4.1

John Niss

Mathematics - Valencia College - East and West Campus

4.1
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
40%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
4.1
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.0
Clarity

40%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

57

4

8

3

5

2

3

1

11

What Students Say

I have "THE DUDE" teaching my math class

MAC2311 - 5.0 rating

Niss is hands down the best math professor I have ever had

MAP2302 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

83%

Textbook Required

83%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
B (2)
A (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(0)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 7 reported grades
B: 2
A: 2
A-: 1
Not sure yet: 1
Common Tags
Tough Grader (2)
Respected (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
TEST HEAVY (1)
Gives good feedback (1)
Hilarious (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.55 avg change
Mar
Mar
Sep
Jan
Apr
Feb
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH

5.0

(2)

PRECAL

5.0

(3)

LIBLARTS

5.0

(1)

MAT2400

5.0

(1)

MAC

5.0

(1)
+38 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CALCULUS1

5.0

MATH1033

5.0

TRI1130

5.0

MAC2520

5.0

MAC2312

5.0

Reviews (84)
5.0
2.0
MAC1105
Aug 5, 2003

Very good teacher! Knowledgable and smart and he loves to help students. I am so glad I took his class.

5.0
1.0
MATH
Nov 13, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
MAC1105
Nov 13, 2003

Nice Professor. When explaining he assumes it's your first time with the topic. He really wants you to learn, and he like helping students. I definetely would recommend him. I'm taking pre-calculus algebra next semester with him.

5.0
3.0
PRECAL
Nov 14, 2003

John is fly. He teaches very well and his tests are exactly what he gives notes and lectures. Great teacher.

5.0
2.0
LIBLARTS
Nov 18, 2003

GREAT TEACHER!! Makes things really simple. Amusing. Reminds me of ALIAS's "Marshall Flinkman" character. Learned a lot of USEFUL math- really!

4.0
4.0
MAC1101
Dec 8, 2003

Nice Guy. very fast paced though. You can't get comfortable with the material without him moving on. He has a nice personality. Easy to get along with.

5.0
3.0
MAC1105
Dec 11, 2003

Very helpful. Nice guy a little jittery though. Do some of the homework problems so you can understand the section(s). Quizzes are fair as are the tests. He tells jokes too... I didn't say they were funny...

5.0
2.0
MAC1105
Dec 11, 2003

Awesome professor. He is VERY knowledgeable and VERY helpful. He kept the class fresh and a little humorous. I'm glad to have taken College Algebra with him!

5.0
2.0
MAT2400
Feb 23, 2004

Nice guy, and tries to make math as easy as possible. He'll take time after class to help you if you need it. Easy quizes, I had another teacher who had 30 questions on her tests.

5.0
3.0
PRECALC
Mar 26, 2004

Very good Teacher! He's very helpful. Just make sure that you go to lecture and study them for the tests. He is very helpful if he sees that you are putting in some effort.

5.0
3.0
MAC
Apr 2, 2004

An awesome professor. He explains the material well. He will go over everything you don't know because the school gives him a ridiculous amount of time to teach the material.

5.0
4.0
MAC1140
Apr 18, 2004

the most boring class ever!! if u have a short attention span , do not take! his tests are pretty easy... two question quizes. do a little of the hw, itll help ...sweet guy.. will keep you in class until the last second.. easy to understand..but fast

5.0
1.0
PRECAL
May 10, 2004

Good teacher. class goes a little fast, but that's a good thing, you get used for calculus. Easy A, he explains clearly. Very helpful

5.0
2.0
PRECAL
May 18, 2004

Great teacher. If you do your homework the class is a breeze, but if you don't you will be really lost because he moves fast.

5.0
2.0
STATS
Aug 2, 2004

He explains everything, he goes over whatever anyone needs, very detailed, somewhat organized. He knows his stuff, he can get a bit lazy at times, but is mostly great. I recomend him if you're taking stats, he's a good guy. Tests may be hard, but fair.

5.0
2.0
STA2023
Aug 24, 2004

really helpful and nice! take him!! will answer any questions that you don't understand and goes step by step to help you!

5.0
2.0
MATH
Sep 17, 2004

Very clear teacher. Will go over examples and homework to make sure everyone is on the same page. Gives some Math history tidbits as well. Only problem is that he says "OK" too much.

