4.3

Jyh-Yaw (Joseph) Chen

Economics - Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Surrey

4.3
Quality
2.3
Difficulty
79%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
4.3
Quality
2.3
Difficulty
4.3
Helpful
4.1
Clarity

79%

Would Retake

85

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
85 total ratings

5

53

4

18

3

7

2

4

1

3

What Students Say

I have no doubt about it when I say that he is hands down the best ECON instructor in KPU

ECON1150 - 5.0 rating

I just wish he would give students more time to work on their tests

ECON1150 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

93%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 16 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
B (3)
C (2)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(3)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 18 reported grades
A: 5
B: 3
C: 2
A-: 2
Common Tags
Hilarious (12)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Gives good feedback (3)
Inspirational (3)
Get ready to read (3)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Caring (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.22 avg change
Apr
Jul
Aug
Apr
May
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

2350

5.0

(1)

ECON1100

5.0

(2)

ECON1000

5.0

(1)

ECON1140

5.0

(1)

ECON2350

5.0

(2)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ECON2350

3.5

2350

3.0

ECON1140

3.0

ECON1150

2.9

ACCT1130

2.8

Reviews (84)
4.0
2.0
ECON1250
Mar 28, 2008

Well, not bad..he always makes the class interesting and active. but he likes to spend more time to explain other things than to focus on the chapter. but thanks to his tests are not so hard.

5.0
1.0
ACCT1130
Apr 3, 2008

Great teacher, extremely helpful to the class. Had him for business math. Although i i didnt do well, it was because my own fault. his test are extrememly easy. its exactly like his quizes that he gives. Overall i would strongly recommend.

5.0
1.0
ECON1250
Apr 4, 2008

He is the nicest and the most useful economic teacher i have ever had. He uses his own life examples to explain the complex economic problems to us and he gives some time for the class to discuss and asks students' feedback.

5.0
1.0
ECON1250
Apr 4, 2008

He is the nicest and the most useful economic teacher i have ever had. He uses his own life examples to explain the complex economic problems to us and he gives some time for the class to discuss and asks students' feedback.

5.0
1.0
ECON1250
Apr 15, 2008

AWSOME TEACHER....he wants you to succed and do well. His tests and quizzes are really easy and his assignments are simple....he usually gives you a lot of details about whats in the quizzes/tests. Just go to class read the book and you will pass with flying colours...BEST ECON teacher

5.0
2.0
ECON1150
May 8, 2008

Nice prof

4.0
2.0
ECON1250
Jul 25, 2008

He's a good prof. His tests and quizzes aren't hard as long as u read the textbook, listen in class, and do your assignments.

4.0
2.0
ACCT1130
Aug 25, 2008

He is a Econ teacher, but he taugh ACCT1130 as well. He is a nice teacher, push you to learn. Tests were not too hard, I like him...

4.0
4.0
ECON1150
Mar 19, 2009

He's a nice guy, funny at times. Kind of hard to understand him sometimes. The exams were pretty hard, class average was about 54%

1.0
5.0
ACCT1130
Apr 25, 2009

he's a nice and funny guy, but that's it. not good prof material. he's never there when you need help afterclass. and hard to understand at times

5.0
3.0
ACCT1130
Apr 28, 2009

Awesome prof! Explains things very well and is willing to explain things until you understand! Very approachable and cares about how students learn. Tests and quizzes are structured the exact same as in class examples. There are NO surprises. Attend class, study, and you'll do very well.

4.0
1.0
ECON2255
Jul 11, 2009

It was the first time this course was taught, he did a good job. He's a nice guy, has kind of a thick accent but not incomprehensible. Tests are fair and he's there to help you if you need it.

4.0
2.0
ECON1150
Aug 9, 2009

Very nice teacher, he makes difficult concepts easy to understand. Seriously, to study for his exam, you only need one page of notes per chapter b/c he explains it so well. Exams are fair and if you go to class he gives you hints on possible open ended questions.you can tell he is very passionate about teaching

5.0
1.0
ECON1150
Aug 17, 2009

Easy exams! Take him and you will do well.One of the better econ teachers at kwantlen.You can tell he likes what he is doing. He admits when he is wrong and willing to stay after class and help you if you don't understand. Very nice

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Aug 21, 2009

Best prof ever. Very clear and very easy to understand. He uses everyday situations to explain difficult concepts. I recommend this prof because you'll actually learn something at the end of the semester.

