3.2

Kathy Nickell

Mathematics - College of DuPage

3.2
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
38%
Would Retake
146
Reviews
3.2
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

38%

Would Retake

146

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
146 total ratings

5

61

4

8

3

17

2

21

1

39

What Students Say

Doesn't grade homework, VERY long test, Quizzes weekly

MATH0482 - 2.0 rating

I took this course over the summer over an 8 week period

MATH1431 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

40%

Textbook Required

75%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C+

95% confidence
Based on 17 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (7)
A (4)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(3)C(4)D(10)F(2)A-/B+(0)
Based on 28 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 7
A: 4
Not sure yet: 4
C: 3
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (16)
Tough Grader (15)
TEST HEAVY (10)
Gives good feedback (10)
Amazing lectures (8)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (8)
Tough grader (8)
Caring (7)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.02 avg change
Jul
Aug
Dec
Jan
Feb
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1421

5.0

(1)

1432

5.0

(1)

1451

5.0

(1)

MTH081

5.0

(1)

0481

5.0

(1)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH079

5.0

MATH1121

5.0

ELEMELEM

5.0

MATH1102

5.0

PREC1431

4.3

Reviews (145)
5.0
5.0
MATH131
Jun 28, 2003

People call her the demon banchee, and her tests kicked my butt, but she's the best math professor I've ever had. Ever since I took her class, math has been easy for me.

2.0
5.0
MATH121
Feb 24, 2004

I found her to not be helpful i was intimidated to ask questions in her class she was not helpful and i thought very unhelpful, I struggle with math and she was not helpful in the least i ended up retaking it. Livengood is much better! More encouraging!

3.0
3.0
MATH121
Feb 25, 2004

Seemed to highly favor a certain type of person- I never felt comfortable with her. Otherwise, an ok teacher

5.0
2.0
MTH081
Apr 27, 2004

Very nice, very open to questions. Moves the class quickly but gives lots of time to go over homework. Can be a big stickler about things like turning in work late, but overwise seems very flexible. I really enjoyed her, would take her again.

1.0
5.0
MATH121
Apr 30, 2004

Horrible, just horrible. She definitely only favors one type of student and she moves waaay too fast. Out of my class of 30, only about 10 stayed in the class.

5.0
3.0
MATH121
May 10, 2004

I really liked her a lot. I thought she was a realyl sweet teacher and if you did your homeowork you were fine in the tests. If you have any questions she will go through example.

4.0
4.0
MATH131
Jul 14, 2004

She a Very smart instructor.too bad no partial credits on tests and quizzes. It's very easy to get 0 in her quiz tho.

3.0
5.0
MATH131
Aug 24, 2004

Very hard...failed the first time and took another teacher and did better. her voice still rings in my head!

5.0
3.0
MATH131
Aug 30, 2004

I liked her a lot, she was very clear and organized. She can move pretty fast if you don't speak up when you need her to go over stuff again, but if you ask questions she is very patient and sweet. Tough trader but I'd definitely take her again!

1.0
5.0
MATH131
Sep 20, 2004

She is very mean, very cold. Will not double-explain if you don't understand the first time. AVOID THIS TEACHER. She single-handedly ruined a perfect report card. If I get three A's in other classes, but an F in hers, there's something wrong.

2.0
4.0
MATH131
Nov 1, 2004

Her tests are easy, but they are really lengthy, so its really hard to finish it on time.. She doesnt give any partial credit on the quizzes or tests.. there is a quiz almost every day...

1.0
4.0
MATH082
Mar 14, 2005

This teach is the worst teacher i have ever had. She does not give any partial credit and her test are very long, so its hard to finish. You get about 2 quizes a week. I fught with her all the time. Take sewing before you take this class

4.0
3.0
MATH082
Mar 15, 2005

She was a pretty good teacher in my opinion. Went through all the subject matter pretty good and took time with questions and help. The only thing that really got to me was, for tests and quizzes, almost no partial credit was given. The whole problem would be considered wrong for a simple error.

2.0
5.0
MATH082
Mar 16, 2005

When reviewing our old tests for the final, I discovered errors she made regarding my test grades and showed them to her. What did she say? "It's too late." Our class got plenty of zeros on the past couple quizzes and she didn't go over them before the test which plenty failed.

5.0
4.0
MATH131
Apr 14, 2005

I thought Mrs. Nickell was a great teacher. She is very organized, and if you ask her questions she is more than willing help you. If you do the homework it is fairly easy to get a good grade.

