4.5

Maia Nenkova

Astronomy - Seneca Polytechnic

4.5
Quality
2.2
Difficulty
85%
Would Retake
93
Reviews
4.5
Quality
2.2
Difficulty
4.5
Helpful
4.4
Clarity

85%

Would Retake

93

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

72

4

11

3

1

2

2

1

7

What Students Say

An interesting course, but extremely work heavy

NAT101 - 3.0 rating

She's very nice and very helpful

NAT109 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

27%

Textbook Required

36%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 40 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (20)
A (15)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(35)B(0)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 49 reported grades
A+: 20
A: 15
Not sure yet: 4
Rather not say: 3
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (15)
Gives good feedback (14)
Respected (11)
Caring (11)
Inspirational (10)
Participation matters (7)
Accessible outside class (6)
Amazing lectures (5)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.45 avg change
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Oct
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHY200

5.0

(2)

LSO122

5.0

(3)

NATBA

5.0

(1)

NAT100

5.0

(1)

LSO329

5.0

(8)
+8 more courses
Difficulty by Course

INX100

5.0

LSO322

3.0

INX300

2.8

NAT101

2.6

INX300AA

2.3

Reviews (93)
5.0
3.0
PHY200
Mar 14, 2005

Thanks for everything!

5.0
1.0
PHY200
Mar 18, 2005

Excellent professor.

5.0
2.0
NAT109
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Nov 16, 2005

No Comments

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Dec 8, 2005

Shes a very intelligent teacher, but sometimes the class still doesnt understand the concepts. Has trouble involving the class, but she knows her stuff, and can answer questions and relate material to a huge range of topics. It is VERY easy to get a good mark. Gives tons of bonus marks.

5.0
1.0
LSO122
Jun 23, 2006

Excellent Teacher with interesting topics.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jun 23, 2006

I have had a great time learning from this teacher. she is very enthusiastic, fun, and very nice teacher. she is also very understanding , and gives students chance to improve themselves. i personaly widh to have teachers like her all the time. She is one of the teachers i have ever have.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jun 23, 2006

Very well versed on all the material and makes it easy to absorb and understand.

5.0
2.0
LSO122
Jun 27, 2006

SHE MADE IT FUN TO BE IN CLASS.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jun 27, 2006

The best professor ever. I like the way she teaches, you shoeld take her classes.

4.0
3.0
NAT109
Dec 9, 2006

She is a good teacher!

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jan 10, 2007

she's an easy marker but she is soooo boring

4.0
2.0
NAT101
Mar 11, 2008

A nice and responsible instructor, one of the best teachers in Canada. She always encourage students to learn more than books. Her teaching style is fresh and interesting. She is working hard and helping students a lot.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Feb 25, 2009

She is a nice and easy teacher.

4.0
2.0
NAT173
Jan 7, 2009

it is not so hard like the name, just read the note, slices,and follow the final instruction,you will get A

5.0
1.0
NAT101
May 4, 2009

One of the best teachers in the world!!!!!!!!!!!

5.0
1.0
LSO122
Apr 8, 2010

Being a business student taking this course was fun. She made the class interesting +learned a lot about science history. Her reviews are amazing and i would definitely recommend people taking this elective :-)

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jul 1, 2010

Best teacher I've had in Seneca so far. Very encouraging and has an amazing teaching style.

4.0
1.0
NATSII
Jul 1, 2010

One of the teachers who cares of students in Seneca. She knows how to test to students. Also, her review classes are so important. Attend classes, read the materials and follow the review sheet. Then, A is on your way!

5.0
2.0
NATBA
Jul 6, 2010

She is a very nice and good teacher.Choose her you will not regret.She cares about students and knows what she's teaching.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Sep 15, 2010

She's just great - love to have such teachers! Helpful, thoughtful, kind, passionate about her subject.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jul 7, 2010

She is a good teacher:kind, energetic.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Jan 16, 2011

Great professor. Knows her stuff and is very interesting. She's helpful, and gives easy tests. Take her if you can. I couldn't have asked for a better GenEd teacher.

5.0
4.0
NAT101
Apr 9, 2011

Excellent teacher,Very nice lady,very enthusiastic with her lessons.Challenges you to learn.She Knows her stuff. Very help,fair.Lots of interesting lessons.Tutorials were fun and educational.I learned a ton information.My favorite teacher of the semester.Great course.

4.0
3.0
LSO322
Jan 26, 2011

She's very friendly but I think she has trouble involving the class.

5.0
2.0
NAT100
Apr 30, 2011

she is nice and helpful

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Sep 11, 2011

She is really nice. Very good marker, very good personality. I enjoyed her class. Got an A with minimal effort. Really minimal. Actually thought that will get B or B+. but she gave me an A.

