2.1
Quality3.8
DifficultyN/A
Would Retake101
ReviewsN/A
Would Retake
101
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
10
4
11
3
13
2
25
1
42
What Students Say
“Makes everything easy”
MATH31 - 4.0 rating“He is by far the best Math teacher at SMC”
MATH31 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.53 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH21
3.3
(4)MATH31
3.0
(18)MATH20
2.1
(70)ALGEBRA2
2.0
(1)MATH31T20
2.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MATH32
5.0
MATH31T20
5.0
ELEMALGREBRA
5.0
MATH21
4.3
ALGEBRA2
4.0
Reviews (101)
No Comments
No Comments
Very unhelpful, just don't take him.
No Comments
he expects you to know most of the material, and he doesn't grade hard.
I think he's a cool guy. He does joke around a bit, but he's an effective teacher. He goes a little fast sometimes, but if you do the exercises and look over the notes from class you're in good shape. :)
..........................
This guy was the greatest. Funny as hell, good teacher, actually knew what he was doing, and weeded the weak/stupid from his class.
he is rude, a bad teacher, inpatient. i did not like him as a person or teacher at all!
really rude guy but when it comes to math hes a good teacher. most tests are scantron and he lets you use a calculator. he curves his test with the top score in the class being 100%. its not very hard to pass after the curves i have an A in the class.
Doesn't assign needed homework. He is competent in the subject, however, his grading system is very unfair. He reviews the material is such a fast pace that it makes it impossible to grasp the concepts.
this old angry man needs to retire! hes like 90 years old and cant teach!
this old guy assumes too much.he thinks the most of the i.doits in his class are on the same page as he is. most of the i.doits complain about him and drop some there are more options on were you can sit.
This guy is the rudest guy in the world. He is funny though, but avoid him. He has some good math techniques but if you need someone to teach you, dont take him. Take Green.
your worst nightmare,please do not go there.
He may have been a good teacher once.He does try, but i think that hard headed kids made him the way he is.
HE IS AN OLD MAN THAT KNOWS EVERYTHING BUT JUST DON'T HAVE THE PATIENCE TO TEACH, IF YOU HAVE SOME TROUBLE WITH MATH DON'T EVEN THIN ON TAKING THIS CLASS WITH HIM. DOESN'T GIVE ENOUGH TIME ON HIS TEST, BAD, BAD, BAD, TEACHER.
Only recommended for students with a strong foundation in math! Thorough knowledge of the basics is a must! This instructor will teach you how to be fast in math. Definitely not for those with thin skin or the weak at heart, personally.
He is a good teacher only for those who are dedicated into math. He is a fast pased teacher. the only prof. that has finish the book from cover to cover. He has good techniques, but if u need help in math, avoid this old man at all costs.
He is not the nicest man in the world, doesn't like too many questions and assumes you know way more than most people probably do. He grades on a curve but sometimes it doesn't help if you are not undertanding,and doesn't help. His tests are really hard!
This man is an old, bitter, miserable human being. Ineffective in every aspect. Constantly yelling and cutting down students; always makes mistakes while demonstrating promblems. Should retire or be fired. The worst class and teacher I have ever had.
Even my counseler asked why he's still teaching here,because he puts you down as a person,and is of no true help,he gets a kick out of failing his students. So if u like math/not don't take him, please, unless u want ur GPA 2 DROP!
Professor Bowles should not be teaching at any level. Worst person I have ever encounter. He is rude, and pretends like everyone knows the material. Not recommended.
This man should not be teaching. All he did was flirt with the girls in the class. If you do not flirt with him, he won't help you. He drinks cofee while he is teaching. Actually he does not teach so it is impossible. He should be fined!
You know the kind of **** bigots you hear about that believe that women shouldn't even be in a math class? Don't plan on taking his class if you are foreign, female, or have a sense of self-worth.
No Comments
Ok look hes sooo cranky it makes for a very fun class sometimes hes cranky on purpose JUST TO SCARE PEOPLE AWAY! although it might seem really hard, all his methods are REAL SHORTCUTS! AND IT MAKES YOUR PACE IN MATH A LOT FASTER! so thank him for that!!
This professor sucks ass!!Im so glad I dropped his class..he makes everything so complicated! so if you dont wanna get a W on your transcript u better drop it before is too late..
Horrible Teacher. Take one of his classes if you like to be told you are stupid.
