Wonderful Prof. Lets you argue for more pts on tests. Encourages communication ensuring a complete learning experience. Made talking about sex a normal and not embarrasing event !

Best Teacher Ever. Helps you learn for yourself and lets you argue for test points. I would be one of the top students in my Micro class if it weren't for him.

mr belcher wants you to learn for your slef and not just sit through his class like a robot. but along with him wanting you to learn it for yourself, he doesnt really answer questions, you have to "work through it" but he does let you argue fo

He was into questioning everything, I felt like I was in an ancient greek school of philosophy. The lectures are student led and he is very creative/annoying! He makes you think outside of the box which can be very difficult, but just be a nerd in class

AWESOME TEACHER! Wish more teachers were like him!

Professor Belcher rules. He encourages his students to be involved with their health and their lives. He has a vast wealth of knowledge and is pretty laid back. He really made everything interesting and easy to learn. I would def take him again!

His Human Sexulaity class was intersting.. he seems knowledgable

teaches using somewhat Socratic method, loves class participation. make sure you read the chapters or you will fail test, excellent teacher

I read some of the previous comments, and I must say that I don't agree with any of them at all. I thoyght he was awesome. He let us argue for better grades. He let us ask any questions we had. He was just a good teacher. would have taking him again.

he is an awsome teacher if you are looking for something new and refreshing outside of the boring and often times stale teaching methods of most community college teachers.

Good teacher...gets unfair ratings because he challenges students to actually "THINK". Follow directions on homework to a T. You have to work to get an "A' but once you get used to him, it is actually easy. Interesting lectures.

He might be the only professor in Valencia that REALLY care about what his student learn. Very flexible, and very clear in explaining important points.

Best professor I have ever had. He challanged me in ways I never could have imagined. Tests are pretty difficult, but studying helps. Unlike some professors, he gives you the oppertunity to redo assignments, but its not mandatory. :) You can take the poor grade if u want to. Thanks Mr Belcher!!!

What a great class! He is very understanding, and really cares about his students. His teaching style is different, in that he gives the student more power and lets them decide how much they want to learn. I really found out so much about myself through this class. And it's a lot of fun!

Jim is great. He cares so much about helping students realize their passion. He shows you how not to be so private with your talents. Jim helped me remember the things in life that matter most. Best of all, Jim RECOGNIZES each person as an individual and not just another student!

I love Jim. Do your work and participate in class and you'll be fine. He's fair and I think some people can't stand that. Even if you're one of his favorites, he still is tough on you. But it's tough love. I highly recommend him!

Jim is a great teacher, the class is hard if you don't pay attention though. No matter how bad you do you just can't be afraid to ask him for extra help, or propose a plan to fix your problems. I would HIGHLY recommend taking him, but you need to be open minded and willing to work for your grade.

Very good teacher. Very nice, easy, and fun!

great class great learning experience. he is very picky when it comes to the menstrual cycle but he lets you redo hw untill you get a good grade. cheating is required (dont hide info from other classmates)

I love JIM! It was a great class... I had awesome class mates...

GOOOOOOOOOO JIm

Jim is an awesome teacher!! He really wants you to understand the information, and will work with you if you one on one until you do. By far the best teacher i've ever had, his style of teaching is so different than any i've ever had and I love it. I reccomend him to everyone!!!

Jim is a different kind of teacher...like what was said he can be unclear, but he gives you many chances to improve your grade. if you ever have any uncertainties he is willing to sit down with you whenever to talk. i would recommend

This was my favorite class out of the four I took this semester. Jim is a great teacher and wide open individual. If you are looking to better understand yourself and others and also to develop inner strenghth then you will love this class. A lot of love and unity is developed in this class. I loved it.

Jim is a great guy. Willing to help you improve your grade any way he can.

He is very hard & give a lot of handouts, but he does want you to be in class to learn not just points. the Study Guides DO get annoying, every week, but overall you do learn and you will survive. He's always there to ask questions, and i dont tnik he's not bad, and i've had bad prof's before. GO JIM!!!

