Lester Tanaka
Academic Skills Development - College of Southern Nevada (all campuses)
4.4
Quality2.3
Difficulty65%
Would Retake118
Reviews65%
Would Retake
118
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
92
4
8
3
5
2
6
1
7
What Students Say
“awesome teacher laid back and great with questions”
ALS101 - 5.0 rating“I highly recommend taking another professor”
ALS101 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
41%
Textbook Required
63%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.62 avg changeRatings by Course
SSK
5.0
(2)ALS0000
5.0
(1)ALS809
5.0
(1)ALS102
5.0
(1)ALS801
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
ALS809
4.0
SSK
2.5
COLLEGESUCCESS
2.5
ALSSECT
2.5
ALS101
2.4
Reviews (118)
Very nice man and good teacher. Don't bother with this class if you have a crappy attitude though or else you won't get anything out of it.
If you take this joke class, make sure to take him b/c he's great. and you will end up learning alot from this class
Great class! Really helpful in improving study skills and gaining confindence for the rest of college. Should be the first class you take!!!
No Comments
WOW - I THOUGHT THIS CLASS WOULD BE AN ASSET TO BEGINNING MY COLLEGE DEGREE, BUT WHAT A JOKE. THE WORKLOAD WAS DOUBLE THE AMOUNT FOR ANY OF MY CLASSES AND THE TEACHER WAS NOT HELPFUL AND OVERZEALOUS. NOTHING HE TAUGHT HELPED ME, AND THE WAY HE TAUGHT IT WAS DRY AND UNIMAGINATIVE. IF YOU DO TAKE THIS CLASS, TAKE IT WITH ANOTHER TEACHER, OR YOU WILL
He's a very good teacher, I thought that this class was going to be an easy A but in reality you have to work for it by wanting it. He can pretty much read you. This class taught me a lot about just college life in general. Aside from that he taught me a lot about myself and I am very thankful for that.
He is confusing in the beginning, but very helpful and giving in the end.
This is teacher is great.This class was very helpful for my.At first I though that the class was bored but it got more interesting every class.Be aware that I took this class on the some MTWR and it helped me a lot.
I enjoyed the class. This is a professor who really cares how you do in school and life.
He is very interested in the success of his students. It is an easy A if you show up to class and turn in your assignments on time.
It has been a very fun and informative class. Not the kind of class that you should half ass. Deinately the type of class that helps you to be more aware of yourself and your surroundings. I have had many eye opening experiences in here. Even things that I already knew have made more sense to me and have had a greater inmpact on my life! Thanks
i liked this class is was fun and intresting
This class is very helpful. I got a lot of knowledge.
He was funny and energetic. He kept my attention during class.
This class was very interesting and I really enjoyed the lessons in class. It made me think more about life and how you can make it change for the better. I would take this class again just to have the professor because he is energetic and fun.
class was great very well organized fun as long as you are willing to learn and have fun at the same time my bring a challange since it takes dedication,always talk to this teacher very easy to understand and learn from him he is helpfull and caring great teacher,strongly recommended for out of high school students and also for first time students
okey class
The coolest teacher that you will ever meet. He makes everything more fun and interesting. He has a great personality that makes the class more enjoyable.
i think Mr. Tanaka is great and wonderful teacher. I have learned man many things from and i think he help me to learn many great ideas from him. If i would him a grade, i will give A+ because he's not only a great teacher, but his personality is more than great.
He was a great teacher, with alot of experience and the student's best interest at heart. If you have the opportunity, you will not regret taking his class.=]
Mr. Tanaka was a great teacher. He knows his stuff and enjoys teaching. It is a super easy class! It has really helped me in my classes and learning to consentrating better!
You get what you put into it, but it's a great class to take. He knows what he's talking about; he can really help you change your life.
Ienjoyed the class and I also liked the professor.
great guy! interesting material! he's very interested in each student and helping each student get something out of the material
Exceptional professor that is truly in love with teaching and is able to transfer this to the students. By far the best teacher i have ever had, thank you for all your hard work.
Lester Tanaka is the epitome of a professor who is passionate about his work! I don't care what your major is take his class! It may possibly be the most important class you'll take to jump start your life! Oh' and you'll probably want to keep the book! It's "Becoming a Master Student 11th edition by Dave Ellis." It'll come in handy!
