3.2

Maria Pi

Languages - Hillsborough Community College (all campuses)

3.2
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
89
Reviews
3.2
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.2
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

33

4

14

3

11

2

11

1

20

What Students Say

Unprofessional and rude

SPN1105 - 1.0 rating

She was unable to keep a professional conduct and brought her personal business into the classroom

SPN1120 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
F (2)
A+ (1)
Drop/Withdrawal (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(1)C(0)D(1)F(2)A-/B+(1)
Based on 6 reported grades
F: 2
A+: 1
Drop/Withdrawal: 1
B: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.10 avg change
May
Aug
Nov
Dec
Jan
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SPNIII

5.0

(2)

SPANISH

5.0

(1)

SPN11201121

5.0

(1)

SPN2

5.0

(1)

SPAN1

5.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1120

5.0

SPN1

4.2

SPA

4.0

SPN12

4.0

SPANISH1

4.0

Reviews (89)
3.0
4.0
SPA
Apr 4, 2002

Reminds me of a latin Rosanne Barr. Good Spanish teacher. No handouts.

5.0
3.0
SPNIII
Feb 18, 2003

Excelent Professora. Very Helpful, Very Very fair... Thanks Profsa Pi..

5.0
3.0
SPN1121
Jul 1, 2003

A wonderful profesora, but be prepared to do a lot of work!

4.0
5.0
SPN1
Oct 25, 2003

Mrs. Maria-Pi is not a fair teacher and she does not support students that struggle in her class. You either get it or you dont attitude is disenfranchising.

1.0
5.0
SPN
Nov 26, 2003

this class is not reccomended when taught by this person!

1.0
5.0
SPN12
Nov 26, 2003

Unfair and Unreasonable!!

2.0
5.0
SPN
Nov 27, 2003

THIS IS NOT AN EASY CLASS. NO SUPPORT FROM THE INSTRUCTOR OUTSIDE OF CLASS.

1.0
5.0
SPN1
Dec 1, 2003

difficult subject matter made more difficult by poor teaching skills

5.0
2.0
SPANISH1
Apr 9, 2004

great teacher..always willing to explain things!

1.0
4.0
SPN1121
Apr 22, 2004

This woman is horrible. She claims that her dog's diarrhea and shopping with her daughter are good reasons to cancel class. Instead of teaching she discusses her personal life in class and then becomes angry when you don't understand the material.

1.0
5.0
SPNI
Apr 27, 2004

Worst experience I have had with an HCC faculty member. To call her a professor would be grossly negligent on my part. Hard to believe she is the department head.

1.0
4.0
SPN1101
May 5, 2004

terrible teacher. talks about her personal matters instead of teaching. Is also prejudice to her heritage. Talked about how her kids were turning into "lazy american kids"

2.0
5.0
SPANISH1
May 13, 2004

Teaches for 20 minutes,then speaks on her cell phone or handles personal matters the rest of class.Rather than helping students,she refers them to a tudor

5.0
3.0
SPN1101
Oct 11, 2004

Senora Pi is amazing.. Sure she talks about her personal stuff, but don't we all? She explains the materiaerms that you can understand IF you are paying attention. I love her teaching style!!! Thank you Senora...

1.0
4.0
SPN1120
Oct 13, 2004

You will never find her outside of class. She fails to be in her office during office hours. Try to take a different professor if possible.

1.0
5.0
SPN1120
Oct 14, 2004

She does not go over the material very well nor she'll not go over the workbooks in class. She'll race through it, then she will give a test on it. For the test there is a listening part that don't make any sense and that is a big part of your grade.

5.0
1.0
SPN
Oct 27, 2004

I loved this class. She made sense in her lessons and the group activity to help us better understand the material was a great idea. I took her 3 times(SPN1120, SPN1121, SPN240-conversation spanish), and I loved each one. I would totally recomend her to somebody and I would take her class again.