4.0
4.0
MATH121
Apr 15, 2005

The class is equally hard no matter the teacher. I feel that she helped out a lot though, she would answer your questions and if you didn't understand she would go over it with you again.

1.0
5.0
MATH082
May 3, 2005

Its amazing they let this teacher still teach. I have never had such an aweful teacher. I gave her all bad reports, not because I'm mean, becuase she is terrible. Quizes are really hard, test are rediulous and there is no half credit. Take her if you want to fail the class like the 70% that do.

2.0
5.0
MATH079
Jun 10, 2005

very difficult class. she's a nice lady but her tests are very difficult and her quizzes are very hard. I suggest picking some other teacher because it's almost impossible to pass her class.in my class almost everyone failed.

1.0
5.0
MATH121
Jul 30, 2005

There is a PROFICIENCY TEST that you have to take, and you hagve to receive an 80% or better on the profiency test before taking any regualar tests in the class. You can have 3 tries to pass the PROFICIENCY TEST. If you don't pass it then she drops/fails you from the class! She is a ridicuosly hard teacher, and Very Very few, pass her class.

1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Oct 23, 2005

I dont know how some of these math teachers keep their jobs at COD. She is so hard it is crazy! Tests and quizes are way to hard. Here is a stat for you...in the math 082 class I took, out of 35 students, 4 passes the class. You tell me!

5.0
4.0
MATH1321
Nov 7, 2005

She explains concepts very well, willing to help & give extra attention out of class. Tests are difficult, but they are harder if you take this independently. If you do the assignments (not graded), come to class with ?? (she will take the time to answer ?? at the beginning of every class), you will pass this class without a problem.

1.0
5.0
MATH1121
Jan 25, 2006

Take her if you want to fail miserably, like a slow death, she encouraged students to keep working when she never intended to pass any of us. only 2 in a class of 23 passed. We all worked hard, she should not be teaching. She does not teach, she fails students. She is a waste of your time and money. Take the class at another school.

1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Jan 31, 2006

Very hard class, tests are way to hard and long. Very nice teacher though.

1.0
5.0
0482
Apr 29, 2006

One word is all that is needed, terrible. Do not take her.

5.0
2.0
MATH0482
May 16, 2006

She's a great teacher when it comes to the material and helping students, the only thing is that a lot of the students don't ask questions when it needs to be asked and thats why they fail

5.0
2.0
MATH0481
May 16, 2006

She was very nice. Just do the work like in any other math class and youll be fine. Gave many quizzes which if you get 10 perfect10's it adds up to a test grade!! she has 5 tests and drops the lowest grade. Always willing to slow down for the class. Very nice and sweet lady. Take her, you'll do fine. i got a B. I never get b's in MATH!!!!

1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Jun 20, 2006

Class was not structured well at all. Went through the work quickly.

5.0
3.0
MATH1321
Jan 5, 2007

I thought she was great! This course covered a lot of material, but there was plenty of time to cover everything before the tests. She took time for questions during every class. The real problem is that most students weren't prepared to take a class at this level. This is a class for future teachers and I'm glad it weeds out the unprepared.

4.0
2.0
MATH1428
Jan 16, 2007

she was alright..if you need help then she's willing to help you...lots of quizzes so attendance is pretty important...sometimes she puts things on tests when we didnt cover it or she puts a problem similiar to something that we learned but 10x harder.. i hated that!!

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Jan 30, 2007

Wonderful teacher if you're there to learn. If you're expecting an easy class then she's not the teacher for you (college math probably isn't for you either). I took her honors 1431 and it wasn't much more difficult than I could image the non-hon class. She drops a test and a good chunk of quizzes, which helps :) Great teacher

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Mar 17, 2007

Ms. Nickell is a GREAT teacher - don't believe the other postings. She is very helpful, the pace of the class is perfect, and she encourages you to ask questions. She goes through each problem step-by-step, so that everyone can follow. She is also available for out-of-class help. Do your HW, pay attention, and you'll do fine.

5.0
4.0
MATH1431
May 22, 2007

Great Professor! She lets you drop a test! She tends to give out a quiz almost everyday. She only keeps 10 quizzes. I enjoyed her class. I would take her again. Theres one bad thing.. I found myself spending a lot of time on math.

4.0
3.0
MATH1431
May 30, 2007

If you are a good student, she's a total sweetheart. The comments from the 0482 people should be taken with a grain of salt; as they probably wrote their reviews in a fit of rage. She's very helpful when you visit her at her office for extra help. I highly recommend this professor.

