excellent teacher, esp for such a difficult topic. patient, helpful, more than fair, interested in students succeeding

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make sure you take finite w/her...she makes the department tests and explains just what you need to know

i got D's in math in high school and I almost got an A in her finite class! awesome teacher..

She is an excellent teacher. SHe is very clear and you can easily understand her class. She is there when you need help, and She explains anything you need very clearly. Take finite with this teacher!!

Excellent professor. I was so scared to take this class, but she made it seem extremely easy.

She is very nice and extremely organized. She explains a very difficult subject really well, and she was very encouraging when asking for help. Use the school resources and do the homework and you will get a good grade.

Very nice. She was a good professor and I liked how she calculated grades and ran her class. Enjoyable for a math class. She's a funny person and very helpful. I would take another Math class with her.

She is the best math teacher i've ever had. I took this course in Bloomington and squeaked by with a C+. Decided to spend my summer retaking it because of the great reviews I read by her and got a solid A. Attend class, do the homework and you will do great. Would recommend her to anyone worried about taking this class.

She was literally the best math professor I've ever had. I normally have so much trouble with math but because of the way she teaches I had no trouble at all understanding the math. I recommend her to anyone who needs to take this class and is a little afraid to take it.

Awesome math teacher, probably the best I've ever had out of high school and college. She makes everything extremely clear and is very encouraging.

I took Rainey this semester after hearing good things about her. It's not easy material if you're not a math person, but I personally think she is a great communicator... I would highly recommend her for anyone.

Taking her Finite class next fall. She's honest, clear, and supportive. I went from not understanding algebra to actually enjoying some of the calculus. Tests are still challenging, but I at least understand concepts which is what's important.

Professor Rainey is an awesome teacher. She really cares about students, and she honestly has a love for math. Go to class, pay attention, DO THE PRACTICE TESTS!!!, and you will get an A

Professor Rainey is great! I loved going to class mainly because she made me laugh. She really wants her students to succeed and is willing to help. Take the online and paper/pencil practice tests!

Finite math is not the coolest subject, but Prof. Rainey really helped. She gives great examples, and always has some humor to throw in. Although attendance isn't mandatory, you will do well if you go to every class. Also, if you go to every class you might not need the book. I just needed the book to study the topics I missed when absent.

Rainey is an awesome professor. I had her for both M118 and M119. She made learning easy, and I absolutely hate math. I didn't even use the books at all.

Joan is very enthusiastic about teaching math. She actually made math somewhat understandable for me. I passed with a grade that shocked me because I always did horrible in math. Joan always had a smile on her face, and she really knew the areas of the course that students would have the hardest time with. I recommend taking any of her math classes

Took M118 Fall 2010. I have never had a math teacher that I liked, and I have had about 10 different teachers. Professor Rainey is by far the best math professor you can get. She is very nice, funny, helpful, and couldn't make the material easier to understand. Only problem I found was that sometimes she takes way too long on a very simple concept.

Wonderful Teacher. Always helpful and easy to understand. I listened to her and hardly opened my book because I found it confusing, where as she made everything easy to understand.

Good teacher. I didnt have to pay attention much in class. If you do the online homework and quizes you dont need to worry. Study a little for the tests though and you will do fine.

Do yourself a favor and get her as your professor! I hated math before this and got mostly D's in math. She's helpful and explains everything very well. I ended up with an A in her class. You definitely have to do work such as online homework (endless tries) and take home quizzes but they add up! Seriously, best professor ever.

This professor is interested in her students and math. She did a great job clarifying the course information and teaching the material. I highly recommend her for 119.

She has a way with explaining the material that makes it stick with you. She offers real-world examples to show you how the material isn't just pointless math. She is very encouraging and does a lot to help you succeed.

Extremely easy to understand

Finite math with Rainey was the easiest math class I have taken since Algebra II. She explains the material very thoroughly. Tests are easy, homework is doable, she answers questions clearly. Not the most interesting teacher, but I am not a math fan. No reason not to get an A.

Awesome professor that went at a very manageable pace and truy cares about her students. One of my most favorite professors at IUPUI.

She is definitely the one to take finite with! She is funny and clever and gives great ways to help you remember the material.I have always hated math but she made it totally manageable...I ended up with an A+, which surprised me to no end!

Anything you don't understand from her you can just go to the MAC and learn. She is an amazing teacher and I'm taking her again for 119

ask any question and she will do her best to make sure you have the right answer and understand what you are doing

Rainey is the best math teacher I have ever had. She makes the material easy to understand and she prepares you well for the tests. I've heard mostly bad stories about other finite professors, but never anything bad about Rainey. If you do the work that she asks you to do (which isn't much), it's an easy A in a hard math class.