Tanaka is one of the best teachers ive ever had!!! He knows alot about life and has different ways of teaching. At the beggining he lets you out of class WAY early if you take the 6-8:50 class. But maybe 2 or 3 clases are actually the full length. Take for elective if you can!!!!
He is so cool. I love his personality.
This professor teaches nothing useful in class. That is why I stopped attending. The quizzes online are worded so strangely.
Prof. Tanaka is a very insightful and caring individual who really loves to teach. Anyone who takes his class and I very highly recommend it will get only what you put into it but that goes for any class that is worthwhile.Reading some of the ratings other students have written and they did not do well not because of Prof. Tanaka but themselves.
awesome teacher laid back and great with questions. really cool teacher.TAKE HIM you learn alot from his class and book you do have to read the book but you won't even notice it.
awesome teacher laid back and great with questions. really cool teacher.TAKE HIM you learn alot from his class and book you do have to read the book but you won't even notice it.
Mr. Tanaka is a very laid-back teacher. He is very helpful and always willing to answer questions. He is an all-around nice guy and class can be really fun at times. He was unable to make it to 3 weeks of class because of a family emergency, so we had a workshop at a pottery place. This class improved my life. Take this class.
I enjoyed his class a lot! It had certain fun moments during group discussions. His lectures are based on his own notes on the overhead and quizzes are online based on the text. The projects aren't that hard. He's kind and very helpful when students are faced with issues. He gives good advice about college situations. Take his class! It's great!!
hes a realy good teacher and realy helps you think about life sucess. i suggest him if you have to take als 101.
an exelent teacher who makes it worth going to school. Really fun too he gives everyone a chance to get involved during class.
Best teacher ever! well organized ,nice and comprehensive above all the best teacher I have met at CSN I would totally take that class again its worth it.
Just an Amazing professor! Has patience, and is hands on. he will explain something to you, until you fully understand. He has helped me pin point my career, overcome my fear of public speaking,improve my communication skills, expand my vocabulary, search deep within myself and truely be honest with who Iam, what I want,and where do I want to be.
I highly recommend this class to everyone. It has helped me so much. You will truely see a change in yourself. And everything you learn applies to your everyday life. From school, to relationships, finances, time management, communication and so on..Just an outstanding professor. Very helpful. God Bless You!!! And thank you so much!!!
I took this class to help me bec. I'm struggling with time management and procrastination. Not only has be helped with my habits but he was also such an AWESOME professor. He was very helpful and really involved with his students as much as he can. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PROFESSOR!
Overall he was alright. It was very cool of him to give me a c+ cause he could have given me a D. Not a bad guy.
Attendance is mandatory and is a whopping 30% of your grade. Assignments and quizzes are easy. Lectures can be interesting, if you can use the information. Overall, not a bad guy, may be a bit boring to some.
great teacher. he explains everything very well and gives you all the help and examples needed. this class is very helpful not only for school but for everyday life skills.
Very interesting class. Quizzes come right out of the book and are pretty easy. Since its a hybrid class, attendance is important!! I recommend this class for sure!This class really takes your outlook on life to a diff. level
Great class! IF YOU TAKE THIS CLASS I AM SELLING THE REQUIRED BOOK FOR THIS CLASS FOR 20$ BOUGHT IT NEW FOR 60!
A really great teachers!
Mr. Tanaka is a god teacher and always helpful invite you to his office to get help always extending a helping hand to go the extra mile I love Mr. Tanaka
Mr. Tanaka is an amazing professor! His in class lectures are very inspirational, most of the time you will have to participate with his lectures to understand the topic he is talking about. Very helpful professor! Totally recommend him for anyone interested in taking ALS. Show up and do your work and you'll get an easy A. Best teacher at CSN WC.
Mr.Tanaka is one of the best professors at CSN. He takes the time to answer any questions and concerns you might have for anything. He is a great human being and a blessing to any student who finds their way in his class. He talks about real life and choices we have to make. Great Class :)
AWESOME!!! Not an extremely easy class but worth taking. Assignments are perfectly explained and grading is completely fair. This teacher truely cares about students but will see through any BS.