1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Oct 8, 2007

Just a bad teacher and a really mean cold harted person. She told me that i should just stop attending after I failed the first two test, but I got help from someone else besides her and much to my surprise I passed to final test and got a b in the class. Just retire already and leave the school you are no help to people.

5.0
2.0
MATH0481
Dec 11, 2007

Very good teacher. I was never good at math in highschool...i always falied. in this class, if you try hard you will succeed. She is a great teacher, very sweet and nice. She is willing to help those who putforth effort in her class. TAKE HER CLASSES!

5.0
1.0
MATH0481
Dec 11, 2007

She is an excellent teacher. She is very brillant, and she knows how to teach math to those who don't understand math too well. The people who bash her on here are probabily tho ones who don't show up to class and don't care about their GPA. Seriously, she is such a great teacher...she's the best math teacher i've ever had.

5.0
5.0
MATH1431
Dec 18, 2007

Difficult class, but she is willing to help you if you ask for it.

5.0
4.0
MATH1431
Jan 12, 2008

Kathy is a great teacher. Before her class, I have always struggled with math overall, and she's willing to help you with whatever you need. It's an easy class if you show up every day. She reviews a lot and never moves on until all questions are answered. I was lucky to have her for the honors course. Anyone else, and I would have failed.

2.0
5.0
MATH1431
Apr 22, 2008

she is not nice at all. Wrost math prof. i've had at cod, and not clear at all. it doesn't seem like she has any passion for the subject in the least bit. i had her for an 8 am class last semster and i STRUGGLED to stay awake during her lectures. AVOID!!

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Apr 30, 2008

Ms. Nickell is very helpful and reasonable as the semester progresses. Spends class time taking questions and keeping everyone up to par. Extremely nice, and very down to Earth!

1.0
5.0
MATH1431
May 7, 2008

this teacher canot teacher. these previous ratings looks like her own ratings-beware!!Umm she is NOT at all to down to earth!! i have never seen her smile or even laugh really. She is a old lady who is working only for money, she would care less about her students, she is a very hard and unfair grader.

2.0
5.0
MATH1431
May 13, 2008

She is very unclear-cannot explain. A cold-hearted teacher who only wants the money and doesn't give a dam about her students.A word to the wise-go find someone else!!

5.0
2.0
MATH0482
Aug 6, 2008

Ms. Nickell was an AMAZING teacher!! She was extremely helpful and very generous. Attendance is NOT mandatory. She does give a homework assignment every night but she does not require you to do it; however, she does go over the homework every day and makes sure EVERYONE understands it. She's a very easy teacher to talk to and get help from.

1.0
5.0
MATH0481
Aug 19, 2008

WORST TEACHER EVER!!! She is not a understanding teacher. I believe she's only there to make the money. She's not friendly AT ALL. On top of that she's not helpful. Many students dropped out... AVOID!

1.0
5.0
ELEMELEM
Feb 21, 2009

This was the worst Teacher i have ever had in my life. I took her class so she can help me become a better teacher. I was always an A student from math, and i failed her class. She made me hate teaching even though my projects were always done and presentation-teaching project was outstanding. I think she cares less about ones future plans. Useless

2.0
3.0
MATH1321
Apr 29, 2009

This was one of the worst teachers that I have had so far. She does not explain the subjects clearly and I felt like I was taking an independent course. I could read the actual text book and undersand what was being taught better then she could of explained it in class.

5.0
2.0
MATH1431
May 14, 2009

Not sure Why the others say she a bad teacher because she really isn't. She starts every class going over the assined homework, and even goes back to previous assinments. They way she explains things on the boards is very straight foreward and she will go back and explain even the very basics if you got yourself confused. Good teacher all in all

2.0
5.0
MATH1431
May 23, 2009

you can show up to class everyday and ask more questions than any other student and she will still not pass you. DO NOT TAKE HER.. she does not care about her students.

2.0
4.0
MATH0481
Oct 1, 2009

The worst college math teacher I've ever had. She's not the one to take if you struggle with math. She does not have a lesson plan, any notes that are even worth you writing down, difficult tests & uses questions from the book in order to teach, if you'd even call it that. She also "teaches" too fast. Our class has told her many times to slow down.

2.0
3.0
MATH1428
Oct 8, 2009

doesn't know how to teach

2.0
5.0
MATH0481
Nov 10, 2009

The worst teacher I have ever had. Does not care about the student only about getting a pay check.

