1.9
Quality4.1
DifficultyN/A
Would Retake133
ReviewsN/A
Would Retake
133
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
18
4
5
3
6
2
39
1
65
What Students Say
“With great knowledge and rediscovered eloquence and zeal so rare for his age, his class is fun and highly educational”
MATH264 - 5.0 rating“Great professor but more importantly a great guy”
MATH232 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
33%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.30 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH2352
5.0
(1)MATH264
5.0
(3)MATH232
5.0
(2)MATH646
5.0
(1)MATH843
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
236
5.0
MATH225
5.0
GMATH205
5.0
MATH843
5.0
M236
5.0
Reviews (133)
just do homework, he teaches very well
WORST PROFESSOR EVER -- i didn't understand a thing he ever said
he's not easy, but is one of the best techers around.....unless you're dumb
Hard. Very picky grader. Simple algebra confuses him on a daily basis...frustrat
tells you everything you need to know..just don't be LAZY AND DO IT!!!
No Comments
Gives multiple-choice tests and has a favorable grading scale. A nice guy too.
Horrible...constantly making mistakes...mumbles; can't read his writing...
WORST TEACHER EVER-if u get math-u'll be fine..if not-he spaeaks another languag
unbelievably hard tests...no one in my class passed
AWFULLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Does not like questions and gets mad if you ask them. Difficult to understand.
I feel for anyone who has to listen to him.. especially at 8:00 in the morning
WORST EVER! Don't get him unless you want to fail! He's MEAN!! Everyone agrees
talks to the board, gets mad at the students.....writes out all papers/tests
Can't break it down to a teachable level which is needed for math
Seems unenthusiastic about what he does. Easy grading scale (85=A, 60-74=C)
impatient with questions, does not teach, most boring man alive, HORRIBLE
mean and terrible
Very boaring, I got nothing from his teaching.
No Comments
WORST PROFESSOR EVER!he talks 2 the board,gets mad when u ask ??horrible
Boring and Unclear. Terrible handwriting and talks to board whole time
I could learn on my own, He's the worst,, rips your head off if you ask a ?
No Comments
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't take him! SOO AWEFUL! SUCKS!!! BAD!!!!!!!!!
HE IS HORRIBLE!!!!! HE TALKS TO 2 THINGS.......HIMSELF & THE CHALKBOARD!!!!!!!!
his chalk is awful.he enjoys drawing 'pictures'. dreadfully boring and monotone.
No Comments
Do not attempt to learn from this man.
Worst math teacher EVER. If you have not taken Calc, you will not understand him
He needs to retire, but hes nice. Only like 5 people passed the class i was in
Go to the math lab...no other way to pass the class.
Worst teacher EVER!!! Teaches to the board, doesn't help students at all.
monotone, boring, talks to board-don't take him if you want to pass!!
Worst teacher I've ever had.....DO NOT TAKE HIM...Very impatient with questions
I believe he made calculus more difficult than it already is...terrible
Write's too small, you can't hear him talk, easy study sheets, teach yourself!!
Only take him, If you recieved an A in both 235 & 236.
Horrible math teacher, can't read writing, makes calc very hard
On several occassions I wanted to throw something at him. enough said.
Don't take this class
he was impossible and didn't know how to teach. I didn't learn a single thing all year, that might be why i failed
No Comments
He's not a bad teacher. He goes very slow and overexplains.
ETREMELY EASY, IF you have taken calculus before, he had a great grading scale, 85-100 A, yet i u have never taken the class before like myself it is eteremly hard with only 3 exams and a final cumulative
makes things so hard to understand. DON'T take him unless you've already taken calc before b/c you won't do well
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS...The teacher makes no sense and you can't read his writing and he goes thru material like Michael Jackson goes thru noses...
No Comments
The worst teacher I have EVER had. Very boring. If your pre-calc skills arent up to par....STAY AWAY. I think probably 40% of the class is failing!!!
I think he's a genius but he doesn't know how to teach anything!!! he's grouchy (especially in the morning) and i dont think he enjoys his job. Not helpful at all and DON'T TAKE HIS CLASS!!!