If you come into this class with an open mind & real motivation to improve your life with education, this class can surprise you. This sounds like a dumb mandatory easy class, but keep it as a priority next to BIO, ENG, & every other class you take. The chapter highlights can be tedious but do help. Do your portfolio & don't miss out on good classe
Professor Tanaka is an awesome teacher. Just show up to class, do the 12 chapter highlights and 3 or 4 projects especially the portfolio and you will be fine. There is only 1 test and it is fairly simple. NO final. Really good class, good for freshman especially. Trust me Tanaka is the best teacher for ALS.
I highly reccomend this class. You will learn how to succeed. Chapters could be time consuming but it is worth it!Watch the videos, do the projects, you will discover & learn more about yourself. Mr Tanaka is highly motivating, truly cares about the success of his students and willing to go out of his way to help. HAVE AN OPEN MIND & you will enjoy
This guy is crazy. He treats this class like hes the best ever. He triesto council you. Class was a waste of time.
This class was so boring, he acted like this was the most amazing class in the world. It was a complete waste of time!
Professor Tanaka is a great teacher. If you get a chance I advise you to take this class.
I absolutely appreciate my instructor because he was really helpful. I had a good time in this class. . I learned many important things from my ALS 101 class. I am so happy to take this class this semester. It helped me learn how to I succeed in my future goals I also learned about communication skills, problem solving and critical thinking etc.
This course was a solid foundation for other courses that will follow. Professor Tanaka teaches his class with genuine enthusiasm. I could tell that he loves teaching, and that's what we need in our education system If you did not do well in this class it's because you didn't apply yourself.
Prof. Tanaka is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who clearly wants to help make a difference in his students lives. Be aware, however, this class involves real work and you will only get out of it what you are willing to put in, so if you treat it like a throwaway course, you will probably not take anything of value away from it.
This teacher is awesome! You may have been told this was a breezer course but its not! You do work, but its simple!A little time consuming but the things being taught in this class are very intersting and HELPFUL. Prof Tanaka also has a great way of engaging his students,just a wonderful man!
Mr. Tanaka is an amazing educator who is fully committed to making a positive impact in his students lives. For an individual going back to school in her 30's, I was a bit apprehensive about the direction I was going. I thank Mr. Tanaka for the work he does because I've gained clarity and peace of mind.
Professor Tanaka simply helped me to believe in myself again. He has a holistic approach that is engaging and refreshing whether you are a brand new college student or returning after sixteen years.
Extremely helpful in getting motivated and preparing for college life. Highly recommend this class.
Proff. Tanaka is very helpfull he takes the time to aswear any questions during class. Always available during office hours. Having this class prepared me to be a successful student. Very dedicated to his class and cares for his students.
I love this teacher! He really cares about his students. Extremely dedicated and hardworking!!!!
He's nice and cares about the students.
What a great Professor! He truly cares about his students and is willing to help you out with anything, you will have to work through this course but it is so rewarding!! I absolutely loved this class. This was my first year in college and have been out of high school for 5 years and he really prepares you with the tools to succeed!!
The Prof is extremely inovative and his teaching style is so well rounded and direct that it leaves enough time to cover the vast amout of topics. The best professor that I have ever had. Everyone in college should take this class!
If you have an issue he usually has a tissue. He worked with me extensively to create a custom syllabus. I give him an A+.
Professor T. is an amazing professor. Beware he will change your way of thinking. His class required a lot of work but all of it transcended barriers beyond the classroom. Come with your cup empty and he will fill it with knowledge and well being. Thank you Professor Tanaka.
Professor Tanaka is the best! I would totally recommend him! If you do the work it is impossible to fail this class. He is a teacher that cares whether your doing good or bad. This class will help you in other classes! Thank You Professor Tanaka for everything!
Great class awesome professor. I highly reccomend Professor Tanaka! He gives you so many chances to get an A. Don't get me wrong its not an easy A .. you do have to put effort into your work! Fun class. I took this class during the summer semister in class not online though he does offer online I reccomend in person!
Amazing!!! The class was not a walk in the park but all of the assignments made you think. For the most part they didn't even feel like assignments because they were all about you, and how you could improve.
Easy class, read the book take the test. Save all your test answers cause you can use them for your final exam. Easy A. Hard to get in this class though.
Loved this class! It gives you very helpful tips for studying and living life. Professor Tanaka is so helpful and very fast to respond to any q's! The feedback he gives is so helpful and he really is clear about what he expects of you. Also, this class kept me busy, I had to be on every day but didn't mind at all!