4.0
2.0
ECON1150
Aug 25, 2009

Joseph is awesome, he teaches the concepts so that students taking intro can understand in layman terms what is happening. I will be getting B+ in his class and I only study 3 days before the exams. You have to be an idiot not to at least get C in his class.

2.0
3.0
ECON1250
Apr 26, 2010

Sure he's nice and funny, but he doesn't teach you a thing in class. I'd walk out of 3 hour lectures with zero notes. All studying is self-study through myeconlab. Exams aren't bad, but are random in terms of content. Doesn't explain concepts well and what he tells you to study is not on the exam.

4.0
2.0
ECON1250
May 2, 2010

Joseph is a really good guy, hes makes 3 hrs classes pretty fun. The person before needs to learn that you need to pay attention in classes inorder to understand the concepts. All in all Joseph is THE best econ teacher at kwantlen, I had 3 pages of notes after every class. his exams are really fair. If you do bad that means you need to study more

5.0
1.0
ECON2255
May 2, 2010

I have taken 2 classes with Joseph so far and I would take more! He is the best econ instructor at Kwantlen as long as you study what he tells you to you will end up with A. I had A- and I am lazy!You have to attend his lectures 'cause he always hints on what will be on the exam. If you can't pass econ with Joseph you never will, he is that easy!

4.0
3.0
ECON1250
May 3, 2010

great teacher, makes class enjoyable. I found him thru going on this website and took his class and i don't regret it at all. His exams are fair and he'll tell you what might be on it. So don't think it will be just becuz he says it will be. overall great teacher!!

3.0
2.0
ECON1250
May 4, 2010

No Commons

4.0
2.0
ECON2255
May 10, 2010

Joseph is a good instructor. he makes a 3 hour lecture go by fast. Go to class even though its not mandatory but he gives you some hints of what questions/topics he may cover in the exams in class.

5.0
1.0
ECON1150
May 11, 2010

I took Joseph a couple of semesters back and I have to say he really is good instructor and very nice guy! He only teaches what he will examine.60% MC and 40% open ended.you can get 100% on the open ended as long as you attend class 'cause he will do the prob in class and "hint" it to be on the exam.It was easy A+.

5.0
1.0
ECON2255
May 29, 2010

Joseph is a real good smart guy, take econ with him and you will get a good mark. He is so nice...unlike some teachers he is so happy to stay after class and re-do any problems over and over until you understand.pay att. he drops hints every class on what will be on exam.

5.0
1.0
ECON2255
Jun 29, 2010

Joseph is awesome! Very nice person.He will force you to think and is very open minded. Exams are pretty straight forward but only study what he tells you to. Disappointed he doesn't teach more classes in Richmond.

5.0
1.0
ECON2255
Jul 27, 2010

Joseph is a good instructor. He cuts out all the nonsense that you don't need to know and gets right to what is important and what might be tested.Exams are really easy!

5.0
2.0
ECON1100
Nov 13, 2010

I think you will like his classes. Tests are straight forward and mc. Funny guy!

5.0
2.0
ECON1150
Nov 22, 2010

Very good teacher. He really enjoys what he is doing. Fair exams and highly recomended.

4.0
2.0
ECON13
Dec 10, 2010

very funny teacher and very nice. economics is just friken stupid

5.0
1.0
ECON1000
Dec 16, 2010

He even tells you what will be on the tests. Very helpful.

5.0
1.0
ECON2255
Jan 29, 2011

Great Prof! Study your textbook, listen in class, and ace his exams! Excellent speaker, and makes every class very interesting. Hope to have in for more econ courses!!!

5.0
1.0
ECON1250
Apr 22, 2011

Joseph is a very nice guy, go to every lecture and you will get at least 2% bonus overall. Midterms and final were fair, he will test you on the stuff he does in class.

5.0
2.0
ECON2255
May 12, 2011

Joseph is an awesome professor. He's down to earth, very helpful and approachable. He uses simple life analogies. His tests are fair, and hints are always given about what's on the test. No surprises. Bonus marks are given for attendance and participation. He really cares. Don't get me wrong, you still have to study and attend class. Thumbs up!

5.0
1.0
ECON1100
Jun 12, 2011

hahaha his real life examples about a girl and a guy in some pub always cracks me up. Very funny and he's kinda cute. I think he's way to smart to be teaching beginners econ (he went through it really quickly) so I was kinda confused. He's probably good for 2000 or 3000 level econ courses ^^

4.0
3.0
ECON1150
Nov 10, 2011

soooo gud soo nice so funny so responsible. he's very dedicated and purpose is just want you to succeed.