Takes a lot of self commitment if you miss one assignment you take an incomplete until you make it up. Homework every night. It's like group therapy.

I enjoyed this class very much.His teaching style is unique but very effective.He won't just give you the answers; he'll asked you qiestions until you can come up with the answer yourself which I found more effective.Not an easy class but he gives more than enough opportunities to bring your grade up.

Jim is a great guy, and he's always willing to work with you to bring your grade up. He let's you work in groups on some tests, but his tests are nearly impossible if you're not a Bio person. Quite a bit of homework. And he's not the best at explaining Biology. I probably wouldn't take him again.

I don't know what everyone is talking about! JIM ROCKS! Granted his tests are HARD and his lectures are even harder! But he actually makes you LEARN! I would recommend him to any student who is willing to put in effort and time!

Jim is not your ordinary professor. The tests are nothing like what he gives you for notes/hanouts. However the points on your test he lets you make up. When it comes to helping you understand he will take his free time to sit with you till you understand the concept. Basically you learn Biology! So yeah his antics are weird, but he make you learn!

BEST TEACHER AT VALENCIA HANDS DOWN!!! I have taken everything from physics and organic chemistry and this professor is this first one who actually makes the effort to make sure that everyone is learning his methods are a little unconventional but the requirements are no harder than any other science course. GREAT PROFESSOR take him to learn bio

My favorite science teacher! I really enjoyed being in this class. It was so nice to get a break from the normal type of class. Anyone who doesn't like this class probably reads textbooks on the weekends for fun. Seriously take this class it will change your life.

JB was, is, and always will be the man! He completely grasps the concept of teaching. Like someone else wrote, this was not only a Biology class for me, but a life-changing experience. I've taken many other classes and can honestly say that JB was and always will be the BEST teacher...ever! "Go for the understanding." -Jim Belcher

Jim is something... He's methods are very nontraditional, however he allows make up the tests by arguing. The course does require a lot of time spending on studying, although it's worth the effort. Be prepared to study a lot, but if you are going into bio field, he is very helpful. I would take him again, defiantly!

Go for understanding!!! At the beginning of this class, I was totally confused. I though I wouldn't make it. But Jim is very easy to understand. There's a lot to study for, and you will learn more about than science. You will learn about life. This class is life experience. It's very interesting.

JIM IS GREAT!He is great at allowing us to learn the material in a way we can retain it.He's helpful and really understanding,u can tell he cares about his students. If u want to take a class that will be remembered throughout your college experience take him!1 of the coolest and funnest professors ever.I looked fwd to his class each week.AWESOME!!

One of Valencia's best professors.

Jim definitely has an unconventional way of teaching... but it actually works! He's more than willing to help, all you have to do is ask. He gets a little off his rocker occasionally but you just have to ignore it. If you want to learn about biology, an not just be told about it (lectured), take his class. It was a good time.

I dont know why people have left a few negative rating on this professor. HE WAS THE BEST! NO LIE I THINK HE IS ONE OF THE BEST PROFESSORS IVE EVER HAD! Very possible to get an A...funny guy...enjoyable class...a great learning experience...i actually like bio now

Jim is a super awesome teacher. He's super helpful, very chill and laid back, he's open and welcoming, cares for all his students and makes learning a positive experience! My favorite professor for sure.

Jim was great!He wants you to go for the understanding and he teaches in a very positive way. You can tell he really cares about all his students. He uses videos and lectures to teach. He really loves his Earth. No textbook needed, extra credit, and he's really nice.Just do your hw, participate, and be rspectful nd yu'll pass. I learned alot!!

Jim was great. At the begining of the term I was frusterated but then I started trying to understand opposed to trying to memorize everything. Although he was vague he gave lots of ec opportunities, I would def take him again!!!

Belcher is a great guy, his class can be difficult if you don't ask questions. You will need to read the book or study the topic prior to class and ask questions on the topic... otherwise he will create quizzes. His assignments can be time consuming but he does offer TONS of extra credit. I got an A.

