Excellent teacher

Great teacher-very interested in all students doing well and was very helpful-she provided notes and lectured; some folks complained, but they did so because she would not agree with their misinterpretations of history and would put folks in place if they got out of hand. Complainers about their grade never showed up for class anyway.

Excellent, Fabulous class. Hated history before her class. She is very excited about the material, relates it to what is going on in the world, and she allows students to use 1 page of notes on every exam.

She is a very good teacher. Very excited about the material. She said her test were hard, but they were easy if you study. If anyone fails her class they are morons...She allows a page full of notes, how can one fail with that?

Allows student made study guides during the exam; really demands a lot of reading and wants students to make column notes for the study guide. She is nice and helpful and wants students to do well.

ALOT OF READING! She uses the text, a supplemental reader and articles. I hated the supplemental reader at first, but then I loved it because it was very clear to understand-reads like a story. Okay class, but had a lot of rude students in it. Not an easy A , but if you read and make the study guides you can use on the exam. She is helpful.

Lots of reading in her classes and she puts a lot of the students to really think about what is important material-don't expect this to be a high school class where she tells you what you are supposed to think. She spends a lot of time teaching how to comprehend the readings and how to use column notes to pull out main ideas and important details

Best Professor Ever!

a good teacher overall. do NOT expect an easy A. Come to class, take notes, read, make 2 column notes. do test corrections if given the opportunity. You have to work for your grade but she is very entertaining & helpful. Loved having her as a teacher.

Mrs. Vallely ROCKS as a professor-she loves history and is very excited about what she is teaching. She requires a lot of reading, 2 column notes, and her exams require students to apply the content. She allows full credit for exam corrections, but they take a lot of work. She also offers extra credit in you read a novel.

Lazy students BEWARE! Mrs. V is an excellent instructor, but be prepared to work and keep your nose to the grindstone. She won't give you your grade-you have to earn it. She is fair and offers every opportunity to make an A, but you have to want it!

Lots of reading....homework assignments focus on reading comprehension stragegies...good class..take it

She teachers content....not the book so any good secondary source will work just fine...wants students to think critically...like a historian....not interesed in making you lear tons of dates...uses lots of primary soures and reading comp srategies....I learned alot...much more than a high school course...felt like strategies would help in class

I took HIS 121 online during Fall 2013. The course is laid out very logically and all required items are placed in folders and labeled with due dates. People who take online courses need to be responsible and mature. This was one of the best online courses I have had a Calhoun. She was flexible with submissions; lots of the chances to resubmit.

Easy course if you keep up with weekly assignments. Assignments are VERY CLEARLY presented and all due dates are visible. If you fail this course or drop it, it is because you are just an idiot and probably extraordinarily lazy and feel entitled to an A since you paid for the course!

Mrs. Vallely is NOT an easy / push over instructor. That being said, she is not a flaky teacher and expects students to act like they are actually out of high school-she makes us read, write, and participate. While her class is more demanding than others, in the long run it is worth it because you actually leave having learned something.

Excellent instructor particularly if you want to do more than read the book and take the tests / answer questions using the book software. Lots of different activities that required bringing together lots of information (i.e. ancient world matrix project). The class was very organized - everything is laid out in Modules. Video lecture and notes.

GREAT CLASS! Don't take it if you want to be a couch potato. Lots of reading and lots of work learning how to analyze primary sources. It was a very demanding class, but I actually feel smarter after having taken it - I feel like I am learning to think versus being told what to think. She does not teach the textbook - she teaches content.

Great online course - very organized - she is flexible with late submissions. Course has units with individual modules in each unit. Very few quizzes - mostly projects and unit exams. Unit exams will cover everything in each unit including videos, activities etc. She does not use the publisher software / questions. A used book works fine. Nice

She is over all a great teacher. She can be long winded and prepare for pop quizes and read your text book

Really great course. Focuses on "thinking like a historian" and teaches how to approach information - primary sources. You can use notes on ALL EXAMS! But, be prepared for a full exam that covers content and primary sources. Very nice lady.

The instructor wants her students to succeed and to leave class with more than they entered. She allows the use of all notes, the text, etc. for EVERY class, but even so, you better be prepared. Its easy to tell that that she loves history, but does not take herself too seriously. She hates texting language. She might also be an English teach.