2.0
5.0
SPN1120
Nov 9, 2004

Pay attention and you go to the tutor and study group. I have a 3.7 GPA. She gives special privileges to students who already speak the Spanish language and make it more difficult for those who do not. This is the first teacher and college class I've had difficulty with. Her average speaks the truth

5.0
3.0
SPANISH
Nov 10, 2004

do some work people, this is college. She is very cool. If you stick around and do your best, she takes notice and will pass you at least with a C

5.0
3.0
SPN1102
Nov 10, 2004

Sra. Pi is a wonderful person. You can tell she cares about her students. She tends to dwell on personal stuff, but as we've learned it has to do with her culture. Foreign languages are hard, but anyone who wants to learn and put forth some effort will love her class. She wants to help you succeed.

1.0
5.0
SPNI
Nov 26, 2004

She is too hard on her students. She expects them know how to speak spanish. If I knew how I wouldn't need the class. Was not very clear on what was expected during class or for homework. I was mostly lost during the whole semester. When I asked for help she was unaviable. Worst class ever.

4.0
3.0
SPN1120
Jan 9, 2005

Senora Pi is a wonderful teacher! I won't lie and say she's easy because you do have to work in her class. You're learning a new language and that takes some work on your part. However, she is very helpful and understanding. I would recommend her to anyone.

4.0
3.0
SPN1120
Mar 21, 2005

Thorough on topic and easy to get along with. Unclear at times on assignments, but testing is fair.

1.0
5.0
SPN1
May 7, 2005

Very boring and hard teacher. She expects her students to learn spanish very quickly. She was absent A LOT so we had a lot of different subs which made it even harder. The tests are hard... Lots of homework!

2.0
4.0
SPN1120
May 11, 2005

Not for one who misses class.

2.0
4.0
SPN1120
May 17, 2005

It is hard to be a good professor when you are never there. I just think she was a little unrealistic with her lesson plans. If you HAVE to take her.... then be ready to go to the tutoring center and find ways to learn the material without her. She is not very helpful.

1.0
5.0
SPN1120
May 28, 2005

This professor was very hard and unrealistic. I had to take her class more than once and both times she was absent alot, I learned more about her personal life than spanish, because that's all she ever talks about. Her test were really hard and no matter how much you study it was still hard to get a passing grade on them.

5.0
4.0
SPN11201121
Aug 22, 2005

I have Professora Pi for spanish 1 and 2. I took SPN2 in the summer and it was hard since it went so fast. But she notices hard work and rewards you. You have to get on her good side, go to class and be attentive. She really is a good teacher and very sweet. She doesn't believe in giving up~so don't, she will most likely pass you if u go to class

3.0
4.0
SPANISH1AND2
Sep 8, 2005

i didn't find her very encouraging. I don't think she hears us. She likes to talk about how affluent her and her children are. I'm glad they are so successful, but come on... we are in community college.

5.0
4.0
SPNIII
Sep 13, 2005

Maria is a cultural goldmine! Perhaps, sometimes you feel like you're learning a foreign language because you ARE learning a foreign language. The class isn't easy, there's plenty of work and it's no cakewalk for native speakers either - which sometimes makes it even more difficult for non-natives...but you'll be rewarded for your efforts.Thanks!

5.0
4.0
SPN
Sep 29, 2005

Sra. Pi has of heart of gold; a genuinely helpful person. She works to make cultural contexts understandable, instead of just force-feeding a book format. We went on great field trips to Spanish-speaking establishments. Learning Spanish is not a walk in the park; some of those students who are complaining just don't like to do much work.

5.0
3.0
SPN12
Oct 18, 2005

Senora Pi is a wonderful teacher. Yes you have a lot of homework, but how else could you learn a new language?? I would definately recommend her.

4.0
4.0
SPN
Oct 21, 2005

Professora Pi is a great lady! She loves to give personal anecdotes to provide more understanding of hispanic culture and she's quite funny. It's a challenging course but the atmosphere is pleasant.

1.0
5.0
SPANISH1
Oct 24, 2005

I had to drop this class because the teacher was very unclear of instruction and due dates. She was absent a few times and also while we had group work, she would leave the class...I studied hard and continued getting poor grades, so I had to drop the class before it affected my GPA. I wouldn't reccomend Mrs. Quintero-Pi!