5.0
1.0
NAT173
Sep 13, 2011

She's the best! I know she prefer when people talk and ask questions in class but she doesn't mind if you're just listening. Her Powerpoints are Very well made and it shows she likes what she's doing. Cool with everyone!

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Nov 21, 2011

If you like astronomy* going to the observations are a must! She's very passionate with what she does. It's a very interesting course. If admin sees this: please delete post below.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Nov 13, 2011

Great teacher and very knowledgeable. Her classes are very interesting. If you like astrology going to the observations are a must! She gives you bonus marks so marks are not hard to get. Love the class.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Nov 21, 2011

Great teacher and very knowledgeable. Her classes are very interesting. If you like astronomy going to the observations are a must! She gives you bonus marks so marks are not hard to get. Love the class.

5.0
2.0
NAT101
Apr 11, 2012

She is a very nice person. always try to help students. you can take her class.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Dec 15, 2011

Very passionate and good-natured. Willing to help. PowerPoint presentations based off textbook. Online assignments are easy marks. Some concepts require visuals to understand but she always has resources and demonstrations available. Reliable with tests and answering emails. Fantastic teacher and favourite class by far. Highly reccommend.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Apr 28, 2012

She's very nice and very helpful. Her tests and exams are easy but you have to study. If you study and pay attention, there is literally no way you can't get an A in her class. She will go out of her way to help you and her tests are straightforward if you listen to her in class. Easy sketches and pretty easy to understand. Recommend to all!

2.0
5.0
NAT109
Dec 9, 2012

Very passionate but awful at teaching.She should be teaching at university level but expects too much from college students who have 6 other mandatory subjects to take.She made me lose interest in the subject,nice but needs to know how to properly teach/test students.Student beware.If you do take it, focus on her powerpoints.

4.0
3.0
NAT109
Apr 27, 2013

nice teacher, i liked this class, her test/exam reviews are solid. there are weekly online homework(she gives many extensions for them when needed) they're pretty easy, you can search up the answers in the text book or online though, overall good experience for me.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
May 7, 2013

AWESOME PROF! Her PowerPoints are straightforward and helpful when it comes to tests and exams. Easy marker. Makes the class interesting. Most of the people taking her class are not interested in Astronomy so they never answer when she asks questions. I would have her as my prof again.

5.0
1.0
INX300AA
Jul 16, 2013

Maia is the best. Very passionate teacher. She ignites your interest in the subject. Fair marker and very helpful!

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Aug 7, 2013

out of all the teachers i had this year, she was the best. made learning fun, brought us on field trips outside of class to gaze at stars and the universe. she will motivate you to do better. all teachers should learn from her. she was happy teaching us and was even happier when we understood everything she taught.

5.0
2.0
NAT109
Dec 10, 2013

Really interesting course but intense workload

2.0
5.0
INX100
Grade: C
Jan 15, 2015

even when the lesson is done she keeps us until the last minute talking about boring stuff that we have to pretend that we are interested in. for the final exam she gave us 23 short answer questions! yes 23 and 20 MC! she tested us as if science was our major.

1.0
5.0
NAT101
Grade: C
Mar 5, 2015

worst prof ever. My gpa was high and because of her i wont be on the honors list.

5.0
1.0
NAT109
Apr 17, 2015

She is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything so that it is very understandable. There are a lot of web assignments, but they are not too difficult. A really, really, really interesting class, and a fantastic, passionate teacher.

5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Apr 21, 2015

She is intelligent. You will learn a lot, if you like the course. Her slides are amazing and the course covered everything from evolution to stars and space. She is approachable and passionate about her subject.

1.0
5.0
NAT101
Grade: C-
Apr 22, 2015

tough marker. specially to international students

4.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 23, 2015

I enjoyed her class and learned a lot. Tests are very easy if you always come to class.

5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Apr 19, 2016

Very helpful and intelligent teacher. Effective and helpful to build up good grades in GPA

1.0
4.0
NAT109
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The course was extremely difficult to understand, because the prof seemed to be so rushy in explaining. She is passionate about her work, but was very bad at explaining a lot of the material.

Tough Grader
4.0
3.0
NAT109
Dec 16, 2016
Would take again

Her tests are kind of easy if you pay attention and review the review notes she posts. Come to class and do the tophat thing and the quizzes online, easy way to boost your mark.

3.0
4.0
NAT101
Dec 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Be prepared to read. An interesting course, but extremely work heavy. Wouldn't recommend if you have a full course load.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
NAT101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 13, 2017
Would take again

Best teacher at Seneca! Love the course so much!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: B+
Jul 8, 2019
Would take again

amazing teacher. astronomy class was fun. come to class and review stuff she provides you will get an A for sure. be sure to come to class and participate.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2019
Would take again

One of the prof that i'v ever had.