4.0
2.0
1105
Nov 10, 2004

His class is easy as long as you take notes and listen to his examples. Beware! He loves to burn extra time by showing how the formula is created. Overall, I recommend him to anyone, especially those who are bad at math. Niss is helpful, flexible and compassionate if you try and come to class on tim

5.0
1.0
STATISTICS
Nov 15, 2004

the best teacher ever.he helps students and also,he explains everything with clarity. he kicks behind all other stats teachers from all valencia campuses. i 100% recommend him to everyone

5.0
1.0
CALGEBPRECAL
Nov 22, 2004

his rating is 4.9, what else you want to know. GO REGISTER HIS CLASS!!!

5.0
3.0
MAC1105MAC1140
Dec 4, 2004

He is a good teacher if you miss HW it wont affect your grade he doesnt check it. He does get side tracked a lil bit sometimes. he kin of odd and will say weird things. he did require us to do the HW but if u dont you can get left behind. test are very hard be prepared!!!

4.0
2.0
STA2023
Dec 6, 2004

Doesn't collect or check HW. He gives about 10 quizzes and a few exams. Study the vocabulary words because they WILL be on the exam. He can be confusing at times, but he cares to go over the material. To pass you should: go to class every day, TAKE NOTES, and study for quizzes and exams

5.0
3.0
COLALGPRECAL
Dec 7, 2004

Pros: ALWAYS answers any questions you have before moving on to new topics. He gives at least one take home test. Grades generously. Returns tests Quickly. Knowledgable. Gives Advice. Doesn't rush through material. Cons: His classes fill up fast :). Oh btw he looks just like Jesus Christ.

5.0
3.0
MAC11051140
Jan 15, 2005

Professor Niss explains concepts using proofs which better helps the student understand the material. He is extremely helpful and is always available during his office hours. His ratings are high b/c he teaches the material very well. Not, because the class is easy. Prepare to work hard. A+++++++++

1.0
3.0
CALCI
Mar 17, 2005

If you want to learn about history and proper english grammer in a "MATH CLASS" then take him for Calc 1. He is very knowledgable about math and the origins of math but not in conveying the information in an understandable method. Gives adequate amount of homework execpt forgets to explain it.

1.0
3.0
CALC1
Grade: B
Mar 17, 2005

This guy goes on tangents and starts talking about o.. lets convert meters to feet.. o wait we didnt need to do that.. He knows whats hes talking about, but he cant teach it at all. Avoid if you want to pass or want more than a C.

1.0
4.0
CALC1
Mar 19, 2005

WOW.RUN as far AWAY as possible.He will teach what he wants and then assign hw from a section that he never mentioned.he struggles through the problems he writes on the board.dont take him unless you know calc inside out allready.

1.0
5.0
CALCI
Mar 28, 2005

Moves very quickly through material despite the class' lack of understanding.Horrible teacher, can't teach a damn thing, thinks that just because he knows it that you should too.awful teacher, boring, makes no sense, students had to correct him

1.0
4.0
CALC1
Mar 28, 2005

Dear lord, I'd rather be shot then sit through this class again. Teach yourself and only show up for tests, you'll do better. He goes off on tangents about mathemeticians killing each other.Never go to class cus all he does is ramble on to confuse you.

1.0
4.0
MAC2311
Mar 30, 2005

The Calc professor from hell.DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS UNLESS YOU GOT A 4 or 5 on the AP CALC EXAM. He teaches you NOTHING. If you don't mind stress and struggling to learn having to seek information from outside sources to understand his class, then he is for you

2.0
5.0
CALCULUS1
Mar 31, 2005

WOW.Thats all I can say.If you dont have a religion get one b/c you will need it if you take him.Knows his stuff, but the students dont there for do poor on tests becuase he cant teach.Goes on tangents, explains thing you will use in calc 2 then tests you on them.If you like selfpace then take him.

1.0
3.0
CALC1
Apr 4, 2005

YOU WILL DIE DIE DIE IF YOU TAKE HIS CLASS. his test are made up from the space,stuff we never go over in class.Doesn't like teaching as a career, obviously with his attitude.He goes too fast, never completes an problem, he is rude.doesnt like 2b bothered w/ questions.

5.0
1.0
CALC1
Apr 10, 2005

No Comments

1.0
4.0
MAC2311
Apr 29, 2005

Niss is very hard to talk to and acts as though he is better than everyone. Although, he is a good teacher. I think more people would have done better if he didn't test so much on theory. He didn't go over anything in class, what he did cover wasn't on exams. I passed, but try to get someone else.

3.0
3.0
PRECALC
May 6, 2005

He wasn't that bad. You guys are hammering him. He helped me all the time. he teaches kinda weird.