Whoever thinks this professor isn't awesome is just probably an easily offended person. This professor is extremely open to new innovative ideas. He's very smart and knows a lot about the science community and is involved. He plays with ideas and methods for teaching. I'm all for it, I totally get it and I got a good grade.

Prof. Belcher has a very different teaching style than any other teacher I have had. He encourages the understanding rather than the memorization of material. At first I didn't dig his methods, but after time I began to get it. I ended the class with an A. He gives plenty of opportunity for answering your questions. I learned a great deal.

this guy is def a strange one. dont buy the book and be prepared to talk about how our environment/future is basically screwed. DO NOT bs ANYTHING you turn in, he grades harsh. very lil hw. he gave us an exam cuz no one would pitch in his lectures. lets u redo assignments and exams! gives extra credit opportunities which brought me up to a B+ :)

Jim is an awesome professor. He teaches with an open-forum style that mirrors that at Berkley. Most people feel weird at first but learn to be open minded after some time. Jim cares about the planet and it shows in his teaching. You learn real-life info that can be used, unlike most material taught in college. I loved this class and Jim.

GREAT TEACHER! This is a class where COMPASSION and CREATIVITY is welcomed and NOT BORING. The students who rate this professor poorly were mostly the ones who did not even try to stay involved in the class....and most likely failed. His teachings, not LECTURES, are very open to discussion and he always welcomes his students opinions.

Great teacher!! easy to get along with and lets you express yourself. Don't buy the book you don't need it at all. Just do the homework and be involved in what he is teaching. Wonderful Teacher!!

Jim expects you to have researched the topic prior to class. He focuses the class on what you want to learn, and we went over in class what was on the test. If it's difficult understanding something he is more than happy to help and explain. I didn't want to take him at first b/c of his previous scores but he is well above the score he received.

He doesn't actually teach about environmental science, but his class is pretty easy as long as you do your HW. Don't buy the book you don't need it for anything. Don't get scared by the bad comments hes not bad at all, hes an awesome professor, Oh and show up for class early because he gives pop quizzes, they're easy you'll never fail them!

You have to really WANT to learn biology to do well in this class. When it comes to tests, you really have to know the material bc they're not multiple choice. This was by far the hardest class i've taken. I passed with a B. He also does not take crappy work. He will literally give you a zero if the work is not as detailed as he wants it to be.

First, this class is hard. You teach yourself. If you have any questions he will answer them all. You can text him and stuff too. This class is entirely question based. If you have problems with homework, ask. You teach yourself. If you dont ask questions you will fail. Started with 25 students were at 12. Take if science major. You will learn.

I liked this class. Don't expect to just show up each week without studying & pass. Not a BS class, you will learn. I didn't know much about the subject prior to taking the class but I studied hard & did well. Don't just regurgitate info that you have read; LEARN it. He doesn't care much about proper formatting. Just show you know the info.

Jim is awesome he is strict on what he wants but he gives you plenty of opportunities to correct them. You are allowed make up work highest grade you can get is 80%. He wants to understand not memorize. There are no test only quizzes in his class and homework assignments. There is a lot of modeling and diagraming, showing up MANDATORY extra credit!

Jim is very dedicated to you understand the material and not memorizing it. He split us into groups where we did a lot of work together in class so it makes it easier. There is quite a bit of homework and if you don't do well he allows you to make it up. He is a very chill teacher and even gives you his cell number if you need to contact him.

He's amazing I had him and heard horror stories but if you want to go in the medical field you'd be doing yourself a disservice not taking him. He emphasizes the understanding of material. He's really big on collaboration which ended up being totally useful if you miss a day. Research, ask questions and understand the format of what he wants.

Absolutely AMAZING professor. If you are pre-med or biology majors, TAKE HIM. He is tough for the first few weeks but eventually you grasp his teaching grading style. He aims for understanding material rather than the grade. He is there for you and will give you the grade you deserve. Highly recommend.