5.0
4.0
SPN2
Apr 6, 2006

shes really nice. her way is a little tough, but i was interested, ,and wanted to do well, so i did well.

4.0
3.0
SPN1
May 7, 2006

I enjoyed Sra. Pi's class. It's definitely tough if you haven't had Spanish background, but you just have to put forth effort. I found Sra. Pi to be very helpful and available for office hours when needed. Very friendly. I enjoyed the fact that we talked about culture as well, not just grammar rules.

3.0
2.0
SPN1120
May 11, 2006

Profesora Pi is a great teacher. If you have never taken Spanish before this class will be tough; however, she is willing to give extra credit and help in any way possible. At first she is unclear with instruction, but by the middle of the semester I understood her perfectly. I highly recommend this wonderful instructor!

5.0
3.0
SPN1
May 14, 2006

mrs. pi has a style that wont work for everybody, but she will give it her best shot. she is a sweet lady. i enjoyed her class very much and am now takeing spn 2 w/her.

5.0
4.0
SPN1121
Jul 11, 2006

This is a tough class; however, the teacher is great! Do what she asks of you, and you will do well. There is a lot of homework in this class, but it really does help to practice the material being taught on a daily basis. I highly recommend this fantastic teacher!

2.0
4.0
SPN1121
Jul 12, 2006

She is a nice lady but she isn't very clear on instructions. She doesn't really teach you. She puts you in groups and you pretty much teach yourselves by what you read in the book. She was usually always late and she missed a few classes but still expected you to know all the stuff she didn't have much time to teach. She takes away a lot of points for not putting accent marks on words. I got an A but that's only because I speak Spanish. Take Acevedo.

5.0
3.0
SPN1121
Jul 21, 2006

I believe Professora Pi wants everyone to do well, I also believe that if you have good attendance, do your homework and study, you will not fail this class. Having said this, it is a very hard course and you must be prepared to work hard for your grade. Be sure to buddy up with a study mate and review all voacb. Oral comprehension weighted heavy!

4.0
3.0
SPNSECT
Apr 2, 2007

Professor Pi is an amazing teacher. She kept me interested enough to still want to come to class and learn. Granted how she teaches is a little off but it's fun. Always be sure to have your name displayed. DO NOT SIT IN THE BACK OF THE CLASS. She is extremely helpful and will give you every oppurtunity to correct your mistakes.

2.0
5.0
SPN1121
Apr 12, 2007

I would not recommend taking her. She sucks

1.0
4.0
SPN1120
Sep 20, 2007

Worst professor of my college career so far. late 30 min or more every class period.then a 15 min lecture about her mom and nurse and how they dont get along. we only go over homework in class with the time we have left. stay home teach yourself and save your money.take spanish at USF. 4 out of the 17 students in my class were taking her a 2nd time

3.0
4.0
SPN1120
Dec 3, 2007

she really doesnt go out of her way to help you, its more of the class working together. but shes a nice lady, im taking her agian.

5.0
3.0
SPN1120
Dec 15, 2007

She is awesome! I would not take spanish with anyone else. She is a good person and wants her students to do well. She is very down to earth and very funny. If you do your homework you will do well in this class

3.0
5.0
SPN1102
Dec 16, 2007

You must spend several hours a day doing hw and studying is mandatory! study groups during class 90% of the time and thn she teaches about 10%. I intend to learn spanish but she needs to put more effort into it instead of making students do it all on their own. Wonderful personality and I enjoy her cultural stories,but not what I expectd from her.

5.0
5.0
SPN1121
May 1, 2008

This course is not for the weak-minded but she will do what she can to help you.There are spanish tutors and attendance is mandatory-you cant bs this class.Good person and she did her best to help me when I ran into huge personal problems.She talks alot about her personal experiences bcz they tend to be class-relevant.Study hard or fail.