5.0
3.0
INX300
Apr 16, 2020
Would take again

She is another best Professor that I would retake the class with her, her method of teaching is amazing and so accurate and she makes sure everyone in the class understand her and the subject, she communicates frequently through email and she is so caring. If she's teaching another liberal study I am taking her class.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2019
Would take again

One of the best professor I've ever had.

5.0
2.0
NAT109
Grade: A
May 9, 2020
Would take again

Fabulous professor. I went into this course with little Astronomy background. Ended up learning quite a bit. Prof. Nenkova does an excellent job of every aspect required for college teaching. You won't regret taking her classes.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
May 2, 2020
Would take again

Best lady professor at Seneca

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
INX300AA
Grade: A+
Dec 6, 2020
Would take again

Very supportive and provides any help outside the class time.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Jul 18, 2021
Would take again

Maia is a great person, so helpful and accessible. NAT101 is easy and you can coast along. Her lectures are worth attending because you actually learn a lot.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
LSO329
Grade: A+
Aug 19, 2021
Would take again

She is amazing. She provides many helpful and interesting sources. Her lecture is really interactive. She's understanding and always available to help students. She's pretty generous with deadlines, quizzes/tests time-during.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Inspirational
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Sep 5, 2021
Would take again

Maia is a great professor. Accessible outside of class, fun lectures and the NAT course is very easy to get an A in. She also helped me with the assignment when I got stuck.

Accessible outside class
Caring
5.0
3.0
INX300
Grade: A+
Jan 5, 2022
Would take again

The course is interesting and difficult at the same time. It is somewhat heavy for anyone who first learns astronomy. However, with the help of professor Maia, I could pass the course easily. She used different types of quizzes during the lecture which made it more interesting. Tests and quizzes are difficult unless you are well-prepared.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Jan 22, 2022
Would take again

Shes nice n good.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Caring
1.0
4.0
NAT101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 5, 2022

Tough marker, alot of test and quiz and readings. Don't do this course if you are busy with other courses

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
NAT101
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 5, 2022

The professor is okay for lectures. But not everything is covered.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
NAT101
Apr 5, 2022

If you are looking for a easy A. Take another professor.

1.0
5.0
NAT101
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 5, 2022

She talks very fast when explaining terms. She only explains the term very briefly if you want to actually learn astronomy. You will need to read the book.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Apr 26, 2022
Would take again

This professor teaches in a way that makes the course easy even with alot of reading involved. She is a great professor. Always willing to answer questions during office hours. Also more she is willing to provide clarification during the lecture.

Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
1.0
LSO329
Grade: A+
Jun 28, 2022
Would take again

She is amazing. Making every concept become so easy. Also, she is a professor who really cares if you learn the concept or not. Strongly recommendation. You will not regret.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
5.0
1.0
LSO329
Grade: A+
Aug 16, 2022
Would take again

Amazing professor, explains very nicely and if you just attend the classes you can ace it.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Inspirational
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2022
Would take again

Very good professor I will recommend it to all the students

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Dec 16, 2022
Would take again

This professor is an easy grader. Content is not easy. But if you study seriously, you will get very good marks in your tests. She even supplies study note and prepare cheat sheet for your tests. Cheat sheet is very useful. She wants you to get good grades. Attendance is not mandatory. Sometimes, I found her ascent a bit difficult to follow though.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
NAT101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2022
Would take again

Maia is an amazing professor, take her and you will never regret it. She's passionate, prepares detailed class materials and supplies additional resources (videos, websites, etc.) which are enjoyable and substantial. She can make anyone interested in astrobiology and she doesn't make you feel intimidated despite limited astronomy background.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Respected
5.0
4.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2022

Prof is nice and tried to make the class fun. If you're interested in astronomy, highly recommend choosing this course. I'm not interested in astronomy, I choose this course just because the time is fit my schedule. I have never studied astronomy, it is extremely difficult for me. You must study very very hard for her 3 tests (20% each).

5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Jan 5, 2023
Would take again

Amazing professor. She cares a lot about all of the topics she teaches. This means you will learn a lot and will enjoy everything you learn. Choose her over other teachers since she's actually good

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
5.0
3.0
INX300AA
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2023
Would take again

she was an amazing prof, you can really tell she enjoys teaching astronomy and really loves it when people ask questions. the class itself is easy as long as you read the chapters assigned and pay attention in class. every unit there's a quiz which are easy and allows opportuny to improve your marks. shes happy to talk after class if you need it

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
2.0
LSO329
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 15, 2023
Would take again

She is so passionate about what she teaches, which makes learning from her so great. I took her course as an elective, but didn't read up on her. I was so shocked (in the most positive way) when she started teaching. From hands-on interactive to extra help after classtime, she is the kind of professor that other professors should aspire to be like!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Inspirational
5.0
1.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Aug 24, 2023
Would take again

Love Maia, trust me if you're considering her as an option.. don't think twice

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Respected
4.0
1.0
INX300
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2023
Would take again

Only went to the first lecture, and passed with a 97%. She is a bit passive-aggressive with her emails but it was such an easy class. Mark Breakdown: Weekly quizzes 25% Project 20% 3 test 55%

5.0
3.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Dec 14, 2023
Would take again

Very good professor. I have learned so much!

