF class, trust me its worth it. Avoid Cochrane, Evans, & Westphal!
I had Cochrane last semester and she beat me up compared to this guy. His tests are easier than other calc teachers. Taking him currently and am actually enjoying math (for the time being). Oh yeah, if you're algebra, trig, and precalc skills aren't strong you're screwed (for any calc class)!!!
Mr. Nyguyen is a tough teacher but thats good for anyone who wants to seriously learn this material for future math classes. you wont recieve the free "A" you've got to earn it. as for the crybabys.. ignore them.. they are the people who rather cry about a teacher on the internet rather than putting forth effort to pass the class.
Best Math teacher I 've had in my whole LIFE. He is the reason I started liking math, and decided to change my major to engineering. If you really pay attention you could learn a lot from this guy. He teaches with passion and gives lots of real life examples where you can use the material taught in the class. Awesome. Never opened the textbook
Fun guy. A little bit geeky, but is always willing to help. He told me to take up math half way through my first semester at Saddleback, and I didn't believe I could do it. About 2 years later, I'm now a math major and looking to take his class for Calc.
Greatest community college teacher in the WHOLEEE UNIVERSE...he is like superman of the math world. he is a lil geeky...but its kinda sexy. I recommend taking his class you dont mind having to stare at a male model for 75 mins every morning.
Really bad teacher.. he's boring full of himself, geeky and doznt help you what so every... weekly quizzes, no practice what so ever... you'll be literally on your own.. My class average was a 'D'.. sooo if you wanna fail and hate your life, Take him
Hoa is one of my favorite teachers of all time. I had to take math 251 and ended up failing because i had a horrible teacher, then luckily got placed in his beautiful class room. He's so rad and makes funny noises to keep all of us occupied !! GO HOA!!!
Hands down the best math teacher I have ever had in my life. This man is dedicated to the subject, and teaches it with a passion. He makes sure you understand and will answer any questions you have about math, whether it's related to the course or not. He is a bit strict and tests are difficult, but overall it was the best class I've ever had.
this class is not easy. he initially seems nice and approachable but he is not at all. he is not willing to help if you ask. he plays favorites with others, especially those who are older in age. I personally did not like him at all and trust me i wasnt alone. I do not recommentd him at all but he is not impossible.
He is one of the best teachers I've had at Saddleback! He is super easy to understand and is obviously very prepared for lecture. His quizzes are usually straight from the homework and dont throw you any curveballs. THIS IS NOT AN EASY CLASS!!! but he is fair. You get back whatever effort you put in..
If for any reason you aren't able to make it to or stay for the full class he will still expect you to know everything and wont want to help after class. He says things once unless the whole class doesn't understand. If someone does something he thinks is disrespectful he gets very rude. I found it very discouraging but managed to pass somehow..
i took his class my first year at saddleback. i've always been ok at math and have some problems now and then. he really tries his best and does well teaching. there was hardly anything i didn't understand and he will definitely explain further if you raise your hand. but word of advice, be prepared to study study study! do that, nd you'll be fine.
This class isn't easy. You HAVE to attend every class, if not then you'll get lost and he wont like you. he won't help you if he doesn't think u put "enough effort" into his class. I hated this class. I recommend taking this class if its the only one you'll take. WORST PART: There is no review for final exam. Who does that?
His tests are very hard and he does not curve them at all. He puts so many problems on them and then is like why don't you guys do well on the tests. He is a nice guy well kinda but when it comes to his class he has no sympathy or you at all. I would recommend taking it with another teacher.
I didn't do any of the homework in this class (it's optional). He spends class doing problems on the board and takes any question you have. He is not hash on attendance, but if you miss too much you'll fail. His practice tests online are almost exactly like the tests. Helpful. Easy to understand. The more vocal you are, the more he calls on you.
Test are very very hard, his study sheets are way easier than his tests. Don't take this class looking for an easy A or even a B! Doesn't grade homework, the only grades counted are quizzes, tests and the final. Gives no credit for anything! Does not allow a graphing calc. Do not take his class!!
I was bored and just checked this page to see what awesome things people had to say about Mr. Nguyen and.... wow, really? Having taken his class I can tell you that the people leaving these comments are being dishonest with themselves. He's funny so paying attention isn't hard. Do the homework. Take advantage of his offers to help, they are sincere
He's my favorite math teacher. His lectures are very interesting. He doesn't throw curve balls on his test (everything on the test is from the lecture). If you go to his office hours, and study you should have no problem doing well on the tests. If you're a good student you will love Nguyen's class, all the negative comments are from bad students.
His lectures are legit but he is a jerk and is class and tests are extremely hard. i was failing his class so i just dropped it took it with m. voicu and got a B easy. if you wanna pass do not take him.