This guy was easy. He explains thing very well and very slow. If you have any math skills at all this is a good class and a good prof. Goes over hw and uses examples extremely well. All the bad reviews are from people who've never taken a math class.
good class...the bad reviews are from whiney people who don't work hard. he is a good teacher and explains things well. generous grading scale too, no reason not to have a C or higher if you try at all.
I dont like this professor. He is nice and all, but he cant teach very well. He just does the problems and cant explain the reasoning behind them. If you are good at Calc, you'll pass. If you arent good, your in big trouble because you wont learn anything
this guy SUCKS! he talks so soft and writes so small. and when you ask him a question he reads the answer straight out of the book. around 75% of the class failed!!!
75% didn't fail, in fact, there were a few 100s on his tests. He's a good teacher and knows his stuff. Writes small and talks soft, but knows his stuff and teaches it well
anybody else suspicious that the 9/1/03 was a review put in by klippert himself?? lol it looks an awful lot like spmething a prof would say to defend himself hahaha
yes, 75% of the class did fail... and he doesnt use good examples and he sucks at teaching... the worst teacher ever, period.
To be fair, the course material itself is pretty difficult and some people will just have trouble with it no matter who the teacher is. Realistically, I would say about 25% of the class is failing and 30% are excelling because they have taken it before.
This class is proofs and nothing but proofs that people can't follow. Condescending when you ask for help. :( Big mistake when I decided to take 236 as an elective for grad school.
Klippert is a very smart guy but when he teaches, he is very impatient and does not answer questions very well, he expects you to know your stuff REAL well before coming to his class. I worked hard, studied hard and did horrible.
Looks just like stuart from MAD TV. Very smart, sometimes unclear. Biggest problem is that he is very condescending so its intimidating to ask him questions. Tests are pretty hard but he gives very thorough review sheets. Fairly demanding class.
if you got to class, take notes, and read the chapter you'll do average/good. ummm...doing homework helps alot. he's cool...go to his office hours because he will explain stuff.
VERY Hard class... AND the man only has 4.5 outfits
writes small and talks soft, very condescending when you ask him questions, tests very hard...if there is ANY other teacher available for your course, take them!!!!
The material is odd no matter which prof you take. I liked this guy's class because he doesn't care how you get to the answer as long as you get it. Has mutiple choice questions on test. Just learn how to use a calculator and a B won't be hard work.
Around 75% of the class failed. He likes to fail students. Worst prof in the entire world.
If you're bad at math, don't take him; If you're good at math, don't take him. Gets frustrated when ppl forget little things. Also gets frustrated easily with himself. He's one of those profs that when he grades, he looks for ways to take points off, rather than looking for ways to give points.
i hate my life every time i see him
BEWARE THIS MAN! Doesn't matter if you like or hate math. Very hard tests. Treats people very condescendingly if you ask a question. Keep up with everything because you WILL fail. Visit him in office hours because he does help some. It's better if you just avoid this man all together.
Test are VERY hard. Over half of the class failed. Towards the end of the semester, he gave a lecture on how to drop his class, doe that tell you something or what. You have to learn everything on your own, and you still will probely only get a D in the class. Would highly disourage taking him.
This guy is horrible. I'm one of the best students I know and I failed...I put more effort into this class than any other I've ever taken, showed up to every class, got the material, but still managed to fail every test and the final. Everyone hated/skipped the class as well. AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS!
have had him for many classes, is freekin hard and doesnt really help you that much. Gives test reviews but they are hard and long...test are complicated and toooo hard
The worst Math teacher known man. If you plan to go to class, don't bother participating. He just gets mad and you end up embarassed, as you are treated like a moron. Besides...he just repeats word for word what he said the first time. I went to office hours a few times but was not helped at all
Not the coldest beer in the fridge. Attended EVERY class to date yet manages to make it worse every time. Talks way too softly, shows up late to his own class,makes frequent errors, dismisses late, and takes attendance on the days no one is there (before spring break fe) My eval. for him is a F+
I honestely think this man grades by flipping a coin. Heads, D. Tails, F. His employment is a waste of my tuition. If any JMU administration is reading this, please investigate! I repeated 236 with (Paul) Warne. Wow. Night and Day. I barely studied for Paul's class, yet earned a solid B.