He is an awesome! I actually grasped the concept of biology and understood it. It is a hard course, but he is extremely helpful. He cares about your understanding more than the grade and if you show your understanding, he'll give you more points. There is a lot of work but LISTEN, FOCUS, & DO THE WORK and you will pass. The more detail the better!

Jim is a great teacher! If you are an environmental science (or related) subject major, you may want to use his teaching style's freedom to heavily research on your own, because he leans more toward students teaching each other than making you memorize the chemical formulas of various environmental functions - overall though a great class.

He is amazing!!! Actually gives you feedback. He is available to help you any time that you need it. If you have a bad grade in class, he will help you fix this. He alows re-dos on quizzes and homework if you just ask nicely. Do something good for your GPA, take this class.

It may seem like he is difficult, but it only because he doesn't want you to just memorize and regurgitate. He has a very unique style of teaching in which you really get into the material and actually learn it. He encourages you to do better and will help you if you are not satisfied with your grade. Just pay attention and you'll pass no problem!

Professor Belcher is a good Professor. I learned a lot in this class. He makes you understand each chapter in a different way. Like videos, individual projects or groups projects. He sends a lot of assignments ( too much), but there is not test. His class is based on Homework and participation. Easy A, if you do what the syllabus says.

Jim is not like the normal professor where memorizing a textbook will help you pass the class. He really is there for the students to learn and grow in a better way than just memorization. His teaching style will help you in the long run (although may be frustrating at times) and if you put in the time to learn youll do great.

He is an amazing professor I ever had. This class is hard buy I learned so much for him. He will there when you need help. He loves what his doing and he is very good at it. If you want to learning take him, if you want a easy A, it is not happening if you are not working hard. I'm very grateful had him as my professor.

Best bio professor at Valencia. If you are major in bio, please do yourself a favor and take him. You will truly learn bio! He is a very picky professor. Study hard and you will be amazed!

If you are a lazy person, dont take the course. Its not his fault that some students pass, its the fact that students dont like to work or do hw. He outlines at the beginning what the class is like. I asked questions, did hw and studied, and ended with an A

Jim is a great professor! He assigns a lot of hard and time consuming work but if you are going into biomedical sciences or anything health related TAKE HIM. He gave me all the basics I needed to Ace my anatomy and micro courses! He goes really in depth with everything so if you are passionate about biology you should take this professor

Professor Jim Belcher is the nicest, most passionate professor I have had at Valencia. He really knows and cares about what he is talking about. He gave us his phone number and I was able to text him literally any time of day or night with questions regarding the homework, material, anything. If you pay attention, you will understand and even enjoy

Professor Belcher is the most kind and motivating professor I have had in my three years of college. If you are present in class and participate in discussions, you will pass this course without an issue. He creates a safe environment for his students and encourages them to express themselves. I highly recommend taking this course.

Jim is a good guy and a great professor. He has a different approach that many people struggle with at first. Give it time, this man will teach you how to understand and not memorize. Its so helpful when learning new material. Its visual and conversational. Dont take if you dont want conversation and wont participate. Others take him!!!!!

I took Jim for EVR 1001, virtual class real-time, and it was the best experience ever. He's caring, fun, easy homework. it is important to participate in discussions and work well in groups. No textbook required.

I love Jim!!! His class is difficult to get the hang of and many people drop out at first, but trust me once you get the hang of the process his class is an absolute GEM. He is also decently tech savvy for his age and you can text or email him or the TAs anytime. His class is less memorizing terms and more general content. 11/10 def recommend!

We don't get to many teachers like Jim, who truly care for not only the students understanding of the course materials but also for the wellbeing of the students. the atmosphere was great and felt not only like a healthy place to learn but a true safe place. I was grateful to have this teacher for bio, and will never forget him.

I took this summer B semester (basically 16 weeks of material packed into 6 weeks over zoom). I also had a job and another class so getting an A is not impossible. I won't lie this class is super stressful due to the workload. If you take this class, attend the TAs after school sessions (the TAs are the main reason I got an A).