Favorite math teacher ever. Ignore dumb Algebra kids rating their own intelligence, and not Hoa's teaching skills. He's extremely funny, lighthearted, and REALLY knows his ish. Lectures ARE furiously paced, but there's a lot of material (3c correlates to 8 units in 2 classes @ UC). If you can take Calc with him, do it.
I didn't like this teacher. Grade is based off of 10 quizzes, 4 tests, and a final. Lectures were pretty clear, however he WASN'T helpful in office hours. Doesn't give out study guides. I thought the tests were simple until I got them back. BARELY gives partial credit and I tend to make dumb mistakes, so I ended up with Cs when I thought I got As.
Do not take this teacher for pre-calc unless you are 100% comfortable with trig. Trig is my worst subject, although I like algebra. He barely gives partial credit and is VERY unhelpful in office hours. Tests are average, except if you make a simple mistake he will take off a lot of the points for the problem. Avoid if you can.
The tests and quizzes are very similar to the problems he presents in class and assigns in the homework. The lectures are easy to follow and he does a good job explaining the concepts. I would definitely take him again.
Worst teacher. Doesn't go over material in detail and expects everyone to know everything. His tests are extremely hard and he doesn't prepare you for anything! He is unorganized and confuses students on person. Doesn't go by the book. No study guides, no help, etc. You'll need a tutor.
He's a great teacher, very clear on the material and organized with his notes. He doesn't assign homework and has quizzes every week that's similar to the notes he gave during class. He's very nice and funny and as long as you go to class everyday, take good notes, and practice some problems outside of class you will do well in his class.
I would not recommend him. I went to his office hours to ask him a few questions, and he just kept telling me to "look at my notes" with no help at all. Good at explaining things in class... too bad his tests are hard because he barely gives out partial credit.
Best calculus teacher ever! Very helpful in office hours. Makes calculus actually entertaining. Exams were hard but gives you 'fast balls', no 'curve balls'. If you study the notes and homework you should pass the class easily.
After reading the comments here, I was reluctant to take Hoa's class. A semester later and...am I GLAD I did! He explains math BEAUTIFULLY, relates it to the real world, and does not hesitate to help you, in class or in office. He preps you well for Calculus. I enjoyed his class thoroughly and look forward to learning more with him in the future.
Great teacher. If you pay attention in class and go over your notes, you'll easily pass. He gives real world examples and purposefully makes mistakes during class lectures for you correct...his teaching methods are beautiful. Homework is optional, although it does strengthen your ability to execute particular problems.
VERY helpful teacher. I highly recommend him. He is one of the best teachers I've had.
Took him for multivariable calculus. Interesting teacher. Weekly quizzes, 4 exams. No blackboard. He can go extremely fast at times, but an A is manageable if you dont slack, i slacked and got a B. Exams cover anything and everything he talked about so it was al little tough
Hoa Nguyen was the worst Professor I have had at Saddleback so far. He accused myself and the person behind me of cheating on two seperate occasions. He thinks he is funny and makes jokes in class that are meant for 1st graders. When it comes to getting his help he makes you feel like you are wasting his time, and is extremely condescending.
He is clear, and good professor. However, he gets upset very easily; he is there for those who want to learn. Good guy for learning, but not an easy A.
This guy grades insanely hard, his tests and quizzes are your entire grade. No homework. not clear. Do Not Take!
This professor is professional and clear. He takes time to explain the concepts, giving us opportunities to ask lots of questions. He writes everything on the board and is orderly. He genuinely cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Also very funny, but not inappropriate. Also helped me to have some "light bulb" moments in math!
I took calc 3a over the summer with him and while it was a rather challenging class, he is a really good teacher who wants his students to excel. His lectures are really clear and straight forward. Pay attention and study and practice the notes and you'll be fine. He's the best math teacher I've ever had.
Professor Nguyen is by no means an easy A. However, he is far from a poor teacher. His lectures are very clear and he really tries to get students to understand the material. He doesn't try and trick you on the tests either. Just do the homework and you should be fine on the tests/quizzes. Does not give study guides, but lets you know what's coming
If you want to learn the material, take Hoa's class. I feel comfortable moving onto higher level math because of his clarity. The fact that he does not grade homework IS VERY helpful. Losing 2 points a day will harp your grade. Take him, he is THE BEST.
Pretty much one of the only classes I genuinely looked forward to. His lessons are thorough but easy to follow. If you take notes of everything he does on the board, there's almost no way you can fail. Test and quiz problems are basically straight from lectures and homework, no surprises. Seemed like a really nice guy on top of being a good teacher
This is guy awesome. One of the best math teachers I have had at Saddleback. His examples are very clear, he explains each step with a high degree of detail. HE ANSWERS QUESTIONS, even the stupid ones. The guy honestly cares about you learning.