5.0
3.0
CALC1
May 10, 2005

One of the best math professors at VCC. A+

1.0
3.0
CALC1
May 12, 2005

Professor Niss is the most incoherent person I have ever known. In class he would waste half of the time talking about subjects that had nothing to do with calc. he spent most of the course on the first two units and not enough time on the last and most crucial units, which made up the final exam.

2.0
3.0
PRECALC
May 20, 2005

He is a bad teacher, don't take him. Explained everything in the hardest way possible and his tests are unfair and super hard.

3.0
4.0
COLLEGEALGEBRA
Jun 20, 2005

I got a 69.5 avg. in his class and he gave me a d for the semseter, nuff said.

5.0
3.0
MAC1105
Jul 20, 2005

AMAZING! I'm horrible at math and I got straight A's in his class. He takes the time to go over steps that most professors skip. He sometimes gets sidetracked, but everyone needs a break now and then. Do the homework and show up and you're set.

5.0
1.0
CALC1
Grade: A-
Jul 26, 2005

Explains concepts very well. Gives one take home test. Professor Niss is very approachable and is always willing to help during his office hours. I highly recommend him.

5.0
1.0
STAMETHODS
Aug 19, 2005

PENNY LOAFER JESUS IN THE HOUSE, but that's just the initial visual impression. This guy is clear, fair and organized. When you ask questions, he answers then with utmost patience. Kind grader, gives buku partial credit even if you're clueless. I pulled an A.

3.0
2.0
MATH0024
Sep 13, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
MAT
Dec 14, 2005

Professor Niss is a great teacher. He gives 1 take home test? Come on! What mroe do you want? =) Explains concepts well and is overall a nice guy. A++++

3.0
4.0
MAT0024C
Apr 7, 2006

Nice guy, but bad professor. He'll cover 2 chapters in a one hour class, speeds through everything. If you want to pass do all your homework to keep up. It's hard not to slack in his class (he doesn't check home work or checks attedence)

4.0
1.0
MAT0024
Nov 2, 2006

Great teacher, funny, patient, helps every student even if they ask same question over and over, gives examples in different ways until you get it. I would take him again for my next math if I could

5.0
3.0
MAT0024
Dec 14, 2006

He is a great math teacher. He breaks it down for you and takes time to help you if you stop by his office. If you are in this class then you are not so good in math like me. This is the first time I get passing scores on math tests...and i'm 26 ;( take him !!!

1.0
4.0
BUSINCALC
Apr 29, 2007

He is the WORST professor I have ever had at Valencia!! If you want a teacher that teaches he is not your guy!! He is not helpful and very rude to his students

4.0
3.0
BUSINCALC
May 3, 2007

Easy grader!! He is very helpful in class. He will not move on until everyone gets the material that he is going over. At the same time, he is also very rude to his students and will make fun of you. You have to have patience with him...

5.0
3.0
MAT0024
Nov 4, 2007

He really is a good teacher and willing help you to understand the work

4.0
5.0
MATH1033
Dec 13, 2007

I earned a d. However he is the first teacher that breaks it down in common language. I should have studied more but I am confident that next semester I will get it. I will take him again

5.0
1.0
MAT0024
Apr 15, 2008

He is an awesome teacher!!! I have never done well in math my whole life and he got me so into it! He is very clear with directions and always available to help. Never too much hmwrk at all, never any busy work. You will love him, such a good teacher - looking too take many more classes with him! Mr.Niss rocksss!!!

5.0
5.0
MAC1105
Jul 21, 2008

He is freakin awesome!I'm really slow when it comes to math but to my surprise I've never understood it so well.Partial credit is your best friend!!!Just show up,make an effort, and he'll meet you half way!

3.0
4.0
STAT2023
Nov 20, 2008

IVE HAD BETTER PROFESSORS! HE IS A NICE GUY AND FUNNY TOO BUT HE THROWS ALOT OF CURVE BALLS ON THE TEST. QUIZES ARE OK, TEST ARE HARD, AND ONLINE HOMEWORK WILL BE EASY GRADES. NO EXTRA CREDIT AND ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS BEFORE A QUIZ/TEST. HE TENDS TO GIVE EXAMPLES THAT YOU WILL SEE ON THE EXAM.

5.0
3.0
MAT1012
Dec 3, 2008

Mr Niss is the best! He gives you every opportunity to get a good grade and he would spend as much time with you as you need.