I am a non-trad student at age 30...and this by far was the best class to get me back into the swing of things. Prof. Tanaka really helps you think about your life, how to make it better, relationship skills, etc. Class wasn't hard as long as you do your work and stay on top of your quizzes. Truly an awesome prof.
This class was amazing. Tanaka is an amazing professor and is really passionate with what he does. He is really helpful and really cares about his students.I recommend this class;It is not an easy class and requires a lot of work but in the long run you will not regret taking this class.
Awesome and passionate professor. You can see the love he has for teaching and helping students navigate college life.
AWESOME Professor!!!Best ever..
Im taking his class in the summer and Professor Tanaka is a very helpful teacher! You can tell hes there for his students and helps you understand everything. His class made me take college more seriously and to also enjoy the experience! Basically all you have to do is put time and effort into assignments and youll be good :) Take his class!!
Excellent instructor. Makes you want to come to class because it is useful knowledge you use in and out of school. Very experienced in his topics and life experiences. Highly recommended.
Great professor! I took him online and as long as you participate in all the discussions and do the work you will pass. Tests are easy as you have two chances. He does throw a few large projects out there to do which were a tad confusing but does help when you email for further instructions. He gives great feedback and really cares about students
I wish I could tag more positive passages to Professor Tanaka. This class is an incredible opportunity not only to get insight about college life but life in general. Come to class open to new ideas and a world full of possibilities may open to you! There are a few in-depth assignments but they are well worth the effort you put into it!!!
While the subject matter in this class can seem strange or even common knowledge at times, Prof Tanaka makes it known that he is there for his students as more than just a professor, but someone you can go to for help with anything including stress or advice. Some activities require an open mind. Learning about chakra alignment was interesting!
I absolutely loved this class and this professor, he is the best! I loved coming to this class, participation is important, you can tell he is super passionate about teaching and is really there for his students. I would definitely take this professor again given the chance!
It's a very easy class!
Mr. Tanaka might be one of the MOST important classes you can take ALL of your college life! This guy can seriously help you change your entire perspective, you must show up and be "present". Paying attention is crucial to yourself, not anyone else! I would take any classes he offered if given an opportunity!
I took this class in a 4 week time period and it was overwhelming at first but you can work ahead as far as you'd like. Participation with responses we're clear cut, the quizzes based on both online lectures & reading but still simple, and the projects and test aren't bad at all. My first class coming back from a 5 year break and I would take again
Professor Tanaka, made this on line course very clear, understandable, and very useful for any new, or returning student, to develop skills, and master them in college. He teaches you how to study for tests,time management skills ,choosing the right career through research ,study skills, Great discussions , etc. Great class, highly recommend .
Professor Tanaka was one of my first Professors at CSN . I thoroughly enjoyed his class. He was very helpful . To this day I quote him. Not only did he help me find my strengths in school but made me a strong person all around ! If your reading this Professor T .. THANK YOU
This is a very self-exploring type of class. I really enjoyed the feedback that the Prof gave me, sometimes when he grades your essays he'll leave you a voice message of him basically going through the grading of your assignment. He genuinely cares about his students, and provided such a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed this class!
Professor Tanaka is amazing! I had such a great experience in his class. Very easy A, fun assignments, sweet guy that actually cares about his students. Attendance is taken daily, so you must show up. Quizzes tend to be tough. Textbook was never needed/used. Learned many things. I highly recommend this class to everyone. You won't be disappointed!
He was a very caring and nice professor. He really did care about his students and how they are doing in class. We would have a little time to meditate in his class because he knows how much stress his students are in. His quizzes and exams are online and you do not need a book. Just listen to his "lectures" and you are good to go.
Professor Tanaka was one of the greatest professors I've ever had. He was super laid back and you could tell he really cared about his students. He is really inspirational and honestly makes you self reflect a lot. A lot of the in class assignments were done in groups and were quick and easy to complete. We didn't really use the book in class.
Lester's ALS class is taken VERY seriously by him & he acts as though his class is the most important & the class that will lead you to succeed in college. It was a waste of time & I wish CSN's policies were better for 8-week courses so I could have dropped it for a full refund after the first day of class. Not a bad guy but what a stupid class.
Professor Tanaka was amazing this class is awesome and very informative whether you are a freshman taking this class or a senior there was a lot of great takeaways to apply in school, your personal life and work like. He gives great feedback not a harsh graded at all offers extra credit assignments are clear, easy and straightforward.