Activities versus exams; she uses lots of primary sources that you have to read and write about , textbook, articles, and videos. If you stay on top of things you will have no worries. If you are unorganized you won't like this class. She is very approachable.

Lots of activities versus textbook software. Yes, lots to do, but I actually learned stuff instead of memorizing and regurgitating. Even let us resubmit items if we screwed up. Would taker her again.

Short and sweet: Leah Vallely ROCKS and if you can take her class - DO IT!

Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous. One of the nicest and friendliest people on the campus - goes out of her way to help out

She is a full time instructor - not an adjunct. Let's you bring notes for all exams. Teaches you how to analyze historical documents and she teaches from an "ordinary Americans" perspective. Would definitely suggest taking a class from her. You will have to work, but you will leave class having learned a lot.

Just started this class, but so far, encourages use of all notes, assigned readings, & using each other for all assignments. Very clear assignment sheets. Seems to be more interested in helping students learn big concepts and historical interpretations versus a bunch of minutia that will be forgotten the minute the test is over. Heavy reading.

Reading is required. Ties together readings, videos, online articles & assignments. Due dates are clear. Assignment sheet given for each module. Requires not taking using 2 Column Note outline - she provides - but this can be used for all quizzes, exams. Quizzes and Exam questions are fair bc they come directly from assignments. Two thumbs up

Prof. Vallely gives a weekly assignment sheet that lays out every thing that is due each week. The course has weekly modules that require chapter readings, primary source analysis, short videos and quiz. If you want to learn something then take this class. If you want to just get a grade using publisher software, don't take it.

You have to work to earn an A in this class. Too many students think "oh, its Calhoun - it will be an joke class . Mrs. V. is not a "cut and paste" professor. you have to complete notes, submit assignments, learn about primary sources, review video lectures and work hard to do well. If you want easy grade, try a Sally Struthers program.

Fantastic - cares about student success. Let me borrow her textbook until mine showed up in the mailbox. Will take her for part 2.

In my opinion, Mrs. Vallely is an amazing teacher and she makes history fun! She does give you a lot of information for each module, but a majority of the articles, online links, graphs, and paperwork actually benefit you during homework. Her test can be a challenge, but if you study for her tests, then you will do fine!

Always made herself available. Does not teach factoids. Focuses on historical thinking, change and continuity and cause and effect. Adds supplemental reading. This is a class for people who want to use their brains and actually learn something. Don't take it the class if you are lazy and feel like you should get an A because you paid tuition.

Online class is SUPER organized. Class is divided into Units / Modules. Each module starts with an assignment sheet and tells you exactly what you have to do. Each module has a quiz - questions come from module activities, readings, videos. No surprises. If there is ever a BB issue / broken link, Mrs. V always gives us extra time .

This class is different from your typical history class because it is not a bunch of facts about different civilizations. The class approach is looking at the major features of civilizations and how they are connected and related. If you are looking for world history class this is it bc she does a good job looking at Eastern civilizations.

Love, Love, Love Ms. V. Super focused on students understanding the material; interesting and helps student see the "big picture." Wants students to "think historically" and learn how important evidence is to history. And, she is super nice and friendly.

Mrs. V is a blast. She is funny, thoughtful, and absolutely cares about her students. Teachers historical thinking skills, helps us understand how things way back have caused recent events. You can use notes on every test. There is a quiz every class - but - no big deal - they are just to make sure you are staying on track with reading...

FANTASTIC ONLINE COURSE! World History to 1450. Very organized. If you follow the weekly module assignments , it is easy to make an A. But, you HAVE to do the assignments. You won't pass her quizzes / exams if you don't do the work. She uses the textbook, but also provides lots of articles and short videos. Not a push over, but is nice.

Teachers American history as a sequence in one semester. You can take her 8 weeks (2 x week) early credit for U.S. History I and the next 8 weeks you can take her U.S. History II course (2 x week). You can finish your required 2 history classes in one semester if you sign up for her class!!! She is a great teacher - organized - really into it.

REALLY GOOD at making you enjoy history - even people who hate history loved this class. She tells you things about history you never learned in high school - focuses on ordinary people, class, race, and gender. Very balanced - tells good, the bad, and the ugly. AND, you take US I for 8 weeks, then US 2 for 8 weeks and be done in 1 semester.