3.0
3.0
MATH0481
Nov 19, 2009

I am in her class.. tht's y i m telling u guys true things about her.. she goes fast in class, she wouldn't wait for anybody if someone fall behind. she just goes on wht she is doing and wait for 50 min. to end. worst teacher.. DON'T TAKE IF U DONT WANT F ON YOUR REPORT CARD

1.0
5.0
MATH1321
Dec 2, 2009

horrible! took her twice and failed twice! goes to fast. test's are bogus! not very helpful. every time we start the class with about 30 and end with numbers in the teens! dont take her! you will fail! she messed up my GPA and now i have to redo many yrs of math!

1.0
5.0
MATH0481
Dec 23, 2009

AWFUL, AWFUL teacher. No available extra credit, hard tests, daily quizzes that are impossible to get 100% on. I think she genuinely tries to make her students fail. She has no study guide for the test, her review before the test isn't even worth attending. If you take her, you will regret it.

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Jan 3, 2010

Great teacher! Always answers questions and makes sure you understand...she looks for you to register, or explains it some other way if you're not getting it.

2.0
3.0
MATH0481
Jan 14, 2010

She is so tan! And her teaching is not horrible but not the best. She speeds through everything. And when she slows down she speeds righback up. She does not collect homework but her tests are like 15 Q. which sucks bc she makes them like 7 points a peice... so if you get one wrong... that sucks. i would not take her ever again to be honest.

5.0
2.0
MATH1431
Mar 18, 2010

Great teacher, shes a mah teacher, so a lot of the bad reviews on here probably come from people who didnt ask questions or are bad at math. She always answers questions in class, even if it takes the whole period. She is always willing to help you and will go out of her way to do so. Tests are very easy, quizes can get hard but dont count much.

1.0
5.0
MATH0481
Apr 27, 2010

She is the worst math teacher I have ever had in my entire life. I do not recommend her to anyone. She teaches extremely fast and gives quizzes and tests that are impossible to pass. I tried so hard in her class- went to the math assistance center, got a tutor, and did all homework and still wasn't able to pass. Not a very pleasant person either.

5.0
4.0
PREC1431
Jul 29, 2010

Professor Nickell is dedicated to the field of Math. You have to attend class and do the work. You get out of this class what you put into it. She is available and uses student friendly texts. I would take her again. Professor Nickell answers all questions.

2.0
5.0
MATH1428
Oct 31, 2010

sticks to her way of teaching and when you ask for help she tells you in so many words it's your own problem. Unless you're good at teaching math to yourself don't take this professor.

4.0
4.0
MATH0481
Nov 30, 2010

She teaches very quickly, but is usually more than happy to go over something again....to a certain point. She seems to get annoyed after a while and then shoos everyone to the math assistance center. Other than that, I would say Professor Nickell is really nice. Just make sure you show up and put some effort into the class.

5.0
2.0
MATH0482
Mar 17, 2011

She's really nice, and constantly offers help to students. If you dont know whats going on, ASK! She makes room in the schedule for extra days to review in class if she believes the class isnt on top of their game for the next test.

2.0
5.0
MATH1431
May 15, 2011

She gives NO partial credit. Her tests are hard and on them she only has a few questions that are worth 10 points. If you get one little thing wrong the WHOLE answer is marked wrong. She answers questions but they are still confusing. She gives out quizzes almost everyday you're in class.

5.0
3.0
MATH0482
May 18, 2011

best math teacher i have ever had at COD. if u come to class daily,and do the homewrk there is no reason u should not pass. this is college right?

1.0
4.0
MATH1321
Oct 26, 2011

Horrible! Teaches straight out of the book, does not engage you at all. Shes just there for a paycheck.Does not care about her students. Please stay away, unless you are good enough at math to learn it on your own. I am a good student but just don't have patience for this professor. This professor brought down my motivation a ton.Very frustrating.

2.0
4.0
MATH1428
Nov 5, 2011

absolutely the worst math teacher i have ever had. she gives quizzes almost everyday. tests every 2 week. she goes through material wayYY TO FAST. AND she does not let you make up any tests or quizzes. if you really need someone to explain math to you in depth DO NOT PICK THIS TEACHER. i honestly dont even know how she is one

3.0
4.0
MATH1428
Nov 8, 2011

If your not good at math do NOT take her! She goes way too fast and does not explain the material properly at all, its like she expects you to get it or know it right away. Shes nice but has a very strict policy does not bend the rule.The final exam, test, and quizzes make up all of the points in the class, which makes it hard to pass.

2.0
4.0
MATH1428
Nov 10, 2011

She is not a good teacher. Nice but does not know how to teach. She does not let you withdraw after the general withdrawel date(a month into the class), so you have to stay and fail the class if you are not doing well, and that just ruins your GPA. if you are looking to do well in this class and are not strong at math take another professor.