4.0
5.0
STA2023
Jan 16, 2009

Niss is very smart and knows his stuff, but never lets you forget it. He insists on covering every bit of material and keeps you til the last second of class. The tests were VERY hard, but he does give partial credit. Assigns both online and book homework and gives quizzes weekly. He's a grumpy individual. Don't take him if you're wanting an A.

5.0
2.0
MAC1105
Dec 19, 2009

THIS CLASS WAS PRETTY COOL. THE QUIZZES AND TEST WERE VERY EASY AND HE PRATICALLY GIVES YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PASS THEM WITH AN A. HE IS A VERY CLEAR PROF BUT SOMETIMES THE CLASS GETS BORING. HE MEETS YOU HALF WAY IF YOU TRY. HE ALSO GIVE EXTRA CREDIT FOR VISITING HIM DURING OFFICE HOURS.I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CLASS.

5.0
2.0
MAC1102
Jan 25, 2010

Great teacher, don't let any of the negative comments fool you. He's clear and never hesitates to answers all questions and make sure that everyone understands what they're doing. He is also a very easy grader. Meets you half way as long as you know what you are doing and your steps were correct. Take him if you wanna have a good understanding of t

4.0
4.0
MAC1105
May 4, 2010

Professor Niss is kinda hard. Quizes and tests are nightmares. He is very helpful for his office hours. He was almost always available for question a little grumpy though. You need to stay on task with all of his assignments it is very easy to get lost in the work.

5.0
3.0
MAC1105
Aug 18, 2010

Great teacher, I took him for intermediate & college algebra. If you want to actually learn take him! He doesn't give free A's so pay attention & do the work if you want to pass!

5.0
5.0
STA2023
Sep 26, 2010

Prof Niss is one of pillars that makes Valencia the college of choice in Orlando. He did not become the Math Chair by chance. He is a methodical teacher who is over-qualified to teach anything under Quantum-Physics. This Prof. will go ut his way to help you, assist you,and prepare you for any and test's. He rewards merit and is Vet friendly.

5.0
2.0
MAC1033
Jan 27, 2011

This professor is more than fair. He is an asset to Valencia's math department. I highly recommend him. His tests are more than fair. He gives partial credit which is your complete ally. Professor Niss is not only brilliant he also interjects some humor into each lesson. Please take him you wont be disappointed.

5.0
2.0
ALG1105
May 2, 2011

Great professor. I should have done better, but it was my fault. Great teacher. Not the friendliest, but we're not there for that. Explains everything great and gives you plenty of chances to get an A. I enjoyed his class.

5.0
3.0
STA2023
Aug 5, 2011

I really learned in this class. Prof. Niss is a true teacher and if you are willing to learn he is there to help you. He is fair and knows his stuff. Great professor, I highly recommend this class.

5.0
4.0
MAC1105
Sep 12, 2011

Personally, math is not my subject...He is a Mathematician for real. He knows exactly what he is talking about. Most importantly he helps you understand and has a great teaching style. Very helpful and listens to your questions. He is a very nice person, and professor. Don?t frustrate yourself with numbers or problems he is there to help you!

5.0
3.0
MAT2012
Mar 19, 2012

Extremely helpful at every opportunity. He really cares about his class and students, and if he can see you are trying, he will do anything to help you. He has made me love math, and I have taken three classes with him.

5.0
1.0
MAC1105
Mar 20, 2012

The one thing I remember Professor Niss is his knitting and his beard. He is funny and expert in his subject. It was fun and easy to learn in his class. Homework is optional, and his tests are rather simple. As long as you don't miss lecture too often, you should have no problem passing the class

5.0
5.0
STA2023
May 24, 2012

6-week course! I'm not comfortable with math but Niss is crystal clear. The ONLY way you could do badly is if you don't do the hw, don't take notes and don't use flashcards. His lecture gives you EVERYTHING, and it makes so much sense, the rest is memorization and normal good student behavior. I'm glad I took Niss! Hard work but worth it!

5.0
2.0
STA2023
Aug 26, 2012

Professor Niss is by far the best professor I've had. I took Algebra College and Statistics from him. The reason I choose him over other professors is because he knows the materials by heart. He is not like other professors who rely on textbooks. He goes along with the book, but just teaches it with clarity and simplicity. Very patient n wonderful

5.0
2.0
MAC2233
Dec 12, 2012

There aren't many teachers in my life who have made an impact, but Professor Niss is one of them. He is not only a cool guy, but a caring and nonjudgmental teacher.I hadn't taken a math class in 4 years due to change of major so I was VERY nervous about taking a Calculus class. With his guidance I passed with flying colors. I actually LIKE math now

5.0
2.0
STA2023
Apr 23, 2013

Very good teacher. Math is not my thing and I received an A fairly easily. You have to go to class! He is great with his lectures. I barely did the book homework, did all of the online homework (counts for 1/3 of your grade) and went to almost every class. Do that and you'll get a good grade!