No Comments
He is funny in a stupid way. i.e. he constantly says "You'll lose or you'll die!" Doesn't assign HW n his test curves are for math dummies. Drinks tons of coffee and flirts with the girls.
doesnt take attendence after the 3rd week, lets you use graphing calcs on tests, curves the tests, all good but you have to learn the stuff yourself
he is a very strick person if u know math he will be ok 2 take but for the first timers he expects you to know everything and wont help you that much. a very hard grader also
He teaches well but sometimes he doesn't work to the speed of the students. We need more lectures for each chapter; a lot of us go into the tests still unprepared.
THIS IS THE WORST PROFESSOR IN THE HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION. HE SKIPS LIKE 90 STEPS WITHOUT TELLING YOU, ON EVERY PROBLEM. HE'S ABOUT AS HELPFUL AS ASKING A FOREINER DIRECTIONS. TAKE THIS GUY IF YOU WANNA FAIL. I THINK THIS IS THE WORST TEACHER IN CALIFORNIA! AND HE'S LIKE 107 AND A HALF YRS
Although he can be really funny, he is NOT a good teacher. He keeps saying how "it's all math 31!!" so you feel all stupid. His class is definately for those who already know math 20. DON'T TAKE HIM!!
i got an "a" and i realize only morons complain about him.
i hardly went to class, when i did it was to take the tests. I'm terrible at math but i pulled off a C with the curved tests and my calc.
Old teacher that likes to critisize his students, but flirt with the girls. Doesn't assign hw, or go through the material thoroughlly.
Three words. Do not take him.
The only reson I took him twice was an "A" in 31T, but more realistically, a chick I was diggin' on that took 20 with him. If your smart enough to go to college you'll do two things. Be able to beat Bowls an get in "A," or luck out and never have to deal with this piece of garbage of a human being
He's a bit old fashion.. that is all:Strict, mean,and harsh! I think most students at smc need this type of academic decipline if they plan on making it through college.
He's a bit old fashion.. that is all:Strict, mean,and harsh! I think most students at smc need this type of academic decipline if they plan on making it through college.
This proffessor is great!!!
Whatever you do, do not take this guy. He should have been fored a long time ago.
this guy is ****ing ridiculous. all he ever says is "your gonna die" or "this isnt even math20 its MATH 31." do not take this class he doesnt explain anything he just skips the most important part of the problem and gives an awnser.
HORRIBLE!!!!! I'm still trying to get out!!!!!!!! please dont take him!!!!! RUN!!!!!!!
No Comments
He's pretty strict but the only helpful thing is that he grades on a curve so thats helping me out a lot
Run for your life....stay away!!!
This guy is beyond senile. Doesn't care if you are struggling and need help. He will give you these strange ways of doing problems and says the book is horrible (why did he choose that for students to use?). Says your gonna die if you dont do it his way. This guy is way beyond his years. Avoid him.
Horrible teacher -I'm SERIOUS! Don't take him, you'll really regret it!!
after a test i asked this guy point blank if he was just trying to fail every one that he could. he said that he certainly was, he wasted my money and my time b/c he made it impossible for me to pass. i think that he is unhappy with is position in life so he just takes it out on his students. if u are thinking of taking his class i HIGHLY recommend that u do not.
No Comments
OK,he's not the most helpful teacher but the man knows his math and I like sarcasm. He uses short cut method so going to the math lab/tutors is a good idea, they can help expand on what you don't get in class but I learned a lot from him. Took him for Beg/Int Algebra and got an A both times but worked my butt off for it, your not in H.S. anymore.
hes not the best but if u work your butt off you can pass id take him again...heres some advice do your own studing and work on teh problems in the book and youll be alright
Bowles is actually a kick ass teacher. He's definitely smarter than the book, and teaches you the easiest, fastest way to do it. And like the other person said, if you like sarcasm (which i do) he's hysterically funny. Talk to him in his office if you're having trouble and he'll help you out, but he won't slow the class down for one person.
i got an A in the class
The worst teacher I've ever had and a vile human being. Constantly insulting students. If you dont get it go home sums up his approach. Incompetent and irritating. Teaches his own 'pet' methods making the book useless (he disagrees with the book). Class was half empty when it started. Would be fired for treating students that way anywhere else.
Where did SMC find such a lunatic, he doesnt help when i asked him questions his response was "u want it u got it, if u dont like it go home its not my problem" that was a waste of money like 80% of his class failed and 15% dropped towards the end the class was so empty i could hear flies following him around the class. He sucks big time.