3.0
4.0
MATH1428
Dec 7, 2011

She teaches whats in the book. Its dry and vague. the only thing that helps is doing the homework. She shows up early and goes over any question you have though. If your someone who learns from the book youll be fine. Harsh grader though. All points off if its not all correct and her tests are only 10-20 q's with normally 10 pt q's.

3.0
5.0
MATH1321
Jan 18, 2012

Despite the Course name, this is too difficult for elementary students (converting base numbers, lattice, quadratics, etc.) Too many problem solving projects which are almost impossible to solve.

5.0
5.0
MATH0481
Jan 25, 2012

Mrs. Nickell is a great professor. She is hard but you learn a lot if you come to class and do the work. She is a nice person too.

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Jan 28, 2012

The best professor I have ever had. She truly cares about her students and goes the extra mile.

5.0
3.0
MATH1321
Jan 28, 2012

She is a very nice person and goes out of her

5.0
4.0
MATH0481
Jan 28, 2012

If you come to class and do the homework you will do well. Mrs. Nickell is really challenging but you learn.

5.0
4.0
MATH1321
Jan 28, 2012

Wonderful professor.....I actually learned for the first time.

5.0
4.0
MATH1431
Jan 29, 2012

Prof. Nickell treated us like college students. She is always available for help and her lectures were great but there is no extra credit and little partial credit. She is hard but you learn.

5.0
3.0
MATH0481
Jan 30, 2012

Excellent instructor and nice person. She goes the extra mile to help. Best math teacher I have had.

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Jan 30, 2012

Hard hard hard!!!

3.0
4.0
MATH0481
Mar 20, 2012

If you are not good at math do NOT take her. She makes an effort to help but constantly tests you. Grade based off tests. I am not good at math and I failed terribly.

5.0
4.0
MATH1321
May 10, 2012

An excellent instructor and really cares. Best math teacher ever!

5.0
4.0
MATH1321
May 18, 2012

Excellent professor. She cares and can teach.

5.0
1.0
MATH0482
Jun 6, 2012

Honestly shes not bad at all. The only reason people leave bad feedback is because theyre typically LAZY freshman who cant do the work. I took her for 0481,0482,and 1431. I was able to get A's in all 3 classes. Do the hw, and take notes. Be sure to study for the quizzes, she only takes the top 10 scores for the quiz grade. Quizzes are the final.

5.0
1.0
MATH0481
Nov 19, 2012

shes one of the best teachers ive EVER had. she makes sure to help you until you are able to understand the information. she is always reminding us to call her or go to her office if we ever need help. she puts a lot of effort into what she teaches and makes math pleasing to learn. take her! =)

3.0
4.0
MATH1431
Dec 24, 2012

Im sorry but I dont recommend her. She cares about helping u but IN EVERY QUIZ and TEST she never put the basics from the textbook! If u arent a strong exam taker, stay away! SHE TWISTED AND COMPLICATED EVERY PROBLEM!I made 5 friends in my class and only 1 passed with an A and he LIVED in the math resource center :/ beware my friends.

3.0
5.0
MATH1431
Mar 29, 2013

Her exams are death. Do not take her. She is willing to help outside of class but there are 2 quizzes every week and tests are nothing like the problems in the book.

3.0
5.0
MATH1102
May 9, 2013

Do not take if you have a hard time in math. She teaches so fast and does not explain how she gets her answers unless you ask. gives quizzes all the time and they are hard as hell. as well as the test. if you want to suceed with her, you must do homework assigned every night and go to math resource everyday!

3.0
5.0
MATH1431
Aug 3, 2013

STAY AWAY! If your looking for a class that wont stess you to death, find someone else cuz this class is hard. Banchee Nickell is helpful outside of class, but her exams are soooo HARD!

5.0
3.0
MATH0482
Apr 30, 2014

I enjoyed this class a lot. She teaches at a fast pace so if you don't do homework or you don't go to class you will fall behind. She is willing to help you outside of class but it is up to you to do the homework (it's not collected or graded) and be in class. If you're lazy or don't like to come to class then this is not the class for you.

2.0
4.0
0482
May 14, 2014

She doesn't know what she's talking about. More then half the time a student corrected her answers. Her quizzes are not at all like the homework or what we do in class and when you go in for help before a test, she goes over nothing that will be on the test. She's nice but doesn't know what she's doing. There are better.