Took all 3 calc courses with him. He's the best math teacher I've ever had. Tough/picky grader but does give partial credit. No test curves. Drops 2 lowest quizzes out of 12. Clear and organized lectures and very helpful in office hours. Very nice guy. Must keep up with HW. This course moved at a very rapid pace. Prepare to work hard for your A.
Professor Nguyen is one of the best Calc 3A, 3B, and 3C professor at saddleback. If you take notes, attend every class, participate in class and do your homework, you will pass his class with good grade.
he is the GREATEST! i commuted from IVC to Saddleback due to his good reviews, and it was worth the trip. he is extremely helpful and explains everything in different ways so everyone can understand. he'll show the common mistakes to prevent students from making them. hw was optional, but i did it and had no problem on tests. drops 3 lowest quizzes
Most clear-cut-no-BS math professor I've ever had. Just show up, take good notes, do the homework, and follow directions on test. No curveballs, just 95mph fastballs. At least one proof on every exam. Two questions be will besimilar to noteshomework. Drops lowest quizzes. His lectures are very clear, and he's very thorough at derivations.
He was extremely clear in his lectures and I never found myself lost or confused often. If I was then he would go over it again. Quizes every week that there isn't an exam but they aren't hard at all. Just a quiz on a section a few days before. Really nice and friendly. Really recommend him!
The best, clearest, most helpful professor I've ever had and I know many classmates would say the same. He always makes sure to prove everything that needs to be proved for you to understand for yourself rather than just telling you "trust me, it works". Tests are challenging and really make you think but are quite doable if you study your butt off
Awesome teacher, very clear, thorough and great at drawing in 3D. However completely unreasonable. His test are straight forward, yet long and painstaking. If you care about your gpa do not take him.
Excellent lecturer. He keeps students involved in his discussions and makes sure you are paying attention in class. He is very clear on what to expect on tests and quizzes. Tests are straightforward, very challenging but certainly not impossible. If you put the work in, an A is attainable. Wish he had a 3C class this fall.
Professor Nguyen is such a good teacher. He explains the material very well, his handwriting is very clear and he makes videos of the lessons for you. His tests are pretty tough but as long as you study and put in the time, you will be fine.
by the time i dropped this class over half the class had already dropped Quiz every week, 3 tests worth 120 points & cumulative final worth 140 points no extra credit & always rushing through the lectures when i did the homework i understood it & when it came to the test it was nothing like he taught in class even had a tutor 4 times a week AVOID!!
Not a super easy class-most of my class dropped. very little EC, no points for homework but I recommend doing it. Hes a good teacher but moves through lecture quickly. If you study the section thoroughly then the quizzes aren't hard. Do well on the weekly quizzes because the exams are difficult. You'll need to put effort in and show up.
Probably the hardest math class I have ever taken. He makes the lesson seem understandable during class, but when his tests roll around, it's almost as though he purposely makes them extremely difficult so that you do bad. Chooses the hardest problems for tests and class grade is based on 10 quizzes and a couple tests. Would not recommend!
He's a great teacher and very helpful but he's really tough. I'm horrible at math and, even though I tried really hard, I didn't pass. His lectures are easy to understand and he gives real world examples that make learning more interesting. Be prepared to study, make sure to do ALL the optional homework, and take advantage of free LRC tutoring!
Lectures: Best I have ever had, very clear directions and easy to understand Weekly Quizzes: 1 or 2 problems, sometimes taken directly from notes/hw Tests: No crazy problems, should be simple as long as you study, make flashcards for formulas! Overall: Show up and put in the effort and it will show in your results. Best math prof I have had.
I learned a lot more from him than I did in high school precalc. He's probably one of the best math teachers that I've had because he explains the material so well and doesn't try to trick you on tests or quizzes. Be prepared to study! There is a quiz just about every week (drops 3). Very helpful if you go into his office.
If you need this class, I would definitely recommend that you take him. His lectures are clear and you will do fine on the weekly quizzes if you do the "optional" homework. He will prepare you well for higher math courses. Whatever you do, DO NOT slack off on any of the exams! Overall hes a great professor
Professor Nguyen is very determined and devoted to his teaching. He goes out of his way to make sure you understand the material. He posts videos on youtube of lectures that you may need a second clarity of. He's a funny guy and good to get along with but also a well respected teacher to everyone. I would be honored to take another class with him.
Mr. Nguyen is a chill mathematician. His class isn't so boring and he's clear during lectures Hw is a weekly thing unless other wise but its usually from 3-5 questions. He treats you with the same respect you'd treat him in class. Tests are combined with the quiz/hw/lecture notes. If you pay attention, you'll pass easily.
Unfortunately, he is not helpful in his office. If you are going to his office, he says " watch my videos". He has a lot of mistakes on his videos, and they are hard to understand. Tests and quizzes are completely different from the text book. He teaches so hard which most of the time we got confused. He is not helpful at all period. Avoid him.