Gives a quiz every day - but they are super easy and meant to get you to not miss class. Usually they are one question. Great lecturers, good storyteller and not afraid of hot topics. I loved being able to complete both history credits in one semester and classes are still only 2 days a week (2 hours instead of 1.5). She wants you to do well.

Excellent online class experience. organized. Modules post every week with clear assignments listed at the beginning of each module. Weekly quiz - 3 exams. Adds really interesting stuff - not just textbook assignments. Teaches you that history is not just details, but also is about historians interpret the past. Course is easy to navigate.

SUPER ORGANIZED class. Textbook readings and extra articles. Short videos. Has weekly assignments but they are not graded. BUT - do them, bc the tests / quizzes are built from the assignments. Does not use publisher software so you cant find answers on quizlet. BUT - class is NOT that hard -I actually learned a ton of stuff. Very global focus

Awesome teacher!

This is NOT a hard course. There are people in my class who whine about it because they can't fin test answers on QUIZLET. If you read the material (book, notes, power points) and watch the videos it is EASY to make an A.

This class is very straightforward. Requires a weekly quiz, weekly readings, and short videos. 3 exams. If you do the weekly modules on time, this is an easy A. . I took this class online, and Dr. V. helped me over Skype, the phone and in person when I had a question. She is even helping me with my transfer to Auburn. She is a great teacher

This is NOT a hard class. Weekly assignments always posted each Friday and we had 9 days to get the work done! 3 major units with different modules in each unit. Quizzes & assignments in each module. No reason not to make an A if you go in & do the weekly work. There are videos to complement textbook and articles - test questions made from them

Do the assigned work and course is a piece of cake. Extra credit is not needed if you do the weekly assignments which means reading and watching video lectures and doing the activities. Complainers in this class were just complete whiners and wanted an A without doing anything. She posts the assignments every week in plain sight .

LOVE HER!! REALLLY REALLY REALLY cares about her students. She comes across as super tough, but is one of the nicest teachers ive had a Calhoun. I tell everybody to take her class.

This class is totally organized into weekly modules. Each module requires assigned textbook readings (maybe 8 pages total), and some supplemental readings. The articles are NOT hard to read - but you do have to read! And, if read / pay attention to the objectives for each module, it is clear that all quiz questions are based on those! Love her!

She is SO GREAT!!! Calhoun is SO, SO LUCKY to have her as a faculty. I have learned SO MUCH in her class - she teaches us about "thinking historically" and historiography - how and why interpretations of history change over time. She does not focus on recall and identification of facts; it is all about critical thinking! Take her class!!!!!!

What I LOVE about her class! No traditional midterms or finals - we learn how about historiography, interpreting sources, and annotated bibliographies. For the first time, EVER, I LOVE history. And, I find what she is teaching SUPER informative and practical. Her 8 week seminar course is FANTASTIC!!!

I need more than the 350 allotted characters to be able to tell you about Dr. Vallely. She is phenomenal! This woman was born to teach history. I don't know how CCC was able to entice her to join its faculty, but WOW, what a feather in their cap. Her class is incredibly innovative and she is dedicated to her craft. She is an inspiration.

No midterms or finals in this course (I took her 8 week 201 and 202). You have to create an annotated bibliography - which she teaches you step by step. I would totally encourage anyone to take this class - and she teaches the timeline backwards. Starts with 2000 and goes back instead of starting at 1865.

This is a college class that prepares you for transfer to a 4 year university. You have to think, analyze, work independently, read, and actually study. If you don't wan't to work for an A, then don't take Ms. Vallely. So many students whine about her class because they just want a course that uses publisher software so they can use Quizlet.

FANTASTIC, EXCEPTIONAL, SUPER NICE. Seems scary until you actually go and meet her. She tutored me for free every week even though I was taking an online course. I made an A because she cared about my success. People are nuts if they say her class is not organized - I have taken 10 online courses and her class is one of the best.

She is organized, professional, and expects you to be an actual college student. I crack up and students who whine about her expecting us to use correct grammar, etc. when we use email. Duh - what are they thinking. If you miss a quiz / exam in her class, it is because you are an idiot and feel entitled. Ms. Vallely is one of my favorites.