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
5.0
3.0
LSO329
Grade: A
Apr 19, 2024
Would take again

Incredible professor, she's obviously very passionate about what she teaches. This is the kind of teacher you want to learn from, she fosters your curiosity about the subject and if you put the effort in, you'll be rewarded. If you have the opportunity to take a class with her, definitely don't miss out.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Oct 18, 2024
Would take again

Professor Maia is very knowledgeable about the subject. I took NAT101 as an elective but I really enjoyed her lectures. She reviewed all of the topic and ensures everyone understand what the topic is about. She is also very flexible in terms of quizzes and tests. I am not a science fan but because of her class I started to love it!

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
INX300
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2024
Would take again

Awesome, love her. Do recommend!

5.0
3.0
NAT101
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

She is a really nice person and she loves her job. You can tell that by attending one of her lectures. BUT, if you are planning to pass with AI or other kind of magic it's not going to work on her because she does every single one of her exams face to face. Ok quizzes are online but to pass, you have to get significant grades from exams too.

4.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2025
Would take again

She is okay will make you pass as all of her quizzes are online and assignment is online too which can be done in group you can also carry i page log book but you have to study for tests

5.0
3.0
INX300
Grade: A+
Feb 16, 2025
Would take again

She's really kind and knows alot about astronomy. I respect that she always had a good attitude whenever she taught class and she always helped with any questions I had. The Final project was also really interesting and creative. She always made sure that the class was interesting and even at 8am I found it fun! Would definitely take again!!!

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
2.0
NAT101
Apr 15, 2025
Would take again

She is truly amazing. She creates engaging PowerPoint presentations that are incredibly useful in class. Her dedication to involving students is evident in the effort she puts into her teaching. I particularly enjoyed the sky-viewing she organized, and I deeply commend her commitment to enhancing her student's learning experience.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
May 2, 2025
Would take again

She shares her own notes for the exams and she asks questions from those notes. She is very sweet and easy to approach. Definitely take her.

5.0
3.0
LSO329
Grade: A
Jun 5, 2025
Would take again

Absolutely Amazing lectures, very interactive, very caring. I was hesitant about taking a physics class as it isn't a strong area for me but it turned out to be my favorite class of the semester. Anyone giving poor reviews are just bitter because they are the ones who don't attend class and probably failed as a result.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
LSO329
Grade: A+
Jun 26, 2025
Would take again

First off, this course was accelerated, and we did a lot of tests, quizzes, and lab journals in a half-semester. However, she was passionate about what she taught, and her classes were quite good. Most were in person, with some online, unfortunately. She brought a lot of props to class for us to use for understanding light & sound waves.

Participation matters
Lots of homework
Caring
5.0
4.0
INX300
Grade: A
Jul 18, 2025
Would take again

She is very passionate about what she teaches, and she cares about the students. She will be there for you if you need help in her subject. If you have an option of her being your professor, take her! Its worth it.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
1.0
LSO329
Grade: A+
Oct 17, 2025
Would take again

Amazing, sweetest & extremely considerate. Very detailed assignment requirements + rubric, a schedule for all tests & assignments, shared day one with opening dates and due dates. I missed an assignment (10%), she gave me more time but when I still couldn't because mid semester, other assignments, she extended the due date to after final exams.

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
3.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Dec 4, 2025
Would take again

She's such a good professor, she made the lectures are interesting. There are a lot of online quizzes but it helps to get your grade up. The tests are a little bit though but if you study there should be no problem. I would definitely take this professor again if I had the choice.

Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
2.0
NAT101
Grade: A+
Dec 11, 2025
Would take again

The best professor I've taken so far at Seneca.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

27%

Textbook Required

36%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 40 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (20)
A (15)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(35)B(0)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 49 reported grades
A+: 20
A: 15
Not sure yet: 4
Rather not say: 3
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (15)
Gives good feedback (14)
Respected (11)
Caring (11)
Inspirational (10)
Participation matters (7)
Accessible outside class (6)
Amazing lectures (5)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.45 avg change
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Oct
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHY200

5.0

(2)

LSO122

5.0

(3)

NATBA

5.0

(1)

NAT100

5.0

(1)

LSO329

5.0

(8)
+8 more courses
Difficulty by Course

INX100

5.0

LSO322

3.0

INX300

2.8

NAT101

2.6

INX300AA

2.3

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