Professor Nguyen was a very helpful teacher to me! He thoroughly explains questions you ask, but at times he can speed through his lecture. Studying is a MUST in this class; you cannot get a good grade without it. The small details count, otherwise, he is a great teacher.
The best you can ask for in a math teacher. Entertaining, clear on instructions, and very calm. You won't disrupt his class because he is such a nice teacher that you'll feel bad for doing so. Usual math class rules apply: if you get a bad grade, it was because you didn't study, not because of him!
Everyone please pay attention. I'm trying to give you rel input on this professor. I took him for math 2 which should be a rather easy course depending if you took it in highschool. Nguyen takes notes every class. There's basically a quiz every week, exams are every 4 weeks. His exams are HORRIBLE. They are soo hard! Homework barely helps! AVOIDDDD
He's a solid professor. From what I've heard from other students, he is a really good professor. While it may be hard, he really prepares you for higher level math. He gives a ton of quizzes. Also, he calls on you in class randomly so pay attention. Attendance is mandatory. He's a funny guy as well, not to mention his extensive YouTube videos.
His quizzes, assignments, and tests are from homework, lecture notes and sometimes video that he makes, so it should be straightforward if you go over these. The office hour and the videos help study outside class. I would recommend him for 3C!
Every Monday we had a quiz (5ish questions) and homework (only 5 total problems each week). Pretty much all of my grade was based off of the exams. If you're a good tester and pay attention in class you should pass. I got a C in the class overall.
Love him! He cares for his students. he prepares you for higher level math. makes it very simple to understand. Every week there is a quiz w/ a small homework assignment due. 4 exams with a final. drops your worst 3 quizzes. will take him again! you gotta work for the A, but so worth it. I've always struggled with math. He made me love math!!<3
Lectures make the class seem bearable. The homework and test are difficult. He doesn't curve any tests. If you want to pass, you'll have to teach yourself the harder problems. I would have taken a different professor :(
Great at teaching. Not too generous with partial credit so make sure you don't forget a minus or squared. But I definitely reccommend
A lot of mixed reviews about him but I loved him! Hes very funny and has great lectures. Quizzes every week and about half were take home. Tests were challenging but very fair and he is a hard grader. If you study, the tests shouldnt be a problem. Nguyen is not an extremely hard professor, calc 3 is just a very hard subject.
Great teacher & great guy. Homework is so simple that you could do it right before class and still get full credit, yet it is also very helpful for the quizzes. Not too many quizzes, tests, or homework assignments. Very helpful with any questions you may have, and has just the right amount of humor to make the time pass faster.
he wasn't helpful at all outside class, and was very discouraging. his exams are the toughest and homework doesn't help too.
He is an amazing teacher, He is very experienced but he is a though grader. You have a few questions for homework and a quiz every week so it makes it easy and also more tricky because he will grade every homework accordingly.
Be ready to study for a long time, but he is very caring about his students future and wants them to learn. His lectures are great.
Nice and funny guy. Class has homework and quizzes due every week. He has a bunch of youtube videos in case you don't understand the lecture. Takes roll in the beginning but stops after a fewweeksThere are 4 exams(120 points) and the final(160). If you fail 2 exams, you won't be able to catch up to get a C. Study and do optional hw or u will fail.
Great professor. If you put in the time you will succeed. Lectures are easy to understand and he has tons of youtube videos to help if you are struggling. His office hours are a little rough. You have to study if you want to pass and you need to go to class.
If you fail 2/4 tests, you won't have enough points to get a C. You have to work really hard to get that A. Homework is turned in, and quizzes every week. Only 4 tests and a Final. Stopped taking roll after a couple of weeks. Had a bunch of youtube videos about every lesson. Great guy, just makes you work really bloody hard for that A.
Professor Nguyen's tests are very hard and he doesn't give much partial credit. There is at least one quiz each week which is usually based on the hardest problems from the homework. The homework is ungraded/"optional," but I would do it to prepared for tests and quizzes. Also, don't come into class late!
The prof. takes time to explain the material for you to really understand, not to mention he makes learning the hard material fun and gives good analogies. His tests are hard but mostly nothing you haven't seen, so do his worksheets, homework and review the quizzes. Very approachable and one of the best math professors I've had, highly recommend.
His score is skewed because a he teaches a lot of lower level math students(He really is a good teacher). I took his calc class over the summer (very fast paced). I recommend to use chegg for hw and watching his math videos BEFORE the lecture. He really does prepare you for test, but you got to understand everything on notes,ws,& hw. (Part 1)
Continued of prev review (part 2) cuz character limit. The prof has a great personality and is a very good teacher. I had to retake 3B so I took his class this summer. Compared, to the other prof, prof Nguyen really prepares you for his exams. His quizzes give you a clue on what is on the exam. Most people who do bad dont do their hw. Use chegg!!