This man is a jerk. He was actually proud of the fact that more than half of our class couldn't stand him and dropped out by 2nd semester. He seriuosly should be fired.
Wow I have nothing new for this guy, freshmen I will find all of you and make you drop this class right off the bat if your dumb enough to take this class, reviews suck, tests suck, wow if you think your smart be prepared to make the first F of your college career. NEVER TAKE ANY OF HIS CLASSES.
WANTS STUDENTS TO FAIL. BRAGS ABOUT 10 OF 50+ PASSING. GRADING SCALE IS ALREADY EASY BECAUSE HE KNOWS WITHOUT IT EVERY SINGLE PERSON WOULD FAIL. TESTS=IMPOSSIBLE, KEEPS CLASS LATE, SHOWS UP LATE, RUDE AND UNPREPARED. DESERVES TO BE FIRED COMPLETE EMBARASSMENT TO THE UNIVERSITY DO NOT TAKE HIM
YEA watch out for this guy. Umm yea he like is not very good at all. THis one time i try to smoke with kevin and he was like hey put that out. YOu cant get HIGH in here. SO me and Kevin was like ok this guy is gay. Put we tryed really hard in this class and I just still couldint get high. But it ok.
everything said here is so true. drop or swap the class immediately. 80 percent of our class failed, including myself (the rest walked away with low C's and D's) and i love math and do really well in it until HIM. he has no desire for you to understand the material or enjoy math at all. for your sake - do NOT take him.
Hell called, they want him back.
Hardest and worst teacher i have ever had.... run if u have to take his class
If you've never taken calculus before do NOT even attempt to take his class. He's very soft spoken, writes very small, and makes the simplest things complicated.
I dropped this class before the first test. If you like to sleep and have already taken calculus take this class. If you have not taken calculus and have a hard time reading small messy writing DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! DROP YOUR BOOK AND RUN! TERRIBLE
I got trapped in this class by not dropping it, absolutely should have. Teaches it like 235, i dunno why he doesn't just try to make it easier. Only plus is that he is mildy helpful and his grading scale has a 60% as a C-
RUN FOR THE NEAREST EXIT
i have never had such a horrible teacher/professor in my entire life. DO NOT TAKE PERIOD
Wow, thank god i had a good ap calc prof in high school. Worst guy ever, get him a megaphone to talk.Not only does he speak at -50dB, his writing needs a magnifying glass.Watching him try to explain limits made me laugh out loud in class. Skipped classes cause i didnt want to ruin my previous knowledge of calc.I obtained a B+ due to prior knowledge
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS especially if you have never taken calc before. This was my first time taking calc and I did not learn ANYTHING. Luckily, I got a C- (by the grace of God) so I don't ever have to take this class again.
Can't understand anything that he says because he speaks very very softly, pretty much is the opposite of nice.
He was extremely helpful if you ever had a question. He was really nice. The class was kinda boring, but I don't think any Calc 3 class is going to be exciting. Don't be scared of him if you are fine at math because he's a good guy and he'll teach you. If you're not great at math, just don't take a hard class.
Hands down the worst professor I have ever had. His handwriting is small and sloppy, he uses werid notation, yells at students who ask questions, and makes simple concepts more complicated then they really are. The best thing to do if you do have to take him is to buy a TI-89 and learn how to use it, as he very rarely asks for work on tests.
No Comments
The first thing I asked myself after the first class was: How does this guy still have his job, and why is he still doing it? He doesn't enjoy teaching, hates answering questions, and finds ways of teaching easy concepts in a very difficult manner. Drop this class ASAP or regret it.
if i hadn't taken Calculus last year, i wouldn't have any idea what was going on in class right now. the man whispers into the board, writes in size 8 sandscript and refuses to answer questions in an easy to understand manner. in addtion he becomes easily offended when asked to speak up or write larger. just drop the class
His hand writing is atrocious and tiny. I sit in the front row and still have trouble reading some of it. He raises his voice in what i can best describe as anger whenever he is asked to write larger or to speak louder. He doesn't speak loud at all, he has no personality and he uses the most confusing symbols. Do not take this class.