5.0
2.0
MATH0482
Grade: A
May 15, 2014

She's a great teacher and I almost didn't take her because of some reviews, and boy are they wrong! She's VERY helpful, clear, and reviews what will be on quizzes and tests. She goes over things quickly but DO go over the chapter a little before going to class. That's what I did and I got 100 on two tests. Don't be lazy, basically and actually TRY.

4.0
3.0
MATH1431
Nov 20, 2014

If you played a drinking game where you drank everytime she smiled, you'd be the most sober person in the world! All joking aside, very clear lectures. Basically take notes in class, do all the problems you can at home, and should be an easy A. Very helpful when you ask questions. Quizzes are sorta tough, but tests are SUPER easy, IF you study.

3.0
5.0
MATH1431
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 16, 2014

Prof. Nickell gives really clear lectures. Between her and the book I gained a better understanding of math than I have ever had. Unfortunately her tests are pretty near impossible. At least 60% were getting below 50% on them. She teaches the concepts well but doesn't teach how to apply them to more difficult problems. Good teacher, difficult tests

5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Dec 17, 2014

Prof Nickell is a fantastic instructor. She really cares about her students and if you come to class and do the homework you will succeed.

5.0
4.0
1431
Dec 17, 2014

An excellent professor. She is very nice and care about the students. If you work hard you will do well. Prof. Nickell is the best math teacher I have ever had.

5.0
3.0
0481
Dec 17, 2014

She is awesome. Really helpful and I actually learned math for the first time. Take her!

5.0
4.0
1431
Dec 17, 2014

Excellent professor. The best math teacher I have ever had. She really cares!

5.0
3.0
1421
Jan 12, 2015

She's a great professor willing to help you at all times! She keeps the time and flow of the course very strictly. But you can always see her at her office and get help from her.

3.0
3.0
0482
May 5, 2015

She is an ok teacher but students have to constantly correct her on many problems. She isn't a very happy person and she can get upset if you ask too many questions. I wouldn't recommend taking this class, lots of homework and I mean alot of homework, almost everynight.

3.0
4.0
1431
Grade: C
Jun 9, 2015

I didn't miss 1 class and took notes every moment possible. Considering I took this class in high school I thought I could get away with skipping hw (it's never collectedgraded) and I ended up with a C. 5 tests (100 points each), several quizes ( totalling to 100 points), and final exam (200 points). Expect lots of hw. If you slack you won't pass

5.0
3.0
1451
Grade: A
Aug 6, 2015

Kathy was a great teacher! I was kind of the fence about what to expect based on the reviews BUT she does not move on until all of the class are comfortable with the criteria at hand!! Its math.. its going to require a ton of extra time, put the time in, study SMART, and listen to her and you'll do well!!

5.0
3.0
1432
Grade: A+
Oct 22, 2015

I had not taken a math class in 10 years and this was my refresher I was very impressed with how she was able to comprehensively teach all of the subjects, the first week of class I had to be reminded of the order of operations (yea it was that bad) after taking her class I was ready to continue with a firm foundation

1.0
5.0
MATH0481
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 7, 2015

WARNING! The only things that is graded are the Super long tests and quizzes. No homework points, no participation points, no attendance points and no extra credit what so ever. If you fail two tests you cant pass. Just do yourself a favor and go with someone else.

3.0
5.0
PREC1431
Grade: D
Dec 4, 2015

She's smart and usually really nice but there's so much homework and you only get graded on tests and quizzes which are really hard and make it really hard to pass, only missed class once or twice and fell WAY behind and you can't make anything up

5.0
3.0
MATH0482
May 16, 2016

She is a great teacher and explains the material very well. You really shouldn't skip class. You go over a new section everyday. She is always there to help you if you need it. Her syllabus is not handed out like other teachers, you need to go online to get it.

2.0
5.0
MATH0482
Grade: D+
May 23, 2016

You could tell that she seems to care about the course material in the way she describes it. Unfortunately, the way that she "teaches" some of this material is very tough for some students understand. Doesn't grade homework, VERY long test, Quizzes weekly. Overall would not reccomend.

3.0
4.0
MATH1431
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jul 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Professor clearly knows the material and acts like you should know it as well. All semester she claimed that each chapter should be a review. They are not. She goes over easy problems during class and puts harder questions on test that make it nearly impossible to pass. If you are not very good at math do not take her.

1.0
5.0
MATH1431
Grade: C
Jul 25, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I took this course over the summer over an 8 week period. Test and quizzes are the only thing that go toward your grade. There is no partial credit for quizzes and she extremely skimpy on the partial credit for test. When lecturing class and assigning homework she chooses easy problems then complicated ones ones on tests and quizzes. Don't do it.