She's a cool nerd! Love her personality & jokes. TAKE THE OPTIONAL TEST. If you try then it is an easy class. Best I have ever done in a math course, in my life! (I'm terrible at anything math related)

Great professor - teaches math in a way that speaks to those who aren't mathematically incline. She doesn't complicate things! And she stops when it's obvious people aren't understanding and focuses on the class' needs. Take her for your math class!!

She is a great professor. Very organized and teaches the material very accurately. Make sure you do all the quizzes and the hw for extra practice. I definitely recommend you take her. I'm having her again for Math 118

Rainey is very clear when teaching, she always outlines what will be covered in class and what she expects you to do between then and the next class. She gives very little room for adjusting grades. She replaces your lowest test score with the next lowest and drops 5 of the lowest homework scores, which is nice. Overall, I enjoyed her.

Pretty much everything everyone else has said, but Rainey is THE teacher to have for finite. She is very clear, organized, and even has a good sense of humor. She provides all the tools necessary to do well, and she is great at answering your questions. I absolutely adore Rainey. One of the best professors I have had in college.

I have taken both M118 and M119 with Professor Rainey and she is seriously the best! Don't take either class with anyone else if you have her as an option.

Rainy is the best math instructor I've ever had! Take her class and attend her lectures because you will need them to do well on the test.

Professor Rainey made this class very easy to understand. The homework, tests, and quizzes were not hard. Professor Rainey is a great teacher and is very fair.

Rainey is awesome! She explains the concepts very well. The homework is easy and I never bought the book.

Joan Rainey is by far my favorite teacher. She made the subject interesting and made the material really easy to understand. If you have a question you can just ask her and she will do multiple problems to help you. Always has funny stories and loves teaching this class. I recommend taking a math class with her!

The best finite teacher you can take at IUPUI. She teaches every single thing that is on the tests and gives plenty of exercises! Her humor is also a plus!

Rainey is by far the best math professor I have EVER had! She explains everything so well. ALL of her quizzes are take home, so you can get perfects on all of them. She also gives you practice exams which are exactly like the tests you will take. There are no surprises, and this class is easy. Don't buy the book! I did not open mine once.

I have taken her specifically for multiple math classes.

She's a very good math teacher if not the best. She answers any questions you have. The homework is due at the beginning of the week and a quiz due at the second class meeting. All tests are in the testing center except for the last two. If you pay attention, do the homework, and quizzes you'll do fine.

Prof. Rainey has been the best Math professor I have ever had. She sometimes can ramble but overall she is a very good teacher! Highly recommend taking her class.

If you're not good at math get into Rainey's class! She's the best math teacher I've ever had and makes math somewhat fun. Hilarious lady, one teacher I'll actually miss after this year.

The best math teacher I have ever taken! I had her for M118 and M119! She is the course coordinator for M119, so if you have her, you will get an easy A on final as long as you do her review packet. She really prepares you for a good grade and her lectures are online if you miss class. All quizzes are take home and only 5 questions worth 5 points.

Rainey is a great math professor. It doesn't get easier than her. She explains things very well and doesn't confuse you.

Lectures can drag out but she's a great professor. Class was a breeze to me. She goes in depth with the material to make sure you understand. Has a lot of review days so if you fail you didn't come to class or try. Do your homework, it's not difficult, use the MAC.

Rainey is a great Calc 1 professor. If you show up, pay attention, and do the homework, you will do fine. Doesn't take attendance, but if you go to class you won't have to study for the tests whatsoever.

I'm not very good at math but this professor it's literally magical, I absolutely love her!! Her homework, practice exams, and everything she teaches are crystal clear to understand & if you don't understand then she records every lecture & also encourages you to go to the MAC. Perfect math professor, I rate her 11/10!

She is a great professor. I hate math and she made it very enjoyable.

She is the best! I don't like math and she made it really easy to understand

Professor Rainey is one of the best instructors I've had in my time at IUPUI hands down. She is good at explaining the material in ways that are accessible to anyone - even if you don't think you're good at math. Also, she's hilarious. And a good listener. Do yourself a favor and take any class she teaches - you won't be sorry!

She's very nice and accessible. Explains the concepts well and explains the "big picture" of why you do what you're doing. Is open after class during office hours and asks for questions in class if students need help. Overall, very kind and firm professor.

She is probably the best calc teacher you can ask for. She trys to make everything as clear as possible and gives you a lot of chance to make points. I would recommend her to anyone that has trouble in math and needs to take this class.