The guy is kindda off his rocker, but he means well. His hand writting is terrible and he gets mad when you ask questions, but if good at calculus then you'll be fine. If your okay or bad get out of the class as soon as possible notes dont make since but his tests are just like his review sheets. try to avoid
Horrible teacher!! Tests are ridiculously hard and he hates having to explain things more than once! Stay away from this teacher-take ANYONE else.
DO NOT TAKE HIM! He by far the worst teacher ever. He mumbles at the borard and writes so tiny that no one can read the board. Tests are hard too. Just don't take and you will thank me.
He needs a lot of work as a teacher, but you can learn this stuff. I did it by going to school offered free math tutoring. After that, the class is easy, and you will understand what he is saying a bit easier. If you don't go for extra help, you probably will struggle on somethings. Grading scale is bent in your favor 85-100 equals an A
Probably the worst teacher i've ever had in my life. i had an A in AP Stats and math is my best subject, but i didn't do well at all in his class. speaks really softly, small horrible handwriting, and his tests are impossible. extremely hard to keep up with if your taking notes so you'll stop halfway through the class. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS
He's a really nice guy but the most boring professor ever. It was extremely hard to pay attention in his class but you really need to! The tests are hard and there's no other work to help up your grade. He often makes mistakes and the class has to correct him. Try someone else!
just about the worst teacher i've ever had. his handwriting is terrible, and you can barely understand what he says more than 90% of the time. his exams are hard and although attendance isn't mandatory, it would help to go. i barely learned anything in there. total waste of my time. seriously, take someone else.
Class seems easy at first, but the tests are insane! Go to his office hours! I failed most of the tests but passed the class since he saw I was making an effort. Must do homework or it will count against you. Gives a lot of handouts
Absolutely awful teacher. It's impossible to hear him, his tests are very hard, and he's useless at office hours. His notation is hard to understand and goes very quickly. He gets frustrated if you ask him to slow down or to speak up. DO NOT TAKE HIM!!
It keeps me up at night thinking about the money I spent for his 3 credit class out of state. i can't understand why someone like this would go into teaching and yet be that worthless
Goddamn this class is useless, i come to class take the handouts and leave the class cause it is pure time wasting in der
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT take Prof. Klippert's class. Instead of actually teaching a class, he works himself through problems for an agonizing 50 minutes during which I try desparately to stay awake and listen to his monotone voice and read his miniscule writing while he blocks the chalk board from view. AVOID!
Very difficult. After taking AP Calculus in high school and then receiving a C in Professor Klippert's class, needless to say I was frustrated. He writes very small on the chalkboard, and refuses to write any bigger even after being asked. I wouldn't recommend this class unless you already have a firm grip on calculus.
whether you are good or bad at this class DO NOT take it..i repeat DO NOT take it. he writes so small and with strange symbols it is hard to follow. also talks so low that it is hard to undersand. be prepared to spend a lot of time at the math center!
Obviously hates teaching. Do NOT take him. Gets himself confused when doing simple math, wastes the class time and gets angry if you try to correct him even if he's blatantly wrong. Tests are outside of class time. The only good thing is his 15 point grading scale. He's just a bitter old man who should've retired however long ago that pic was taken
definitely the worst class i've ever taken in my life. Klippert acted like we were all incredibly stupid if we didn't understand right away and acted annoyed if we asked him questions regarding the material. i never did understand anything in that class and i showed up to class everyday unlike most of the class. i would never recommend him to anyon
SWITCH OUT. I got on this site and saw the ratings but I figured i could tough it out (im good at math)and pull a C. i was lost after the 1st week. he uses strange notation, so you spend half the time translating your own notes. the man hates teaching and throws a fit if you ask a question. DROP THIS CLASS
get out now, not only can you not read what he writes, but he refuses to answer any questions.