Don't expect to be able to online quizzes / exams whenever it suits you. Everything is online, but she has specific dates and times for quizzes / exams. Plenty of time to take them, but you can't be hanging out on the beach and take your exam whenever you feel like it. Actually learned A LOT in this class - it is not memorizing a bunch of dates

I LOVED this class! Professor focuses on Historical Thinking / Historical Inquiry. We do lots of class discussions and she teaches students to understand historical processes instead of memorizing a bunch of dates and dead people. Weekly quizzes and an annotated bibliography are the major grades. No midterm and No final exam.

I have taken face to face and online courses at Calhoun. Face to face is ALWAYS better, more interesting, cheaper and it is easier to get an A. I LOVE Ms. Vallely. She cares about student success and is not hyper focused on making us memorize info and vomit it back out. She focuses on big themes and historical thinking. Take home exams.

SHE IS GREAT! TAKE HOME EXAMS THAT FOCUS EXACTLY ON WHAT WAS DONE IN CLASS. SHE IS NOT HYPER FOCUSED ON MEMORIZATION - EMPHASIS IS ON HISTORICAL THINKING.

If you are looking for a "publisher software" course that you can be half dead and do nothing in - than this course is not for you. This professor treats students as if they are actually in college - not some mickey mouse high school course. I took her course before going to Auburn and what a HUGE difference it made. She does make you work.

If you want to be a lazy student, don't take Mrs. V. If you want to make sure you can handle courses at a 4 year university, than you ought to take her class. The textbook is a reference. She has you read scholarly articles & cross reference information to gain an understanding of the "big picture." Had to work in this course - worth it though

The 12/3/18 review totally reveals that the student who took Mrs. V.'s class just wanted an easy A. First of all, using the word "subvert" is completely wrong and no, you can't "research" the quiz answers. The quiz questions are COMPLETELY tied to the learning objectives. So, if you actually pay attention to these and do the work - an A is easy!

Fantastic course. Fantastic teacher. Trains your brain to think historically, make connections, and understand change and continuity over time. This is not a class for someone who wants to find all of the answers on quizlet. Impossible to do this because she creates all of her own tests.

A GREAT teacher. And, for those of you know her teaching style, you should realize that this website is exactly the kind of thing she focuses on in her class - historical thinking and learning how to analyze a source ! She is not focused on factoids. The whole point of her classses is to engage in primary source analysis. Take her !

Show up, read assignments and its an easy A. You can use notes, etc. on all tests. The class focuses on learning to read primary sources versus memorization of dates / facts.

Not great at email response, but I did not try hard in this course and received an A. Do not miss assignments and you will do well. Also don't miss the discussions as she actually reads them. Remember the only work necessary is what is in "My grades" so don't stress with all the other stuff.

She is not focused on minutia and details. Wants you to leave her class knowing how to "think like a historian" analyze and evaluate source. A great class with useful skills taught

The course focuses historical thinking - sourcing, contextualizing, close reading, and corroboration. She uses all open source materials so NO textbook fees. You are not memorizing factoids in this class. Her midterm and final exam was just analyzing primary sources. Take her - she loves teaching and working with students.

No money needed for textbooks. She uses all open educational resources and puts all of her lecture materials / power points, etc. on Blackboard. attend class & participate you will do great cares about her students learning to think like historians because of how teaches you to analyze sources and just not believe crap bc it is on the Internet

Don't skip class, pay attention and your grade will be great. Not boring, friendly, super organized - assignment sheet / readings given out on first day and NO TEXTBOOK REQUIRED! Saved a ton of money since I did not have to buy a book. She provides everything.

Dr. Vallely is just an incredible person. I hated history before I took her class. She brought history ALIVE! And, I am hyper focused on making sure I ask questions about any given source before I take it for face value. I also totally get the importance of corroborating data and sources. Thank you, Dr. Vallely. You've made a BIG impression.

Hello, Calhoun Students: This is the real Leah Vallely providing you info about my content relative to the course. You will be provided with a free open resource textbook - you don't have to spend $. The course focuses on teaching you how to "think like a historian," while learning content. All exams / assignments are open notes & untimed.