This professor outlines absolutely everything in their Canvas Syllabus. He makes everything available to you from day one and he cares deeply. This man left me a 15 minute voice memo after I wrote him an essay about my life. He has so much empathy for his students. I cannot imagine a better choice. Pick him.
Professor Tanaka was really passionate about his teachings. You can tel he actually cares about giving good advice to his students. He always gave personal feedback and tips after every written assignment we did. The assignments were really easy. The quizzes consist of material straight out of the text book. Just follow instructions and it is easy!
Great professor who teaches amazing tips to help you through college. Class was inspirational and exciting to participate in. He opened all the assignments from day one so you could skip ahead if you wanted to, which is nice for an online class.
He is an amazing professor, take his class to be your best self in college and life, and you want a teacher who is caring towards you and understands you. You will get all the points on your assignments if you put in effort and dedication. Trust, that this will be your favorite class and professor. You wouldn't get another as good as this class :)
Professor tanka I took him online he is the best teacher. He care about his students and if you have any questions on assignments ask him.
Do not take this teacher he awful and no late work accepted!
Genuinely a great person. It's obvious he cares about all of his students, and he gives video feedback on every written assignment. That being said, there is a lot of work in this class. If you are trying to understand yourself better/self-reflection, this class is for you. If you want an easy A because of a course requirement, find someone else.
There is weekly quizzes based on what is in the module for the week. You have to do a journal entry each week that will help you to do the midterm and the final. There are also discussion questions every so often that you have to do and then respond to people. Overall this class is very easy.
The worst class I've ever taken, it sounds easy but it certainly isn't. The tests often have trick questions and usually take 1-2 hours for a 10 question test. Unclear directions (my classmates started to ask me for help). And a very tough grader, the class average on the final was an 18/50. I finished the class with a 96 and I don't recommend.
I took this class of fall 2021! There will be assignments and quizzes in the textbook!
If you're required to take this course for credit and you're looking for an easy A, DO NOT take this class. Each week will have 2+ hours of material that is required for the weekly quizzes. There's extra credit opportunities and he's very passionate and caring, but this class was too much of a workload for me. Consider with caution.
Dr. Tanaka is a professor who I could tell is very passionate about his class, but unfortunately he does not do it well. All he supplies is busywork. You will take up a majority of your weeks just consuming information to pass the quizzes for his class (a lot of the questions are confusingly worded). I highly recommend taking another professor.
If you have to take ALS, I HIGHLY suggest taking it with ANYONE else. It's clear the professor cares about his students, but for an ALS class the workload is frankly unnecessary and horrendous. I had to spend up to 6 hours a week going through 3 different textbooks, hours long podcasts, and "exploring" through websites with no guidance. 0/5 class.
I took this class of 2021! Assignments was okay! No midterm no final exams and only quizzes in the textbook!
I can confidently say Professor Tanaka truly cares about his students. Every material provided comes at no cost. He provides 4 extra credit projects throughout the semester which were actually fun to do. There are weekly quizzes on the material but he gives you two attempts. As long as you complete the work, it's almost impossible to fail.
He was a great professor and wanted the best for all his students. The class itself can be a chore sometimes but it can be great to help build study habits early into college. It isn't the easy A everyone wants it to be but it isn't too bad as long as you read and pay attention. His class is interesting and can help you better understand yourself.
The assignments was very time consuming!
He very difficult professor! I dislike this class. No extra credit or late work accepted.
I took this class fall 2021. The assignments was very interesting but too much workload. The tests are very hard. Awful person and with no late work accepted. Consider another professor
Very hard grader absolutely no late work accepted. weekly quizzes are difficult.
The workload is heavy, but the professor genuinely cares. Engage with the material, use study tools like Unstuckstudy, and you can succeed despite the challenge. Not an easy A, but worth the effort.
This is definitely an easy A, turn in your assignments on time and the workload is NOT heavy. If you have any questions, email him and he'll respond. Nice teacher.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
41%
Textbook Required
63%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.62 avg changeRatings by Course
SSK
5.0
(2)ALS0000
5.0
(1)ALS809
5.0
(1)ALS102
5.0
(1)ALS801
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
ALS809
4.0
SSK
2.5
COLLEGESUCCESS
2.5
ALSSECT
2.5
ALS101
2.4