One of the best profs I have had. His lectures are fun and engaging, his homework is to the point and tests are easy if you work like an hour a day. Easy A. I dont get how people call his tests difficult. Honestly- its a math class. The only reason youll bomb it is because you recently left high school and have no idea how to study. Smh.
Mr Nguyen is a great guy. One of the better math teacers I have ever had. You know this guy cares when he has videos for pretty much every topic on his course website. Very good at explaining things. I did not find the material particularly challenging because I put the time in to understand it. And he likes Pearl Jam. Can't go wrong take him
Professor Nguyen is one of my favorite professors ever; he's definitely extremely enthusiastic and passionate about what he does. His exams/quizzes aren't too difficult (many of the questions are directly from the homework), and he's very good at teaching and explaining difficult concepts. He's also funny too, making the class very enjoyable!
Out of all my math professors, Professor Nguyen was my favorite. I got a pretty low grade in this class due to laziness on my first test, but he was a great teacher. He was hilarious and worked hard to help everyone and answer questions. He makes you work for your grade but gives great lectures + easy HW. I would gladly take him again if I had to.
Came from IVC to take him because IVC profs are terrible. Prof Nguyen is very caring and wants students to understand the material. He teaches to try and prepare students for Math 3C. There are quite a lot of quizzes to help boost (or hurt) your grade so stay on top of hw problems he gives. Tests were modeled after hw problems. Very solid pick!
Professor Nguyen is a great math professor. He makes you work hard for your grade and if you work hard, in this class be ready to work as twice as harder as you work. He uses mnemonics to help you learn math formulas, which I found helpful. I learned a lot of math from his class, and I will definitely take another class with him in the future.
If you want to learn math take his class!
Nguyen deserves a higher rating! He has YouTube videos to help your understanding more. Easy maditory 3 question weekly homework and quiz. There is textbook homework too but its not to be handed in. Lectures are clear with lots of examples. Made it super straight forward. Extra credit on exams too! I really enjoyed his class.
Amazing professor! It felt like he always came to class happy to teach, and that attitude was infectious. He spent every lecture doing problems on the board while explaining each step and answering questions clearly. Most homework was optional but he did hand out a small worksheet with 2-4 problems once a week for credit. Can't recommend enough!
I've had 3 classes with this professor and have 3 A's. His lectures are easy to understand. Quizzes once a week with a couple questions. They're easy if you study. On tests he grades strictly but nothing abnormal, the questions are medium in difficulty, if you put in the time the A is doable. He's a great guy with plenty of math/dad jokes
If you do the homework and visit his embedded tutor Stephen, his class becomes much more manageable and less overwhelming. He is a strict grader but if you do the homework he assigns, you will do well on his tests. Not passing this class is a reflection on you, not him.
His lectures are very clear and tests are doable if you do the homework. If you don't do simple mistakes and revise your proofs before exams, linear algebra should be a doable A. His tests are manageable and weekly quizzes are easy too. He's available for office hours and would be willing to clarify any doubts. I'd take his class again hands down.
I have taken Nguyen for Math 2, 3A, 3B, and LOVE HIM! He will help you at all costs if you have any questions at office hours. The class itself isn't easy, but he makes it worth taking! All questions on exams come from actual homework problems or straight out of notes so DO THE HOMEWORK! Drops two lowest quizzes.
Probably one of the worst professors I've ever had. He's not helpful at all and he makes everything more complicated than it is. I took this class with a different professor and got an A. If you have any other option do it. Don't take this guy. If you're reading this Hoa, I hope you don't catch any fish at your next fishing trip.
Prof. Nguyen is an exceptionally thorough in all of his explanations, this is so you have a clear understanding of how and why a problem is solved. He derives definitions and identities so you can understand where they came from. He truly cares about all of his students. online class has been great. I wish him well on all of his fishing trips.
I took Math 2 in 2020, so it was all online. Great teacher, recorded all lectures for us and was very thorough. The textbook and homework for each section are optional, but I highly recommend doing it anyway to prepare for tests. There is one official hw assignment a week along with one quiz. He also gives partial credit for small mistakes.
He truly cares about his students & is passionate about Math. Heck, he even named his kids after famous mathematicians. I hate math but he has been so articulate in his lectures that I'm here writing a review. Don't fall behind, do the hw, & you will get a good grade. I wish my class wasn't online so I could shake his hand. Protect him at all costs
he made quarantine harder than it needed to be. thinks everyone is being dishonest so he watches you on zoom can't even get up to get water or he'll get suspicious.
Hoa is a good teacher but his tests are tough. If you actually do the homework you won't have a hard time. Follow along with his lectures and do the hw so that you don't get crammed.
I really don't know how or why this teacher has as many good reviews as he does.. take heed of the low reviews because I wish I had listened. Hoa has so many mistakes on his lectures and then he'll knock off points when you make the same mistake wtf. He's so inconsistent which is not ideal for an online course & makes things a lot more complicated.