5.0
2.0
ECON1150
Nov 17, 2011

Hes an awesome teacher! Hes so smart, and is so dedicated to teaching his class. Although economics may not be the most fun of a course, he makes the actual classes so fun and entertaining! He makes it easy to pay attention and not at all boring. He does whatever he can to help his students, and is a really good guy. TAKE HIM FOR SURE!!!!!!!!!!

5.0
1.0
ECON1150
Dec 14, 2011

Great prof! He wants his students to succeed and gives bonus marks if you get in class questions right. Asks you how you want all the tests formatted. If you spend a lot of time on myeconlab then he will give you an extra mark as well. Lectures aren't boring at all with his boy and girl examples! Must take! Makes the class interesting!

5.0
1.0
ECON1150
Dec 19, 2011

He is a very good professor who is passionate about what he does. Very helpful and great with explanations. However, sometimes he rushes through things and can be just a tad bit messy (drawing on the board etc). Nonetheless, a GREAT guy!

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Dec 23, 2011

really interesting teacher!!! helps out everyone throughout class + bonus questions! economics is hard itself,a lot of people fail their first midterm bt he makes it more easier in the 2nd midterm!! + he tells the exactly stuff which suppose to come in the short answer, and 20% of marks are dependent on online quiza, which are always done at home

5.0
2.0
ECON2255
Jan 8, 2012

sooo nice and funny. great prof too. makes the class fun and lots of good discussion! prof tells u what to study. exams are straight forward if you attend class. if you miss class don't expect an A or B. if u attend all classes and STUDY what ur told to, u should get a grade in the A range. no tricks on exam.

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Mar 1, 2012

Wicked teacher. engages the class very well. uses nice mixture of in class participatian to get you a few bonus marks while making sure you understand it. I took another econ class and was greatly disapointed because it was nothing like his class. if you goto every class anything you dont understand is soon to be fixed! Also very fun and engaging!!

5.0
2.0
ECON1150
Mar 20, 2012

Great teacher! His test HIGHLY reflect his lectures and quizzes , he tells you what will be on the test before so it's impossible to fail. Tests are multiple choice and short answers/calculations. But it's guaranteed to get a 70%+ on the tests. Always willing to help if you don't understand, uses great examples. Very funny prof!

5.0
3.0
ECON1140
Mar 21, 2012

Great Prof. I recommend to everyone!

3.0
5.0
ECON1150
May 9, 2012

Overcomplicates material and exams are not easy. I got a C- in his class and retook econ 1150 with Shauna and got a B+. If you can take another prof please do!!

4.0
2.0
ECON1250
Dec 28, 2012

Do not expect to get a good grade without studying hard. Try to pre read the textbook before attending to class will definitely help you understand the content better in the lecture. Joseph is the kind of prof that if you work hard, and ask him questions during his office hour, he will bump you up from A to A+ at the end of the term!

5.0
1.0
ECON1150
Sep 1, 2013

Joseph is the best prof ever. the man is a bo(ss).

5.0
3.0
ECON2255
Jan 19, 2014

Great prof! if you study hard then you will get a good grade. He may also bump up a letter grade or two.

2.0
3.0
ECON1150
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
May 5, 2014

Hard to understand.

1.0
5.0
ECON2255
Grade: B
Jun 9, 2014

No idea what the hype is about. This is my 5th Econ course and I was expecting a lot more. I'm not even entirely sure the guy has an economics degree.

2.0
5.0
ECON1150
Jun 22, 2014

He is a nice guy but hard marker. Don't take him!

5.0
2.0
ECON1250
Nov 7, 2014

If you study the material, and attend the class then you can get a good mark. But the MC questions are little challenge.

4.0
4.0
ECON1150
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 19, 2014

Joseph is a really nice guy, this course is difficult though. Make sure you show up to class!