Her teaching style was very clear and simple: she showed you how to do it and then you practice with homework and quizzes. She provides all her lecture slides on canvas and I found it helpful to print them out and follow along with them during class. She tends to ramble at times about useless things but overall great teacher!

She is a great math professor who really cares about her students. Everything in her class is crystal clear. Everything you do in the class is meant to help you master the material. Very understandable; I've never had an issue understanding what I was supposed to do. Love this class.

Joan Rainey is a great calculus professor! She has the notes posted so you can print them off & follow along in class (HIGHLY RECOMMEND). Do ALL assignments/quizzes and practice tests. Going to class is not mandatory, but I encourage you to go everyday. Buying the book is unnecessary - only for extra practice. Does an awesome job teaching calculus!

Rainey is an awesome math teacher. I took calc in hs so this class was easier for me, but she does a great job teaching the lessons. Attendance is not mandatory, but you learn a new lesson everyday so I'd suggest you go.

Professor Rainey is the best math professor at IUPUI hands down. She cares about her students and gives you all the tools to do well in her class. She provides lecture notes which are very helpful. Print them out and use them! I am horrible at math and I got an A in her class. She is a fast grader and easy to get a hold of outside of class.

Explained things clearly, never had calculus but I understood everything. Print out the class notes posted on canvas and follow along in class. There is a short algebra review at the beginning with a quiz, online math problems, 4 chapters each followed by a test, (last one only had an online quiz), weekly quizlets, and a final. Don't buy textbook.

Rainey is the best! Her lectures gave great examples on what would appear on tests and quizzes. Make sure to do your homework and the practice tests if you want to do well on the tests. There are four tests and the final. Two quizzes/homeworks are dropped as well as one test grade.

I loved Rainey! I have never been great at math, but she made everything very clear. I printed the class notes from Canvas which she uses for her lectures and never fell behind on any understanding. I never visited her outside of class, but she offered her help if needed. The book isn't required but I found it helpful for review.

Professor Rainey is by far one of the best professors I've ever had. She's good at being able to tell when the class does or doesn't understand something. It can be pretty easy to fall behind, but if you stay on top of everything, the workload is pretty light. The homework assignments are online and pretty short, which helps a lot too.

Rainey is a wonderful teacher who is very compassionate and interesting to talk to. she is helpful with concepts and makes sure everyone in the class understands material. best math teacher ive had.

I hate math, but I love Rainey! I almost failed finite in high school, but now I have a 99% as a freshman in college! She tells hilarious lame jokes, she's super easy to understand, and she will answer any question you have. Loved her so much for M119 that I took her again for M118. Can't give a high enough recommendation.

Prof Rainey truly cares about her students. She tries really hard to make things clear and understandable. Review her practice tests because her tests are very similar. Stay up with the homework and review for the tests and you will be good.

10/10 teacher! Very nice and friendly. Best math teacher I've ever had. She teaches the material very well!

I took 118 and 119 with her. Got A in both because of this professor. She makes the concept so easy to understand.

The effort you put in is how you will do at the end final is cumulative and although class is not mandatory you do get points for turning in quizes

She's super good at explaining the problems. She is also super kind. I like her teaching style. She grades fair and the homework assignments are given the perfect amount to understand the material.

Joan did a fabulous job teaching this class in a short summer session. I never felt too overwhelmed with the material and her lectures are always interesting because of her sense of humor.

Very good teacher, and very basic tests. If you pay attention in class there is no reason for failure.

Great professor who explains things very clearly and has very fair tests but don't expect to get an A without substantial effort.

Had not taken a math class in over 4 years and had to take finite. I was worried I was not going to pass the class but Joans teaching, paying attention in class and going to the MAC was essential for my success. Would not have gotten the grade I got without the help of the great people at the MAC.

Joan Rainey gets the information across adequately. Finite Math isn't a very exciting course, so there isn't much excitement in the way she teaches either. However, if you get the homework (very low amount) done, and study about an hour for each exam, you will receive an A. Also, her grading scale is altered so you can get a 87% and still get an A.

Take Joan Rainey if you can! She is great at assisting students who need help and is friendly towards AES accommodations.

She is one of the best math teachers I have ever had. She goes over the notes every class and it is super easy to understand, don't take M118 with anyone else.

If you do all of your homework and do well on your tests you will pass the class. Joan does a great job explaining things. By far best M118 teacher you could choose. Really nice. USE THE MAC (math assistance center)

She is a great professor who cares about her students. There is an online homework assignment for section we do. For tests, she provides practice tests that are almost identical to the real tests. Make sure you do those practice tests before every test. She is a fair grader and cares about her students. Also, I would not recommend buying a textbook

Ms. Rainey makes calc clear and easy to understand.