Learning calc. online has forced me to put in more time practicing; so if you don't have grit or self-discipline, and you aren't a math wiz, then this course will be nearly impossible. However, if you want to learn math, he's the guy. Prof. Nguyen is one of the best math profs I've ever had, so I'm planning on taking 3B with him next semester.
I have never done bad in a math class before this one, professor Hoa does not properly teach the material, short videos are not enough to teach a math class. if we were on campus class would be atleast 2 hours twice a week. Make one small mistake boom whole question wrong. DO NOT TAKE.
difficult tests. many mistakes and inconsistencies in lecture videos. focuses on easy concepts and brushes over the more complicated ones. first time i didn't get an A in a math class despite hours of studying. he might've been better on campus and he's a nice guy who's there to answer questions. drops 2-3 lowest quizzes and final is not cumulative
This class is just way too work heavy to be taking with other classes and he likes to brush over the harder topics so you really don't have time for much else. Seeking help from outside feels almost mandatory, which isn't a good sign for the course. Tests are also very difficult if you do not do EVERYTHING, and will even then still be pretty hard.
I really wish I'd listened to the reviews on here. I've always been an A student in math courses, but not with Nguyen. Luckily I took this class for P/NP but it's still been an awful experience. His lectures are recorded and he doesn't explain concepts well. Tests are ridiculously hard. Please don't make the mistake I did; Avoid him at all costs.
Professor holds office hours 3 times a week. With a weekly graded homework and quiz. One mistake on an exam or quiz or even homework marks you off 5 points. Does not give you partial credit when due. He says if you fail one test in his class you cant redeem yourself. Worst part: HIS TEST AVERAGE ON EXAMS ALWAYS ENDED UP BEING D OR F. DONT TAKE!
If you reading this Nguyen, I hope you don't catch any fish on your next fishing trip. Nguyen is the worst professor I've ever had in my whole life. More than 60% of the class failed this semester!!! Cuz of his weekly quizzes, monthly exams. Don't take this boy. He makes everything more complicated than it is. Webcam is required on quizzes, exams
First off I would like to say that math has always been my favorite subject and I have never gotten below an A in any math class I have ever taken. I got a D in this class. Professor Nguyen ruined math for me. Do not take this class unless you want to feel dumb for small mistakes. Harshest grader and would leave un-motivational comments.
Learning calc online was brutal so coming back to campus was a must. This was my first semester back on campus so I was anxious and unsure what to expect. Prof. Nguyen is a top notch professor and created a safe learning environment. Masks, reasonable precautions, and digital submissions so we didn't have to pass papers back and forth.
Prof. Nguyen teaches math well. He's funny and cares for his students. But, he's a hard teacher and his class is hard. It isn't easy to get an A. The hw is easy and the quizzes reflect the hw, but the exams are tough. The course material is hard and you really have to show up to lectures. I like him as a person, but I wouldn't take this class.
Taking calc online last year was miserable, I grew to dread calc and I was NOT looking forward to taking multivariable. Despite my previous mentality and my struggles with calc, I'm grateful for Hoa. Seriously, he's a good dude and in person he started to shine. I've never seen him fail to explain something clearly, he's also a pretty funny guy!
Prof. Nguyen is one of the best math teachers I have ever had. He provides office hours and feedback on every homework assignment turned in. There is textbook hw that is assigned that is an excellent way to practice. He also provided a safe learning environment during the pandemic. I would certainly take his class again.
I really enjoyed Nguyens teaching style in 3B even though it was online, and took 3C with him this semester. Coming back on campus was weird, but he created a very comfortable environment. His tests are hard but there are no surprises, everything has already been shown in lecture or homework. Very caring guy and cant recommend him enough.
I think this is definitely one of the hardest classes I have ever taken but Professor Nguyen is amazing. He is available everyday for office hours, if not in person on zoom, and is great at always answering questions. I felt very safe coming back on campus and all the assignments were scanned and submitted via canvas to prevent contact.
Prof. Nguyen is the best professor I've ever had. This class is abstract and can mentally wear you down but I was fascinated the entire time. The instruction was clear and detailed and the environment was comfortable. Glad it's over but would choose this professor in a second if I had to do it over again.
Professor Nguyen is very math knowledgable and has a clear passion for the subject. I believe his best teaching shines in the higher calculus classes, though. His teaching style is much more traditional- lecture, hw, quiz, test. Prepare to use the book as his lectures tend to move into more difficult problems, but collected hw is created by him.
Professor Nguyen is very clear about his expectations, and as long as you complete the textbook and assigned homework and come to lectures, you will get the grade you want. Make sure to study well for the weekly quizzes. He is one of the clearest and most thorough lecturers I've had, so you won't get left behind as long as you pay attention.