1.0
5.0
SPN1121
Sep 23, 2008

RUN! Do not take her class. I don't understand how she calls herself a teacher. Doesn't a teacher usually teach? She puts u into groups and leaves the class. She only teaches for maybe 10 mins at the most before dumping u into a group. Tests are EXTREMELY hard with no study guide.

5.0
4.0
SPAN1
Oct 27, 2008

I'm looking forward to take Spanish 2 with Profesor Pi..she can't study the vocabulary for you!...She teaches lessons very well. I don't think there is a better Spanish Profesor out there. If you are not willing to work for your grade, that's your fault and don't blame her for it!!

3.0
2.0
SPNI
Dec 15, 2008

She doesn't have favorites but if you put the effort in and care about your grade she'll do the same and even bump you up to the next highest grade if you're close. Tests are easy, just LEARN the vocab. Some people don't get her style so I wouldn't recommend her to anyone who can't take responsibility for their own work. Class is not for immature.

5.0
4.0
SPN1120
Dec 29, 2008

I feel I didn't get the grade I deserved and Professor Pi will nort respond to any of my e-mails!!!

4.0
3.0
SPN1121
Dec 29, 2008

Quintero definitely has a tough love mentality with her students. The class is not impossible but it will definitely be challenging. Study the grammar explanation pages inside and out. Vocabulary is a must as well. Do what she expects and get above a D on the tests.

3.0
3.0
SPN1101
Feb 15, 2009

Her teaching style has not changed much throughout the years.She is not a very good teacher and relies on the students and the text to teach for her. personally I believe I received better spanish instruction in highschool. DON'T TAKE HER

4.0
4.0
SPN1120
Mar 31, 2009

This professor is very kind and an extremely fair grader. Many extra credit opportunities. This course, however, is not easy! Be prepared to work and your efforts will not go unnoticed.

5.0
2.0
SPN1120
Apr 13, 2009

Love her. Great teacher. She really cares about her students. Tough love approach - she doesn't tolerate slackers - you know who you are...those that like to skip class, don't do HW, expect grade to be handed to you. A lot of vocab and grammer - whole new world. She's not hard. The material is. Looking forward to Spanish II with her.

3.0
4.0
SPN1120
Apr 29, 2009

Very opinionated but she knows her stuff. Personally preferred my high school spanish teacher. If you are a first year spanish student I would take someone else.

4.0
5.0
SPN1121
May 7, 2009

Senora Pi is a very nice woman, who is very opinionated. She genuinely cares for her students, but that doesn't mean a good grade will be handed to you. She is not a hard teacher, the material is hard. I took her for Spn 1&2 and wouldn't take anyone else. A lot of opportunity for extra credit, but be prepared to work hard!

3.0
5.0
SPN1121
May 11, 2009

Spanish used to flow easily for me til I took her class; she is willing to work with you in class but not outside,and that includes emailing. If you want real clarity you must go to tutoring if you have time; very unforgiving when it comes to missing class,even if its serious or unavoidable you still get penalized.Lot of fun but disappointing.

4.0
1.0
SPN1121
Jun 17, 2009

just do what you have to do and try and understand the material. she is not that bad. she curves with extra credit. she does tend to go off topic but most language professors do.

5.0
2.0
SPN1101
Nov 27, 2009

HONESTLY SHE WAS A WONDERFUL INSTRUCTOR. SHE GENUINELY CARES ABOUT HER STUDENTS. SHE GIVES HER ALL AND EXPECTS THE SAME IN RETURN. TAKE THIS WOMANS CLASS BEFORE SHE RETIRES. YOU WILL GET YOUR MONEYS WORTH. MELISSA RICE

5.0
4.0
SPN100
Apr 12, 2010

I enjoyed her editorializing. It was very enlightening, as she speaks from the point of view of a Cuban immigrant. The material was difficult, but I felt I got a much better exposure to Spanish than friends in another "easier" class at another school. You will know Spanish by the time you leave her Spanish II class. Highly recommended.

2.0
5.0
SPN1121
Dec 27, 2010

Absolute WORST prof I have ever taken!!! More than 1/2 the class dropped the class. Did not teach anything. Rude when asked what I could do to better my grade & said I would fail regardless. Assigns several hw assignment every night & does not teach. Nothing we went over were on the tests. DO NOT TAKE HER!