HE IS SUCH NOT A GOOD TEACHER..HE INSULTS THE STUDENT AND SAYS IF U DONT LIKE IT GO HOME..DONT WASTE MY TIME TEACHING..WHAT KIND OF TEACHER IS THAT???
HATE BOWLES, HATE BOWLES. the man is horrible!! HE TEACHES EVERYTHING IN HIS OWN STUPID WAYS AND COMPLETELY THROWS THE BOOK OUT THE WINDOW. IS HORRIBLE AT EXPLAINING EVEN THE ABC'S. NEVER LISTENS TO YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY. AND HES VERY VERY OLD. HIS TESTS ARE SO STUPID, ALWAYS GIVES A GRAPHING TEST SEPERATE FROM THE CHPT TEST A DAY B4. HATE BOWLES!
There is no hw, no helpful handout, and no quizes. Class solemly based on tests. He takes major shortcuts. You had to earn an A or B in Math 31 to know the steps he skipped. Will tell you material cover is math 31 I'm not goin to reteach it get tutoring!! No attendance. Like shortcuts and your a teacher take him. Every day is a new lesson.
No Comments
if your not good at pickin up things easily and hate math well hes not gonna help you so just dont waste your time energy money...
He's probably the worst teacher. He always says that the math books sucks. He cant face the fact that he sucks that he sucks
He should be retired
he calls all of his students stupid and he is very discouraging. He tells ou to drop if you dontb understand anything and hes a bitter old man. Drop while you can!!! You wont learn anything and other Professors dont like him eiter, they say he teaches you horrible methods of doing problems and if you dont use those methods on the test theyre wron
not too nice but teaches his easiest ways and they were pretty easy i learned alot
dont take him unless you want another unneccessary obstacle in your life........makes you feel so stupid and worthless all the time and hes a "his way or the highway" type a guy ....real old school and he needs to retire...do your selfa favor and AVOID
Doesn't use textbook, instead uses "Bowles Methods"
HE SHOULD RETIRE ALREADY! Jeez he goes at such a fast rate it's hard to follow! I never took this course in high school, I placed into it at SMC and I'm going back a class now...
Well, I read some of the students comments and I disagree that he should retired. Pro. Bowles, is fast while he teach but he also stops and gives additional explanations. He is using "his methods". However, "his methods" are easier to fallow & are shorter than book's methods. I think that he is very knowledgeable and hi wants us to be too.
Although I was one of the only students in his class that did great, I have to say that he really is an awful techer. He would never repeat anything, he never gives your test back so you have no chance to see what you know or dont know, he ridicules the students, he makes mistakes all the time, although when it comes to correcting he is so hard and
i feel that he has made an easy subject hard and boring. he knows what he is talking about but he spends more time saying what we have learned is "garbage" than teaching. he is bitter and old and boaring.worse teacher i have ever had.
Best math proff I've ever had. I've failed math twice in HS and understood everything. It aint his fault all the student's he's had cant use common logic. Other than that, he uses logic and common sense to every problem. He really knows what he is teaching although his age can get in the way sometimes by making foretfull mistakes from time 2 time.
No Comments
Mr. Bowles in a nutshell: ANCIENT and grumpy.Yeah, he's tough in the sense that he will ramble on about how much everyone sucks from the start of class. But he has GREAT techniques that NO other teacher will teach you. They are very direct, and very useful. I got an A in his class and barely studied. Oh yeah and he gives NO homework, or quizzes.
HORRIBLE! but i guess if u try n do the work on ur own den u stand a chance...
OMG..his the best PROF on math...he knows math..he is really good but you should try to not miss almost every class section...he dont need any HW but his tests are so hard but he is fair on grading..if you like math take him and enjoy the class... i like the way he talks in the class..it makes to feel fresh... just try to follow his rules then your
teaches the easiest and fastest method to be able to compete in the real world
Everyone might say bad things about him but he's a really good teacher..he knows what hes talking about(even better than the book)he makes it easier than the book! The best part NO homework!
By far the worst teacher I've ever had. He doesn't teach, he just yells at you and makes you feel dumb! I stuck out his class for ten weeks and still had to drop.
Bowles is smart, knows ways to answer the questions better than the book, and he gives no homework. But if you have trouble with math don't take this class. He goes off on how if you don't understand then your stupid, or you should not be in the class. He doesn't go over tests and he messes up in class and students have to correct him.Discouraging
I thought this teacher was easy....just go to class everyday and take notes. practice a couple of problems from the book...I like his teaching methods and i still use them.