I have no idea why these Math 2 people down below hate him so much, Nguyen is seriously the best teacher at Saddleback. It is always refreshing to see a teacher that is truly passionate about the subject they teach, and Nguyen really does love math. If you want the A you have to work for it, Nguyen is always available to help along the way.
Truly the best professor I've ever had. Took him for 3A and Math 2. He is passionate about teaching his students theory, not just having them memorize to pass a test. The class is straight forward, if you put the time in to study you'll pass, and you have to work for the A . I wish he could teach every one of my classes. Highly, highly recommend!
Absolutely amazing professor and definitely would take him if you have the option to for any math class. Just make sure you do all the homework and understand it, his lectures are concise and helpful.
Hard but satisfying class, I learned a lot. He is very clear and goes really in-depth in his lectures to make sure all his students understand the material. Very enthusiastic, supportive, and charismatic; Even in a difficult class, I look forward to attending his class every day. Definitely a must-take!
He lectures some topics extremely well and others not as well. He Tests exclusively from the homework so theres no reason to do poorly. Not the nicest person however. I am ending my time at saddleback with a lot of self doubt because of his comments. Other math professors at saddleback are much more empowering than him.
I took this professor my first semester here and lets just say, more than half the class dropped. If you did not take him for pre-calc do not take his class. He wants things done in a very specific way, and takes points off quizzes and tests even if you clearly understood the concept.
I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic professor Nguyen is at what he does. Calculus or precalculus is by no means an easy A, but professor Nguyen can explain incredibly dense concepts while keeping a light mood. If you put in the time with the HW and study the material, you will get the results you want. He wants you to succeed and will help you!
Grade composed of hw, 10 quizzes, 3 exams, and one final (not cumulative). Class is test heavy as most math classes are. Professor Nguyen was a great instructor and always welcomed his students to ask questions/go to office hours (please go to them). There were times that lecture became a little confusing but you can always ask for clarification.
If you have the potential of using this stuff in the future I would recommend Nguyen. His class is somewhat old school and you have to put in the time. He really cares and if you show that you care as well he won't hesitate to help you. Put in the time, double back on lectures, and review concepts from old classes!
Professor Nguyen was one of the best professors I had at Saddleback. He can be hard and he does not hold your hand or make things easy. He really cares that you not only know how to do the math but understand it. As long as you pay attention, take good notes, and care he will lead you to success.
He is firm but very fair in his teaching methods and expectations of his students. The material is extremely difficult, however the way he breaks down the material ensures that all students are caught up and understand. If you're going to put in the effort you will get a lot out of this class. Overall, he changed my perspective on math classes.
I experienced losing points on tests for stupid reasons, but I recommend EVERYONE TAKE NGUYEN FOR CALC. Lectures are engaging, tests are straightforward. He holds office hours every day, study halls twice a week, and posts videos online as additional references. Amazing guy. It's obvious that he loves teaching. I am so glad I chose his class.
Nguyen makes this class much more difficult than it should be. Spent too much time on proofs that we were 1 month behind and made us watch 1-2 lectures over the weekend for 3 weeks. Old-school in his ways. Very strict grader. Also very condescending 1 on 1 with you. If I were you, I'd watch Professor Leonard on YouTube. Leonard wants you to succeed
If you want an easy A, Professor Nguyen is not the professor to take. If you want to learn the material and succeed with hard work and dedication, he will be the best professor you can take. Be prepared to work HARD but feel accomplished by the end of the semester.
Professor Nguyen is one of the best professors I have ever had. He is extremely knowledgeable and it shows in his lectures. He teaches you to understand calculus, not just memorize information. Prof. Nguyen is a tough teacher, and this is a hard class, but he is very fair and clear in what he expects and an A is definitely achievable.
Yes, he is hard, this is a math course so that should be expected. He does grade hard too however unlike most professors, whenever you miss something on the exam, he did teach it and he taught it well, so that's on you. If you can stay on track, or even cram two nights prior you'll probably be fine with his recorded lectures.
Professor Nguyen is one of the best teachers I've ever had. An engaging lecturer who always gives feedback on assignments. He's passionate about the material & explains things thoroughly. If you feel rushed during a lecture go to his office hours and you'll be back on track in no time. Be sure to do all of the homework, it helps tremendously.
Very lenient grader if work is turned in on-time More conducive to students who show effort/willingness to learn Homework, Quizzes, and Exams have few questions--easy to answer, but also easy to get wrong if not careful Syllabus was very unreliable Overall, highly recommend.
Professor Nguyen is the best, most caring math professor I have ever had. This is not an easy class. Lectures are fast paced, but thorough and clear. He makes sure you understand the topics rather than just memorizing formulas. He is tough and the class requires lots of work to get an A, but there is no professor I would rather have for this class.