3.0
4.0
ECON1150
Mar 14, 2015

He's a great prof, great attitude, and funny! I found the material extremely difficult. His teaching style is writing notes on an overhead, so come to class or miss all notes. Always tells you what will be on the midterm and lets you assign the weight of the questions, i.e class votes to have multiple choice worth 60% and written questions worth 40

3.0
4.0
ECON1150
Mar 19, 2015

Don't understand what the hype about him. He spends the entire class just writing on the projector and writes and talks so fast that it is really hard to keep up with what he's saying and write down everything he writes on the board. I had to learn all the material by myself. He tells you what will be on the midterm before so you know what to study

3.0
4.0
ECON1150
Apr 27, 2015

As long as you read the tetbook and come to every class you should be okay. His teaching style is by writing on a projector which can make it sometimes hard to copy and listen at the same time. goes fast. hes really funny and uses good examples

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
May 7, 2015

Probably one of the best profs I ever had, Joseph is really funny and uses real life examples and compares it to the subject he talks about in class. Really helpful and wants students to work hard and do their best in class. He's very helpful, make sure to copy all of his notes in class and never skip a class.

5.0
3.0
2350
Grade: C
May 12, 2015

Joseph's a great prof compared to others i've taken. He was super clear in what to expect as he gave outlines of what was going to be on the midterms and finals. For his midterms he used more material from the notes rather than the textbook, that was usually used more for reference.

5.0
3.0
ECON2350
Grade: A-
Aug 27, 2015

Joseph is great professor. His exams are based directly off of his lecture notes and he will tell you what is going to be on the test, but he does not post notes online, making attendance mandatory. Joseph also assigns lots of online hw that takes lots of time to complete but is unnecessary because his tests focus on the things done in lectures.

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Grade: A+
Nov 12, 2015

In ECON 1150, his criteria is: 20% on online quizzes (10 quizzes with 2% on each of them), 25% on Midterm 1, 25% on Midterm 2, and 30% on Final Exam. For the most part, he is a very helpful and knowledgeable instructor with a good sense of humour as well. I just wish he would give students more time to work on their tests.

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Nov 23, 2015

pretty funny prof. very straight forward for whats going to be on exams.

5.0
1.0
ECON1150
Jan 6, 2016

I have no doubt about it when I say that he is hands down the best ECON instructor in KPU. He is also a very fun instructor compared to others. I took his course on the Fall term 2015 at Richmond and got an easy A+. All you have to do is read the book multiple times. In that way, you can perform well on his online quizzes and his tests.

4.0
3.0
ECON1150
Grade: A
Feb 11, 2016

Joseph is a super funny guy. You have to do weekly quizzes online, but he gave us unlimited tries on them and they're worth 20% of your mark, so take advantage of that. Also: If he tells you to put a star by something during his lecture, IT WILL BE ON THE TEST. Take good notes and study those notes AND the textbook before tests and you'll do fine.

4.0
4.0
ECON1150
Grade: B+
Apr 20, 2016

Very funny and interactive. Econ is a really tough class, but he makes it relatable and fun. He prepares you very well for the midterms and final. Exactly everything he goes over in class is what is on the test.

5.0
4.0
ECON2350
Grade: C
Apr 27, 2016

he's a hard prof, but a good prof. he really cares about his students. he'll make sure you're understanding everything and you are keeping up with the class. that being said, he is blunt. he will tell you to straighten up if he needs to. he expects you to do the homework and to contribute to your own success in the class. overall great prof.

5.0
2.0
ECON1150
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2016

His lectures are very interactive and he tries to related what he's teaching to things the class is familiar with to make it easier to understand. No powerpoints in sight but as long as you take notes and pay attention to what is going on you should be fine. He does use an overhead though. Grade composed of online assignments, 2 midterms and final.

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Grade: B+
Sep 12, 2016
Would take again

The course content itself is pretty dull, but Joseph is a great professor. Although his English is not the best he is very dynamic and caring! He will do his best to help you if you reach out and ask!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
ECON1150
Nov 16, 2016
Would take again

Really good prof. in general one of the best teachers ive ever had in my life, take down his notes and read the textbook + make notes on what you read. Very intelligent and relatable and knowledgeable man as he was a lawyer back in Taiwan. Like he says many times during his course, "work hard for your future" just grind and youll be okay!

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Nov 29, 2016
Would take again

The math in economics is super hard! But Joseph explains it very well and will help you if you ask for it. He's very caring and wants everyone to succeed his English isn't the best which can make it hard to understand him but if you look at the notes you'll figure out what he meant to say. He relates everything he teaches to real life explains.

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
ECON1150
Nov 29, 2016
Would take again

This guy is fire!