Lots of homework, but its short and to the point.

Best professor I have had so far! She explains things very thoroughly and makes sure that everyone understands before moving on. Super nice and understanding. Lots of options for points. Highly recommend her for Finite Math!

Joan Rainey is an amazing professor for M118 and M119. Her notes are short and easy to understand. She gives examples like problems you will have in the online homework and on the exams. She would be my number one choice to take any other math class with.

The only professor you should consider for math classes that she teaches. Clear explanations and she keeps things simple.

Really not a single problem, just turn in the quizzes and print the notes and you will pass. Be prepared for really corny jokes that you laugh at bc she laughs at her own jokes. Very fun prof.

Rainey will do what she can to help her students succeed. Try your hardest and this class will be easy. There is a take home quiz to do over the weekend and turn in on Monday.

Amazing teacher and you will get a good grade or you didn't even show up and try.

The course isn't necessarily easy but Rainey is fantastic at reaching all types of learners. In the summer I had 4 regular tests, 2 quizzes, & a cumulative final. The grade of the final replaces the lowest test score (if it's better). No book required. Practice tests are just like the regular tests. She's there before & after class to answer q's.

Very clear in lecture and is willing to explain things more in depth!

Professor Rainey does a great job explaining the calculus material in this class. She is always available outside of class and does a great job helping students to do their best!

She is a great math professor- I just hate math. Attendance is optional which makes it very tempting to skip, which I got into a cycle of and consequently did not do well. She is a great professor though, and if you show up everyday, you will finish with a B.

She is a great math teacher. She understands the topic and is passionate. I normally do not like math and she made me love calculus

She is the best. Take her for M118 too. She makes this class super easy and doesn't over work you. Not much homework and quizzes are not bad. She is a quick grader and willing to help whenever. Simplifies math and hard concepts. She likes to make sure you get the conceptual ideas before diving into material. But it helps. Definitely take

She was great in that she outlined the concepts you needed to learn with organized notes. She drops the 3 lowest take home quizzes and homework as well as 1 exam. Definitely the professor for math 118. And she records her lectures

I am not naturally good at math, but Prof. Rainey made the subject very understandable. She showed multiple ways of how to work problems and provided real-life examples. She was also very funny and kind. If you're not the best at math, I especially recommend her!

Rainey made this the simplest math class I've ever taken. Finite could be approached in a much more convoluted way, but she waters all of the concepts down to what she knows will be easiest to understand and puts practical spins on problems to help you grasp concepts better. She also drops several of your worst scores to help your grade. Awesome!

I absolutely loved Professor Rainey! She clearly cared about the content and it made class flow so much easier than some past math classes I've taken. She is seriously the most caring human, and she makes sure students understand the content. She even gives out extra credit after tests to help students who are falling behind. Hands down the best!

Take every class from Joan Rainey you can, she is the best professor. She drops quizzes and a test at the end of the semester because it's a tough class, but she guides you through really well.

This is the best teacher OR professor I've ever had for math. She really breaks things down so you understand the content but doesn't waste your time with busy work. She's very easy to understand, explains things more than once, and sometimes gives more detail than necessary but this is helpful when you're confused. The best way to learn math .

Prof. Rainey was nice, easy to understand, and very accessible for one on one, or via email. I did well in the class, it wasn't terribly difficult, but some sections definitely were frustrating, but not because of the prof. If I had to take another math, I would definitely want prof. Rainey.

I was extremely anxious to take M118 because I've heard it was a difficult class, but Prof. Rainey made it so easy to understand! She waters down the material and makes sure you understand it. I'm so glad I took this course with her. Homework, quizzes, and exams aren't difficult and she drops grades at the end of the semester.

I am not a math person, but Dr. Rainey somehow helped me understand calculus. Very fun and understanding professor, and I would highly recommend. The workload is relatively light, and you're given about a week to complete it. If I am required to take another math class, I will 100% try to get one with Rainey.

Finite Math is the only class I was genuinely worried I would not pass when I came to school. Professor Rainey used pre-made class notes to help you get through the in-class material. I went straight from class to the Math Lab to work on the many homework assignments, and that helped me make it through. Just show up and keep up with the assignments

Out of all the other math professors, she is the best one for Finite. Her lectures are clear and easy to follow, which is very important for math. She explains how to solve the problems step-by-step and always makes sure her students are on track. She is very easy to communicate. (Tip: Attend class regularly and stay on track with schedule)

Professor Rainey is the best math teacher I have ever had. Math is really hard to understand and her lectures make it super easy. She is a really good teacher and takes her time to explain things. She is super patient and answers all your questions.