Hello, Calhoun Students: This is Leah Vallely providing you info about my course. You will be provided with a free open resource textbook; you don't have to spend $. The course focuses on teaching you how to "think like a historian," while learning content. All exams / assignments are open notes & untimed. Hope to see you in class. Email me w/ ?s

Ms. Vallely is one of those teachers you can talk to and be able to carry a conversation with her. She's amazing. History was my least favorite subject in school, but somehow she managed to make it engaging. She's lenient with the homework she gives. It's not hard to do. Messy scheduling aside: Show up to class, do your homework, you'll pass.

Hi, Calhoun Students: This is the real, actual, live Professor Vallely writing this review. I do not require you to buy a textbook - I use a free resource. The course is well organized & has clear directions for each module. Feel free to email me at if you would like to ask me specific questions or read reviews from students.

This is the skinny on Dr. Vallely: For every module she provides a "to do list" learning objectives, power point, textbook pages, a few short videos. Some modules have ungraded history activities. Her exam are mostly T / F, but unless you are a complete idiot, they are totally straightforward based on the learning objectives . Dr. V is the best

Textbook is used for context, bu she does not test on the chapters. Every test question comes from the module learning objections & she gives test question examples to help with text anxiety ! Her power pts are super clear and match the learning objectives. She has a "check your responses" folder that provides "answers" for everything. Best ever.

Dr. V's class is a COLLEGE level class. I love that she pushes us to think differently about the past. She is DEFINTELY not the dumb coach history teacher from high school. Yes, I had to work hard to earn an A, but it was woth it since I now have a VERY different attitude and understanding about the past.

First time I have ever had a history class where I learned about more than old white men in the White House. She taught the course focusing on ordinary groups who have been ignored - regular working men and women, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, etc.

She has been so nice. Very helpful during what has been a bad semester. She even emailed me pwer points when I could not get on blackboard. Responds quickly. No trick or surprise exam questions - it is all straightforward and totally based on her modules. Course is super easy to navigate. If you have any doubt - email her & she will give you info

Great class. Assignments, including tests, are untimed. She does not require Lockdown Browser or a camera. She encourages working together on all assignments, including tests.

I do not understand some of the "she is so hard" comments. Dr. Vallely lets us use all of our notes, her tests are NOT timed, and she says we can collaborate on everything including quizzes / exams. Every test question is connected to the learning objectives and everything is in her power points / book.

Hated history before I took her F2F U.S. History class. Totally changed my perspective on reading and understanding history and questioning history.

This class is very organized. Every week there is a module. This is what is in the module: Learning Objectives, Task List, PowerPoint, Video, Graded Assignment (Attendance Check, Module Quiz, and sometimes a Historical Thinking assignment). It is all very straightforward. Totaly open notes, textbook is totally free, untimed, no camera tests).

Dr. Vallely is VERY nice and VERY reasonable. Students who complain about her are not very good students. I was in class with some super lazy people who just wanted an A for showing up. Show up for class, follow her tasks lists, and you will get good grades.

She is awesome. Helped me with my resume and connected me to the Career Office at Calhoun. Funny, laid back, and cares about her students and teaching.

I took her 8 week class - at first it seemed like an insane amount of work - but - the course is not that difficult. She has a short quiz for each topic (she calls them modules). Free textbook and she is EXTREMELY flexible. The midterm and final mimic the weekly quizzes.

8 wk class Free textbook Power points are kinda long but good info Short weekly quizzes 10 - 20 questions No CAMERA for quizzes / exams and No honor lock. She actually tells people to work collaboratively on all assignments. This is not a difficult class - she wants people to enjoy learning about the past and learn to "think like a historian."

No camera / honor lock for this class. Encourages working together on everything - including tests Very personable, easy to talk to, laid back. Tests are timed, but are very reasonable. If you want a way to boost your GPA take her class.

Amazing professor. Accessible outside of the class if needed. Followed up throughout the course to make sure no one was falling behind. The textbook is provided along with the PowerPoints. Use the study guide and PowerPoints and the tests will be a breeze.

Mrs. Vallely is the best History teacher I have had in my life. I used to be against history, but taking this class has made me rethink what history is. the textbook is given to you for free. if you wanted to do group test and collaborate and meet up together, then you can do that. My group had a very high grade when doing group tests. Take her!!

Dr. V is AWESOME. Funny, chatty, and loves her history. But, what I liked is she did not need us to love history - she just wanted us to learn the big picture. Quizzes / Assignments are a piece of cake. She does not make us buy a textbook - it is provided free.