Took Nguyen for both 3B and 3C. Cannot recommend enough. He'll definitely make you work for your grade but for the trade off that he makes math engaging and even inspirational. He's also a genuinely funny and likable guy ---albeit pretty strict---. Wish he was just the entire Saddleback math department, definitely consider taking him!
I've had him for both 3B and 3C and he is easily the best professor at saddleback college. Super funny and genuine guy. He makes the lectures easy to understand and often uses physical examples to help explain what he's trying to teach. He's accessible outside of class for his study sessions so be sure to use that to your advantage. 5/5!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had Professor Nguyen for MATH2A and I am glad I made the decision to do so. He is an excellent teacher but make no mistake he expects you to work hard. I would definitely take him again
Nguyen pushed us all throughout the class. A lot of people dropped. He is a hardish grader but extremely clear on what will be on the test. He uses a lot of text book questions and places them on the quizzes and exams. He is extremely inspiring, caring, and funny. Practice the textbook questions and youll do great. Awesome professor!! Awesome guy!!
Professor Nguyen runs a tough but rewarding class. The lectures are fast-paced but thorough, and he really emphasizes understanding over memorization. Unstuck ai was a huge help for exam prep. Overall, this class is challenging but worth it.
Professor Nguyen is one of the best professors I've had here at Saddleback. He does a really great job at breaking down each problem and taking his time to explain something when you don't understand the topic. He also has office hours every day of the week. He cares about his students and wants them to succeed. I definitely recommend him!
He is focused on his students having good foundation skills in calc and understanding theorems. Do practice problems & HW, attend class (on time), GO TO OFFICE HOURS, & you will get a good grade. He is very receptive when he knows u are putting in your best work. Exams can be tough since he takes off lot of pts for mistakes, but overall great prof.
Prof Nguyen was a great calc teacher and prioritized foundational learning over shortcuts. Only 2-3 mandatory hw problems a week, but if you skip the optional hw you'll most likely fail. Great at explaining hard concepts and letting you apply your prior knowledge to new topics. No study guides per se, but does give exam topic lists ahead of time.
Professor Nguyen is truly the best and actually cares! He breaks down each concept clearly and goes through examples. Everything on the test was discussed in class. Make sure to practice the assigned textbook homework (it's worth it). There is a short weekly quiz, but if you keep on track with work and lectures you will be fine.
I took Professor Nguyen for 3B and 3C. He teaches clearly and explains how and why math concepts work. His lectures are dense—don't skip class. I learned more this year than in four years of high school, which earns him a 5 rating. That said, I worked harder than those 4 years combined and still got a B, so I probably wouldn't take his class again.
Professor Nguyen is the best professor I had my first year at Saddleback hands down. Going to lectures is a must. He packs so much into a single lecture because he stays focused and does not go off on tangents like other professors. Such a fair grader. Just study the assigned homework problems and do the optional ones. I am taking him again for 3B.
He was the BEST professor of my first year at Saddleback. Go to lecture. He packs so much into a single lecture because he's focused and doesn't go off on tangents like other professors. Super fair grader. He only expects you to know what he taught you on quizzes and exams. Study the assigned HW and do the optional HW. I'll take him for 3B.
If you want to take Calculus, take it with Professor Nguyen! He will give you a fair shot at passing. He's a fair grader and explains concepts clearly. Everything on the tests is covered in class. Beware of the third exam!! Study hard for that one. Textbook homework helps, and weekly quizzes are manageable if you keep up.
I haven't taken math in years and failed his calc 2 class but he never gave me a zero and always gave good feedback. He always gave points on my grade simply because I showed him that I cared and tried. If I took him right after precalc, it would have been an easy A/B because from what I remember, he tried to make his class as simple as possible.
Second review, but now for 3C! Took him again because he's amazing! If you are there because you actually care about math and learning, you will do perfectly fine. Went to a couple lectures at UCI for the exact same class, and gotta say, Prof Nguyen is gonna teach you the same things but with a better attitude and wayyy funnier.
I scored a 5 on both AP Calc AB and BC, but this class was BRUTAL. I thought I was decently good at math, but Nguyen's grading is no joke. He will take off SO MANY POINTS for simple errors. If you want an A, you have to put in triple the work of other 3C classes. Amazing teacher, amazing lectures, just way too harsh of a class. Good Luck!
it's not even the first week, and I dropped this guy. He's got a terrible attitude. He doesn't get that he's a professor and he should help student's and being good at his job made him forget that he is a human being! RUN!
The key to excelling in this class is taking the textbook problems seriously and practicing each section at least twice before the tests. Take the first test of the semester seriously if you want a good grade.
took him for 3B and 3C. he's super clear about what's on exams (gives exam checklists and only tests on what's taught in lecture/hw/quizzes). lectures are straightforward but content heavy. don't skip class. do the textbook problems and understand them conceptually, and youll be set for exams. office hours are chill + he knows his stuff. great guy!
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