2.0
4.0
PREC1431
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 3, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I started this course in August and right now in early October of the semester. I already got a F on the first test and barely a D on the second test. She is a nice teacher. She knows the material, however, she expects the students to know the material. She always references other classes like 0482. She only goes over the much simpler problems.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Oct 5, 2016
Would take again

She is an excellent teacher! You will work hard and learn a lot. She definitely knows her material.

Gives good feedback
Respected
5.0
3.0
MATH0482
Oct 5, 2016
Would take again

Mrs. Nickell is the best math teacher I have ever had. She really cares about her students.

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH0482
Oct 5, 2016
Would take again

Amazing math professor!

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Grade: F
Oct 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Extremely hard grader Puts super hard problems on the test. Expects you to know the material if you don't go in for extra help you will fail I picked this class at random because I signed up late do not be like me if you are reading this do not take this class with her instructing it. She does not give any partial credit on quizzes and test's

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Grade: A
Oct 18, 2016
Would take again

This is not an easy class, you have to do homework! I took her class over the summer and she suggested that we spend around 4 hours for homework everyday. I did that and got an A on every single test. Most problems are from the textbook. If you do EVERY problem you'll know how to do EVERY problem on the tests and quizzes. Do not fall behind.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Worse teacher I ever had. Please if you are reading this do not choose this professor. She gives no partial credit and cares only about herself and not her students.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PREC1431
Nov 27, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Detailed Review: PART 1 This is a 16 week course that I started in late August. It is now late November. To first note, I love math. I've been a person who has done well in math, as in an A or B average student. I've, even, taken a Pre-Calculus class in HS senior year. I got a high B.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
MATH1431
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2016
Wouldn't take again

When I was in class was trying my very best to study and understand the material. She relates back to material that we cover over in math 0482,but everything to her that she teaches she says is suppose to be a review to us even if its new material. She just goes over questions in class. Doesn't actually teach you

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
3.0
4.0
PREC1431
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Nickell is a very sweet lady & was always willing to help before & after class. She was very helpful when you made the effort to get extra help. On the other hand, she is a very tough grader and most students complained about her grading. She explains material fairly quick and gives basic examples. All in all, she makes you work very hard.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
4.0
PREC1431
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I realized this from the teacher: she is very flimsy on partial credit. She gives barely to none on tests. I the most recent test, I got the set-up right and steps until the last one that got my answer wrong. She took all 5 points worth of it. On a problem that I wrote the wrong variable (X instead of y) she takes off 1 whole pt on 5pt problem.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PREC1431
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She expects you to know the lesson because she always refers to things that we "should" have learned before in a different math class. She doesn't really teach it to learn it, she more teaches the lesson as a review rather than a brand new concept. Easy home work problems, complex and difficult test problems ! Just take another teacher!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
MATH0482
Grade: B-
Apr 28, 2017
Would take again

Mrs. Nickell is a wonderful professor. If you come to class and do the homework you will get a good grade. She is the best.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
2.0
MATH0482
Apr 28, 2017
Would take again

The best math prof ever . . . . she really cares about her students.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Apr 28, 2017
Would take again

She is so nice and cares about her students. I wish I had Mrs. Nickell in high school. I finally understand math!!

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH0482
Apr 28, 2017
Would take again

If you come to class and do the homework you will get a good grade.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
5.0
MATH0482
Apr 28, 2017
Would take again

Prof. Nickell is the best math teacher I have ever had. She cares.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
MATH0482
Grade: C+
May 11, 2017
Would take again

She cares so much about you.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
MATH0482
Grade: A
May 19, 2017
Would take again

I totally don't agree with any of these negative comments and I'm glad I took her class. Absolutely sweet and caring. She wants you to understand the subject matter and is more than willing to give you her time. Many quizzes. Almost daily homework that you don't have to turn in. Very fair grader - will give partial credit based on work. TAKE HER!

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2018
Would take again

She would spend about 20 minutes at the start of every class answering questions and making sure we understood the previous lesson we learned. There were a lot of quizzes but only the 10 best scores were counted. The final was a bit long for the short time we had but was manageable. The grade you get on your final replaces your lowest test grade

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
Would take again
1.0
4.0
MATH1431
Mar 6, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Professor Nickell was not a good math teacher at all. I went from having A's and B's last semester to having D's and F's in her class this semester. She doesn't actually teach material, she just reviews questions that people had from the homework assignments. Her tests are super hard and she doesn't give partial credit. Its either right or wrong.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
MATH1431
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Nickell is a terrible math teacher! the only points in the class are for quizzes and tests. she puts the hardest problems on the testquizzes and she does not give partial credit. so unless you can do math perfectly and not make any mistake its impossible to it a good score on the test or quiz. Take a different teacher or you will regret it!