5.0
2.0
MAC1114
Oct 16, 2013

Math has always been the class I've had to work the hardest in and this was no different, but it wasn't agonizing and stressful. He made the material easy to understand and broke every bring down if you needed. But don't be lazy! Homework is assigned but not graded. But if you don't do it, you'll have no clue what's going on. Highly recommend.

5.0
2.0
MGF1107
Dec 6, 2013

Highly recommend. Professor Niss is a great teacher all around. He makes math as simple as it can be. He also has a good sense of humor and keeps plenty of office hours available. Gives great notes and teaches in a way easy to understand.

5.0
1.0
MAC1105
Dec 14, 2013

I took a hybrid class, did all of the homework, and went to nearly every class. He allowed the class to get caught up with homework,which very rare with algebra teachers. (I should know this being my third attempt.) He kept everyone's attention with witty humor, and speaks perfect English, also rare.

5.0
2.0
MAC1114
Aug 16, 2014

Really great professor. He knows his stuff and expects you to work at the class. He used old tests and stuff on our review tests at the end.

5.0
3.0
MAC2311
Aug 27, 2014

Holy Crap! I have "THE DUDE" teaching my math class! This guy is amazing! He actually cares about getting to know his students. Definitely take him for Calc 1 and 2 if you can.

5.0
3.0
STA
Nov 20, 2014

Prof. Niss is a new excellent professor. I am not very good at math but he meets to take sticks fun and enjoyable. I never really thought I'd be good at math but stats was my thing because of Professor Niss. One quiz per section and an exam every three sections.

5.0
3.0
STA2023
Grade: A
Mar 19, 2015

Professor Niss is the smartest man I've ever met. He's friendly, helpful, and actually easy to understand. He's clear and if you're willing to put in the work its very easy to get an A.

5.0
3.0
MAC1140
Mar 1, 2016

I'm halfway through this semester and all I can say is that, HE ROCKS. No wonder why his students call him "The Calculus God" because he is too good to be teaching. He is the smartest math prof in Valencia. Put in alot of practice in his homework & always attend the "review day" because he is going to drop hints what will appear. Take him!!!!

2.0
5.0
TRI1130
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

It was the worst decision I made when I took him this semester. He doesn't care about his students and he is really rude when you ask him a question inside the class. Not the best to explain trig

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
MAC2520
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 30, 2016
Wouldn't take again

DON'T TAKE HIM. He's very confusing and you won't understand a thing in class. I had to teach myself after class and his tets are hard.

Tough Grader
5.0
4.0
MAP2302
Grade: B
Jan 19, 2017
Would take again

Niss is hands down the best math professor I have ever had. Conveys concepts with ease and is able to guide students when they get stuck. Easily accessible outside of class, plenty of office hours. Pay attention, do practice problems out of the book, ask questions when you don't fully understand something, and you will pass. Highly recommend!

Gives good feedback
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
MAC1114
Apr 28, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This professor is very intelligent and I would recommend him for people going into engineering or anyone taking Calc 2 as he puts emphasis on subjects you will need for that class. His tests are rather easy and aim to test your understanding of what you are learning. He likes to put trick questions so make sure you read the instructions carefully!

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
MAC2312
Grade: A
Feb 12, 2018
Would take again

Professor Niss genuinely cares about his student's success. If you show that you're trying and put in the effort YOU WILL pass this course. Took Prof. Niss for Calc 1 - Diff EQ. Highly recommend.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Caring
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

83%

Textbook Required

83%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
B (2)
A (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(0)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 7 reported grades
B: 2
A: 2
A-: 1
Not sure yet: 1
Common Tags
Tough Grader (2)
Respected (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
TEST HEAVY (1)
Gives good feedback (1)
Hilarious (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.55 avg change
Mar
Mar
Sep
Jan
Apr
Feb
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH

5.0

(2)

PRECAL

5.0

(3)

LIBLARTS

5.0

(1)

MAT2400

5.0

(1)

MAC

5.0

(1)
+38 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CALCULUS1

5.0

MATH1033

5.0

TRI1130

5.0

MAC2520

5.0

MAC2312

5.0

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