You pay to come to JMU, so why waste your education and money on a teacher who not only repeatedly fumbles around with his own work, but when you are legitimately confused gets mad at your questions. Retirement should have been decades ago, but he feels it necessary to torment yet another year of students, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!
he truely hates his job and hates anyone who attempts to attend his class. you will feel degraded as he fumbles, mumbles, and writes incomrehensibly on the board. DO NOT TAKE REGARDLESS HOW SMART YOU ARE
I feel bad for Mr. Klippert. His class is the result of him being tired of answering stupid questions and being treated like an idiot. No one in his class takes him seriously. Yes maybe he does need to retire, but the level of respect his students show him is appauling. This in turn has caused him to hate his job, which causes his class to suck.
SWITCH OUT NOW. Hes horrible-on many occasions I've felt like cryin b/c I was so lost (I'm not an emotional person). He shouldve retired yrs ago, he's so condescending to every&all questions, he's jus plain mean, he writes incomprehensibly&insanely tiny, he uses weird symbols that dont make sense, it's jus horrible. plz whatever u do, dont stay!
He's an awful teacher, and doesn't care about the students. He complains about answering questions or having to explain what he's doing. You can't read his handwriting, and he handwrites the notes, study guides, and tests. Only one-third of the class ever shows up, but you?re better off not going and teaching yourself the material anyways.
I failed this class. I've always enjoyed math but he is not motivating, unclear and gets confused. Notes are illegible and tests are multiple choice. You must teach yourself. There are much better teachers at JMU for 205.
All you need to do is look at the notes.
After taking a much-needed break from classroom duties, John Klippert is back! With great knowledge and rediscovered eloquence and zeal so rare for his age, his class is fun and highly educational. Clear now why he won the Teacher of Distinction Award, Klippert again is in a league of his own. A true legend. Take him before he retires for good!
While the 1990s and early 2000s reviews of him were poor, The venerable Klippert has great vigor and vitality now after his brief retirement. A lock now for the JMU prodigious geniuses Hall of Fame, he can do no wrong. A great source for math learning as well as great lessons from a life of teaching. Not taking Klippert would be a serious mistake.
Taking a break to look at all of JMUs well-touted professors makes you realize just how special this guy is. There's simply no Hippie like John Klippie as anyone who has taken his class lately can attest. He intends to be the hardest professor to replace at JMU and he's almost certainly right. Great professor but more importantly a great guy.
What is Mathematics Not? This question is at the heart of our understanding of Mathematics and our relationship with it in our daily lives. Klippert teaches Math is not some mere contemplation done by geniuses but something at the heart of all we do. Take him and be prepared for a mathematical journey that will transform your life.
Strictly speaking, Klippert may not be the easiest professor at JMU, but he's close. May take an hour or two more than some but you'll get your A. The Sixty-four Dollar Questions: are you worth it to yourself to spend a little time on math? and do you want it more? Math is essential to your life. If either is a yes, take Klip or make a mistake!
Klippert is a truly transformative professor who will leave an enduring legacy in every one of his students. As they say, paper wins championships, and if you look at the notes, you'll see why. And if you can get him talking about hockey, he really gets rolling.
This guy Cuts the mustard in every sense of the word. Smart, witty, and does math on the fly. Simply a fun guy to talk to and learn from. Be sure to go to Office Hours and he will amaze you with his helpfulness, expertise and eloquent delivery. The Sixty-Four Dollar-Question is why he is not the President of the University by now. Klip is da BOMB
Think Professors Can't be funny? Take John Klippert and be prepared to get your socks blown off. Strings together witty remarks unlike all other Hipperts. When I got my first test back and it said 64 at the top I almost began to cry. Then I looked at the notes on the back of the back saying "April Fools" with a big 96 and a smiley face.
Klippert's class is like the High Post--sure, you can achieve your goals without going through it, but why would you want to? So exciting, he has to control the crowd.
great
Only Klippert could improve on the Kilp-tastic grading system (A: 80+, B: 64+, C: 46+, D: 36+, F36). If a student misses class or a test (That was a Mistake) a T is given instead of an F. Student is then asked a $64 Question. If correct the T is forgiven and students grade is unharmed. If wrong, F is given and student is sent to greenich prison
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
33%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.30 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH2352
5.0
(1)MATH264
5.0
(3)MATH232
5.0
(2)MATH646
5.0
(1)MATH843
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
236
5.0
MATH225
5.0
GMATH205
5.0
MATH843
5.0
M236
5.0