4.0
3.0
SPN1101
Jan 12, 2011

she is very strict. don't talk back don't argue and don't get offended. I hated her when i took her class but she really really gets you to know and understand the material if you go to her BEFORE there is a problem or you miss class you will be golden! TAKE HER AND STICK WIH IT! got a B!

5.0
2.0
SPN1121
Apr 13, 2011

Had her for 1120 & 1121. Love and respect her! She is very passionate and opinionated. Both semester I recieved an A. If you want to learn a foreign language, she is definitely the best that HCC has! Spanish isn't east, but she will help you understand!

5.0
3.0
SPN1120
Apr 18, 2011

The Best Spanish teacher that I ever Had!She really do cares about her students.She is not hard the language itself is.She is a little funny and enjoys teaching.I am taking her again for Spanish 2.I would recommend her. all you have to do is the homework and come to class,participate in the discussions. I love her!!!!Dodmy jean

5.0
3.0
SPN1120
Apr 27, 2011

Professor Pi was incredible! I took four years of Spanish in H.S. and thought that I was going to be bored; I was quite surprised that I actually learned new content. She focuses very much on Latin culture, and is very up-to-date in terms of what the Academy of Real Spanish mandates. She is charming, caters to those who want to learn, and very real

5.0
2.0
SPN1120
Apr 29, 2011

Profesora Pi is phenomenal! I found her funny and very caring. A great teacher! My first language class ever and I was able to make an A. We had a sub for a week and I was LOST. I will definitely take her for Spanish II.

5.0
2.0
SPN1120
May 9, 2011

The best Professor I have ever had at HCC. She is professional,intellectual, passionate and loves her job. She gets everybody involved to make sure no one is left behind. English for me is a second language. Spanish my third now. Attend class and do the hwork. Take both her classes!!

2.0
5.0
SPN1120
May 11, 2011

Nice lady, spends alot of time going over homework rather than teaching. Make sure you do your homework or she will call you out. Can be prejudiced toward some students. she is giving out only written test now instead of multi-choice and written, the writing part was hard enough with the multi-choice.she likes to tell alot of interesting stories.

3.0
2.0
SPN1102
Jun 24, 2011

Good teacher, but a little uppity and talks to students like they are children. Likes to interject her own opinions into everything (most notably religion, which I find intolerable). Spends way to much time going over homework and not enough time facilitating actual speaking of Spanish, which would be much more helpful.

5.0
2.0
SPN1120
Aug 8, 2011

She s a wonderful teacher. I took spanish yearssss ago back in high school and didn't remember a thing until i took Mrs. Pi's class. she is really funny and helpful. Those who say she is hard and dont take her are basically lazy students. I took full semester of classes and i work 40 hours a week. and still did very good.

2.0
4.0
SPN1120
Nov 29, 2011

She was unable to keep a professional conduct and brought her personal business into the classroom. She also has a tendency to play favorites with students and treat others not as well. The majority of the class is going over the homework with little to no speaking. I personally would not take her again, but some students will be fine with her.

5.0
3.0
SPN1121
Dec 3, 2011

I had her for both spanish i & ii and spn i wasnt so bad, its a lot of vocab. Spn ii is more grammar. Shes totally a mom and plays favorites. Im ehh ok w her but her class can definitely be improved.. need more speaking than just going over hw.

4.0
5.0
SPN1120
May 29, 2012

Really boring teacher. I got an A only because I'm a native Spanish speaker. She doesnt really teach. she just goes over homework a lot.

5.0
4.0
SPN1120
Nov 24, 2012

Spanish 1 is a 4 credit class, therefore it has a pretty heavy workload. It is very challenging if you are a non native speaking reutrning adult. Best nbot to take Spanish in a semster with other demanding courses. Mrs Pi has little tolerance for those who take attendance lightly. Altogether effective Professor who is passionate about her subject

1.0
2.0
SPN1105
Apr 17, 2013

If you are not a native speaker this teacher will be of no use to you. She says that hcc does not have enough budget for her to take the time to teach non Spanish speaker. Unprofessional and rude.