Best math teacher there is would def takin again a lot of homework but do good on first two test and you can cruise threw rest of year

I've always been slow when it comes to math, but Prof Rainey goes at an easy pace and gives great advice. The material taught was easy for me to understand, and I got mostly A's and some B's. I would definitely recommend participating in class if you have questions. Prof Rainey is very clear when explaining how to solve problems. She doesn't judge.

I had Prof Rainey last semester for MATH-M119 and I loved it! I've always been slow when it comes to math, but she goes at a steady pace and gives great advice. There are a lot of assignments, so it is easy to get behind, but she drops your lowest grades and also offers extra credit. Do not hesitate to ask questions in class! She does not judge.

There are many reasons why Rainey has fantastic reviews on here. - She doesn't assign a bajillion homework on MyMathLab like other math professors - Because of less homework assigned, you have more time to study the parts that you've found difficult - Her notes and lectures are very clear - Her Canvas page has VERY helpful resources

Great teacher, she teaches you everything you need to know for every test which is amazing. Just pay attention in class and you should do fine in her class.

Went to like 3 lectures. Watch her lecture recordings, do the note print-outs, do the homework. Don't just be a monkey, listen and try to understand the concepts/problems and you'll do fine. Get the calculator way before class starts. It's cheap ($10-$18). When semester begins there are none left in campus center.

If math doesn't come naturally to you, I would take this professor. Don't get me wrong, you still have lots of work to do but she does explain everything in a way that is easier to understand. As long as you attend all of your classes and do the homework in a timely manner you should be in a good spot.

This Woman is truly an amazing professor. Ill be the first to admit math is not my strong suit; its been a struggle my whole life. But Joan Rainey was the first teacher Ive ever had that made me feel like I was capable enough to do well. I definitely recommend!

easy lectures

She is a very good professor. Her class is very engaging and she genuinely cares about teaching her students. She makes everything really easy to understand.

This class was great. She gives a lot of extra credit and drops the lowest test. Her lectures are good and she tries hard to make sure everyone understands.

I will first say I am NOT a math person and have had to take many steps back in math. I have always felt discouraged, however, Joan has been the first person in many years to explain it in a simple way. If you go to the lectures and do your best you will do well in her course. HIGHLY recommend.

She is an amazing teacher. HIGHLY recommend for finite especially when compared to some of the other finite professors. Attendance is not required which I love because it was a 9 am class AND she uploads lectures online so you can still stay caught up. She is also a very sweet and genuine person. TAKE THIS CLASS.

The best professor. Math isn't my strong suit at all but she really helps students succeed. Attend class, do the homework as soon it's assigned, and do the exam reviews. She's amazing

Joan is one of the sweetest professors there is, she is very caring when it comes to her students and connects with them making funny remarks and jokes through her lectures. She connects what we are doing in Finite to real-world situations so you can have a better understanding of the material. I would do the work as soon as it's assigned

I'm a big fan of Professor Rainey! Her lectures made the work really simple, and she provided a lot of practice material which was super helpful. My only complaint is that the class before an exam she expects the students to bring questions, which is helpful, but it almost felt like a waste of time some days.

Professor Rainey was awesome! She breaks down each class so well and goes step by step for each section, which was super helpful to me as I'm not the best at math. She provides lots of chances to get some extra credit, and as long as you attend lectures/pay attention and do all of the homework you're almost guaranteed an A or a B.

I had her for MathM118 & 119. She is an AMAZING professor; very structured, always prepared for lectures, and makes the material easy to understand. She is also very passionate about math which helped me stay engaged. She is one of the best instructors I've had at IUI! HIGHLY recommend!

The best Finite teacher! She literally explains things step by step, and she will pause for questions. Grading criteria is very clear and she offers extra credit after each test. I thought I was going to hate finite because of how difficult I heard it was but she made it seem so simple. She also has videos on YouTube in case you miss class.

She is a sweetheart, but her teaching style just wasn't for me.

Professor Rainey makes finite math super manageable. Attend class, do the homework, and use resources like unstuck AI to crush it. She explains concepts clearly and gives lots of chances to earn extra credit. Definitely take this class!

She was the best math professor and teacher I have ever had in my entire life. She was so nice and her lectures were amazing and clear cut. She will help you as much as she can. If you attend class you will get an easy A stay ahead and do homework after class or as soon as possible. BEST TEACHER EVER.

Lectures were amazing. I had taken finite in high school and had been clueless, but her way of explaining just made sense to me. She takes the time to make sure everybody understands. She was very sweet and a pleasure to have as a professor. She really cared about her class and the content.