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
Caring
5.0
3.0
ECON1250
Grade: B
Dec 21, 2016
Would take again

Joseph is a very funny and nice teacher, as he is not boring at all. He is always available for help, and his tests are easy if you study. He also gives you hints. Hes very funny and I would def take him again!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
ECON1250
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2016
Would take again

Awesome professor. Lecture is not that heavy and he's really good at telling jokes. Definitely need to read the textbook and do online assignments in order to get good grade. I took Econ 1150 Micros with him as well, also had fun in his calss. Strongly recommend.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
ECON1150
Dec 22, 2016
Would take again

He is very passion for the class, and he is really good at make econ relates to the real life. His jokes even make econ little bit funny. Just make solid notes, and what he said what will be on the test. it will definitely be on the test.

5.0
3.0
ECON1150
Mar 13, 2017
Would take again

Joseph is a fantastic Prof. He really seems enthusiastic about his lectures and you want to go to them because he is hilarious. His way of explaining things and his lectures stick with you through studying and assignments, and it was not a hard course to do well in as long as you do the work.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Hilarious
2.0
3.0
ECON1150
Mar 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is funny, uses relate-able examples to get on the students level, and full of energy. He is strict about certain things. If you're shy, too bad because he will force you to participate and speak. However, his accent is very thick and at times I had to strain in order to listen carefully. I found that he didn't explain the hard parts clearly.

Participation matters
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
ECON1150
Mar 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Joseph is very enthusiastic but I did not enjoy his class. The course content is a little complex so his ascent makes it harder to understand the material and for those who aren't the best at math and really need it explained to you should not take Joseph Chen. He was okay, but I probably wouldn't take him again.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
2.0
ECON2255
Apr 11, 2017
Would take again

Joseph taught 2255 with enthusiasm and teaches related to the real world. his accent seems to be questioned here but honestly im a native speaker and if anything his accent was nice and refreshing. read the book, get involved in lectures and learn the content, he wont take away marks for a small mistake so youll do well

5.0
4.0
ECON1150
Grade: A+
Mar 14, 2018
Would take again

He is a great teacher, and he tells jokes to make the class more enjoyable. Make sure to attend class, what he goes over in class will be on the tests. He also gives hints to which questions will be on the test. If you put in the work you can get a good mark.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
ECON1250
Grade: A-
Apr 3, 2018
Would take again

Incredible prof. Makes lectures enjoyable and interactive. By being fun and interactive he makes lectures fun and information sticks. He also has a clear set criteria for his tests so you know exactly what to study and how many marks each question is.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ECON1250
Grade: A
Jul 17, 2018
Would take again

Great economics professor that is more than happy to help his students achieve the best grade they possibly can. His accent is quite thick but he projects his voice well and you'll be fine if you pay attention. Tests are long and heavy but nothing is a surprise. Ask for help if you don't understand, he explains things very well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ECON1150
Aug 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is the hardest prof ever for micro all these people saying good things are clearly geniuses i dropped him class and took another prof and got 92 percent my other prof was so easy he just taught way harder with all these weird formulas that we never used in my other class. you can't even understand his english.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
ECON1150
Grade: A
Apr 20, 2019
Would take again

Joseph is funny af and delivers easy to understand Information. He also tells you exactly what will be on the exams so its easy A

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ECON1250
Grade: B
Apr 21, 2019
Would take again

Joseph is a good prof but can be very hard to understand. He tells you what will be on the midterms/final and allows you to choose the format of the tests. Overall just show up to class and have a fun time cause mose of the time i dont understand buts its fun

Hilarious
Caring
3.0
3.0
ECON1250
May 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's a very funny and nice teacher! The course isn't an easy pass as you have to understand the material and I think he could've been more clear in his lectures. Overall is a good teacher.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
ECON1250
Apr 7, 2020
Would take again

While the material was hard, Joseph explained it all in a very understandable and entertaining way. He talks really fast though so try to avoid zoning out or you could miss something. Would definitely take his classes again.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

93%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 16 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
B (3)
C (2)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(3)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 18 reported grades
A: 5
B: 3
C: 2
A-: 2
Common Tags
Hilarious (12)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Gives good feedback (3)
Inspirational (3)
Get ready to read (3)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Caring (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.22 avg change
Apr
Jul
Aug
Apr
May
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

2350

5.0

(1)

ECON1100

5.0

(2)

ECON1000

5.0

(1)

ECON1140

5.0

(1)

ECON2350

5.0

(2)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ECON2350

3.5

2350

3.0

ECON1140

3.0

ECON1150

2.9

ACCT1130

2.8

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