Easy class. Dont get how anyone complains about her. Just do the weekly work and you will earn an A. Its a no brainer.

Class has 4 units. opens up the entire unit at one time and you can complete it as quickly as you want to, just make sure its done by the due date. Easy quizzes, and discussion posts - no big exams. Can use our notes on the quizzes. quizzes are no more than 15 questions 45 minutes to complete them. Oh, and no cameras or lockdown browser, etc.

Dr. Vallely was hands down the best history teacher I've ever had. She was very clear with her lectures and just overall, made history fun to learn. There is no honorlock for this class and only grades for attendance, reports, and certain class participation. A lot of the course is super easy and I made a lot of friends from her class. Take her!!!!

Dr. V.'s is fabulous - she is much more focused on getting you excited about history than making you done a bunch of dumb assignments. credit just for doing the assignments - don't have to be right. She curves final grades about 3 points. If you don't make an A in her class, you just did not do anything. Oh, and you don't have to buy a book.

Easy x 5. I have had all of her history classes. Here is how she lays out the semester: Her classes have units Inside each unit are modules Each module has an assignment. Sometimes the assignment is a quiz or a discussion. She is super into teaching you to really examine sources and what they are saying. super helpful and accessible.

Take Dr. V's hybrid history class. Ya meet 1 x per week. She does a quick history chat and then she totally goes over the assignment in class and you get your credit/grade. If ya don't come to class you do the assignment in Blackboard. She does the quizzes the same way - if ya in class its a group grade and she is part of the group. She is the best

I hate history and I really liked this class. Instead of learning every dang president, she is all about making sure you know how to judge the reliability of a source. This is an easy A, but I also learned a ton. There are some real turds in my class who are just lazy and they say its hard. Nope. super easy and she is super nice

Her world history class has 4 units. It is laid out very well. Some body gave her a bad review because she would not open the whole course at one time. Each unit is open and you have like a month to get it done. If people don't make an A in this class they need to rethink going to college.

I was really supposed to have a B in this online class. She bumps the final grade because Blackboard can be really sucky. Her class is not hard.

She is amazing. I am at Auburn now and I wish I had a teacher who was willing to go the extra mile the way she did. Online students need to take the time to go to her hybrid class. Makes a HUGE difference. She is a great, great teacher. Answers emails on the weekends, does ZOOM classes if you need extra help.

Just do the assignments and its an easy A. She is super nice. DontBS her about why you missed an assignment. If you are upfront, she is flexible. She hates it when students try and act like they did not know when stuff is due. You do a quiz and a discussion posting every week. Everything is due at 11:59pm on Mon and everything is UNTIMED!

Textbook is free. Weekly quiz and a Discussion required. Work at your own pace just get stuff turned in by weekly deadline. She will ZOOM with you if you need extra help or you can go to her office. Helped me picking other classes and helped me with my resume and finding an internship. Cares about future success and knows most of us work \ school

This is the class you want to take. You can get credit and boost your GPA. She knows history is not what we are majoring in she just wants you to be know importance of thinking like a historian. She is a great teacher - and a very nice person. Book is free. She talked with me before I took the class and told me how the class was laid out.

I am an Auburn student. Dr. V is SO NICE. Helped me get enrolled as a transient and made sure my class would meet Auburn's transfer credit. If her class is full, she is always willing to let people in. Learned plenty without feeling overtaxed - made an A.

OMG. I took her 8 week class and was not doing well. She let me move into her 16 week course and I made an A. Who does that??? Dr. V does that! She is super student friendly. Just don't be a turd and she will do anything to make sure you succeed.

AWESOME CLASS! Very easy to make an A - just do the 2 weekly assignments.

Easy if you look over the material! Quiz heavy but again, easy if you read!

Professor Vallely's HIS121 class is a great choice - the material is straightforward, and she's super helpful if you need extra support. Definitely use Unstuck AI alongside the free textbook for effective study prep.

She is amazing! I took her class and had a 99 by the time I finished and it was so easy. Nothing is proctored and she barely gave us any work. I highly recommend that you take this professor. At one point, we didn't have work for like 8 weeks. The only thing that is she does not get back to your emails very quickly. There was also NO EXAMS!

Her assignments were clean. Her grading was fair, and I would take her class again online.