People may try to defend Mr. Bowles and say he's a nice guy that's a graet teacher, but nothing is further from the truth. He is the worst teacher I've had in college, hands down!The class started with over 45 students, and ended with less than 10. Success rate is pitiful! Take anyone else but Bowles. Do us all a favor John, RETIRE!!!
Bowles is the best! Makes everything easy! Teaches you everything you should have learned in high scholl!
I Love Bowles! He is by far the best Math teacher at SMC. All the other teachers are just plain ol' "high school teachers" If you can't take the heat, "There's the Door!!" Highly recommended for those who want to learn math the right way!
I have yet to meet a decent math teacher but John Bowles is by far the WORST! He's like 102 yrs old & constantly makes mistakes when trying to teach us the material. We teach him instead :) He spends 85% of class time telling you you're not going to pass, 10% reminding you of what you should have learned in Math 31, & 5% teaching. THE END.
You either love this guy cause your majoring in mathematics or you hate this guy because math 20 is a REQUIRED COURSE. Do not take unless you are math major. I'm taking math 20 over again this semester with a much MUCH better professor who actually says things I understand AND wants to HELP me pass.
DONT TAKE BOWLES!! SAVE YOURSELF. WORST PROFFESOR IVE HAD!! HES REALLY OLD AND WE ALWAYS ENDED UP CORRECTING HIM! ALWAYS MAKES MISTAKES AND SPENDS MOST OF THE TIME TELLING HIS STUDENTS THAT THEY ARENT GOING TO PASS. TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU WANT TO FAIL!!
All right.. all the complainers.. Did you study? Did you attend everyday? Attendence is not obligatory, but if you don't go to school and study, you will fail. How fair it is! Prof.Bowles makes all the problems extremely easy in his brilient way, so do not miss the class. Don't worry. All the lazy buddies will keep you in the high grade rank.
Two words, the worst. Teachers jobs are to enocurage you to pass, not bring you down and tell you won't. It method of teaching probably worked well in the 1850's, but yelling at students and calling them names is not cool. If you are good at math then I recommend taking Bowles, but if you need a good teacher to help you pass dont take his class. TW
He was a fantastic teacher. A wonderful older man with a wealth of knowledge to share. If you are respectful, and pay attention, and DO THE WORK, come to class every day, and don't fall behind, then Bowles is BRILLIANT and a GREAT teacher. If you don't keep up, and miss class, and aren't respectful, he'll be your worst nightmare. Up to you!
Bowles is the worst math teacher ive had so far. First of all hes like 105 years old. Second he uses his own methods which are way more complicated than the regular ways, and if you dont use his, he will mark you wrong on his tests. Third he just sucks at teaching. Dont take this class if you really suck at math or if you want a teacher that helps.
1. Doesn't teach by the book so you can't use it for help and discourages students from asking questions...AVOID IF POSSIBLE
This guy is the worst teacher. If you have ANY chance of getting another teacher, SAVE YOURSELF!!! He will remind you EVERYDAY of how the ENTIRE class deserves to fail. He will back up his point by giving tests that are WAY too long to finish within the class time. He knows he does this. A part of him thinks it is tough love, but IT WILL KILL!!
I don't know how this teacher is still teaching. He's abusive, abrasive, and not obviously not happy to be where he's at. Every one's either an idiot or just plain stupid, and he openly remarks about it in class. His "teaching", if you want to call it that, is unclear and unhelpful. Don't even bother giving this guy a shot.
This class is very reasonable. All you have to do is go to class and pay attention. He teaches you his methods which are way less complicated and easier to use. Yeah he is older but i found him funny and very smart. He knows what he is doing. just be open minded and learn his ways
Only take this prof if this class is review and you have a good handle on math. It is only required to come to class for the first week and after that he does not take attendance. His tests are based around the book anyway, so as long as you work problems in there, you should be fine. He does grade on a curve which should help you out. I got an A.
Not enough time to finish test. Expects you to solve a problem fast. No homework and curves tests. Overall, don't take him.
Class Info
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.53 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH21
3.3
(4)MATH31
3.0
(18)MATH20
2.1
(70)ALGEBRA2
2.0
(1)MATH31T20
2.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MATH32
5.0
MATH31T20
5.0
ELEMALGREBRA
5.0
MATH21
4.3
ALGEBRA2
4.0