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Apr 13, 2018
Would take again

Mrs. Nickell is rigorous but fair. If you do your work and come to class you will get an A or B.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Apr 13, 2018
Would take again

Great professor.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
MATH1431
Apr 13, 2018
Would take again

I would take her for every math course.

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
4.0
MATH1431
Jun 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

ummm Just please don't take her! Calls out students by name to answer problems, who does that in college!? won't lecture, instead would ask students to go over 30-40ish h.w problems and ask questions if we can't figure out ourselves. I paid for what then? Also, pretty rude tbh. If you can Math yourself, take her. Otherwise, happy hunting!

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
MATH1431
Jul 20, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Don't take her class. All I'm going to say is that there were two people left in the class after the drop deadline. That says enough.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
PREC1431
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I highly advise you dont take her if you care about your grade. She only grades you on test and quizzes, and no Partial credit on either of them. She doesnt teach, she just goes over the book. By the end of the semester there was only 5 People left in the class

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PREC1431
Dec 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

More than half of the class is going over homework problems. She reads from the book for 20 min for the lesson on that day and that's it. YouTube is a better teacher than her which is very difficult to accomplish. Terrible teacher. Avoid her at all costs.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
1.0
3.0
MATH1431
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Probably the worst teacher I have ever taken. She doesn't explain anything. She makes more mistakes teaching that the students. She skips steps while solving problems and doesn't explain what shes doing, almost like shes doing it in her head. The worst teacher ever. Your better off teaching yourself.

1.0
5.0
MATH1431
Jul 31, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Do not Take Professor Nikel! YOU will lose your money and your time.

Skip class? You won't pass.
So many papers
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
MATH1431
Grade: C
Aug 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Before taking her class I was a straight a studet.I took her 1431 course over the summer and received a c in the course. There are 5 total exams and 1 cumulative final. By the end of the course many people failed and many withdrew. She made many mistakes during lecture and was very hard grader. If you really want a tough Professor please take her.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH0482
Grade: F
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I took 0482 with Nickell and she is the most difficult professor i have ever had. She is a very hard greater and doesnt give much leeway for partial credit points. She tends to get upset when people ask questions in class that dont make sense to her. Her notes arent notes, theyre examples. You basically teach yourself in her classes.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Grade: D-
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I took her for math 0482, and would not recommend her to anyone. you might as well take an online math class. She is not easy to negotiate with and your efforts don't mean anything to her. She puts zero effort forth to help you and if you try to ask for help she treats you like your dumb. She only grades tests and quizzes and nothing else.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH0482
Jan 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Im normally an A student, she is by far the worst prof i have ever had, When you try to discuss things with her good luck because she will just get mad. Also found that when comparing my test to another students, we had the exact same answer but I was given no credit and they were given some. Told her, it never was changed! Very disorganized!

Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0482
Jan 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The first day I had her and I'm dropping her the second class. She seems like she may have dementia or something because she forgot almost all of the ways to do dimple algebra. She kept writing the problems wrong and did not respond quickly when we told what was wrong. By the end of class she was asking us what to do about the problems. Don't take

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
MATH1431
Feb 25, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I'm currently taking Math 2231 (Calc I) right now, but I had Professor Nickell last year for Math 1431. She was honestly one of the worst professors I've had at COD. She is a very harsh grader even though she messes up a lot while teaching. I currently have an A in Calc I but I ended up with a C in her Precalc class. I highly recommend to avoid.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH1431
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I was dropped due to non-payment. However, I asked to re-enroll to which she replied "I am no longer allowing students into my class." Keep in mind I was already in her class for 2 weeks so I don't know why she had an issue with allowing me back in. Overall she is not sympathetic at all, especially during these tough times.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

40%

Textbook Required

75%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C+

95% confidence
Based on 17 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (7)
A (4)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(3)C(4)D(10)F(2)A-/B+(0)
Based on 28 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 7
A: 4
Not sure yet: 4
C: 3
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (16)
Tough Grader (15)
TEST HEAVY (10)
Gives good feedback (10)
Amazing lectures (8)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (8)
Tough grader (8)
Caring (7)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.02 avg change
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Ratings by Course

1421

5.0

(1)

1432

5.0

(1)

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5.0

(1)

MTH081

5.0

(1)

0481

5.0

(1)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

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5.0

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5.0

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4.3

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