1.0
4.0
SPN1105
Apr 17, 2013

Save your money for a teacher who cares. I was very excited to learn a new language and this professor didn't teach at ALL

1.0
4.0
SPN1120
Jun 26, 2013

Terrible instructor! Take Spanish at another campus if you have to. If you are not a native speaker, you WILL ONLY pass if you spend your spare time tutoring. She has zero patience and can be rude at times. I was disappointed with this professor. All the posts that are here are true. Bottom line, stay away if you want to learn Spanish. Good luck

5.0
1.0
SPN1120
Dec 2, 2013

AWESOME PROFESSOR ! do not listen any of these comments. i was very nervous about taking this class becasue i depended on ratmyprofessor but i had no other choice..she is nothing like what these people are saying.she is GREAT professor and actually cares about all her students, of course if you attend or do the work, you will be on bad terms w/ her

2.0
5.0
1120
Mar 26, 2015

She is the worst language teacher to take. She does not help you, not helpful at all. No type of extra credit and if she does give some, you would have to come out of your own pocket for it. It does not matter what type of grade you have in her class if you do not pass her exam she will automatically fail you, and she continues to say that!

3.0
3.0
SPN1120
Grade: F
May 19, 2015

Posints are taken off final grade for classes missed. If you go by the syllabus you should be great but if you've never taken a foreign language a tutor is HIGHLY recommend. Professor Pi isn't a mean lady but she can go off on pointless tangents which at times can be distracting.

5.0
4.0
SPN1120
Aug 26, 2015

She is the best profesora I have ever had at HCC. You will hear and read a lot of negative things about her, but understand this, she is extremely helpful and the best Spanish teacher at HCC. If you are looking for an easy A then you better look elsewhere because her class is difficult, but you will learn a lot from her.

4.0
3.0
SPN1120
Grade: A+
Nov 16, 2015

Great professor! She makes you work for your grade, but she makes the class fun. Get on her good side and you will be fine!

1.0
4.0
SPN1120
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 8, 2015

she is very religious, she will talk about god more than she talks about language- she doesn't stay on topic and if you are not of the same belief as her she can and will be very discourteous to say the least- I dropped the class because she was rude to a muslim kid taking the class with us- not cool- in fact out of 21 students 16 dropped the class

4.0
4.0
SPN1120
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2016

If new to Spanish a tutor is a must. She will give you a hard time if she thinks you are a slacker. Lots to remember but the grading criteria is clear. She does go off on tangents. There is room for extra credit, you fail the final you fail the class. Be prepared to be treated like a 9yr old at times (smh). It can be done, just put in the work.

5.0
4.0
SPN1120
Grade: A-
Jan 7, 2016

If you don't put in the time AND effort, you won't pass. Consider going to the tutor right away. We had to buy a book and a Heinle code (which sucks, because my Spn2 class won't use that site and I paid $60 more than I had to for the longer term option...) She IS very religious but she was very kind to those in my class who believed otherwise.

1.0
5.0
SPN1101
Grade: F
Jan 11, 2016

Terrible teacher, she expect you to know everything in one semester. If this is your first Spanish class than you will be in trouble with this professor.

1.0
1.0
EAP0300
Oct 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Terrible. She didnt tech well, and she doesnt like to work. I didnt learn anything in her classes. Her methodology is poor and monotone.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
F (2)
A+ (1)
Drop/Withdrawal (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(1)C(0)D(1)F(2)A-/B+(1)
Based on 6 reported grades
F: 2
A+: 1
Drop/Withdrawal: 1
B: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.10 avg change
May
Aug
Nov
Dec
Jan
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SPNIII

5.0

(2)

SPANISH

5.0

(1)

SPN11201121

5.0

(1)

SPN2

5.0

(1)

SPAN1

5.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1120

5.0

SPN1

4.2

SPA

4.0

SPN12

4.0

SPANISH1

4.0

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