3.4

Mark Pumar

Mathematics - Los Angeles Pierce College

3.4
Quality
2.4
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
83
Reviews
3.4
Quality
2.4
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.4
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

83

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

39

4

12

3

4

2

7

1

21

What Students Say

I WILL STAY THE H3LL AWAY FROM THIS PROFESSOR SUCH A BAD REP FOR PIERCE

260 - 1.0 rating

Pumar is a HORRIBLE professor

260 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

62% confidence
Based on 4 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
Drop/Withdrawal (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(0)C(0)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 6 reported grades
A: 3
Drop/Withdrawal: 2
A-: 1
Common Tags
TEST HEAVY (1)
Tough Grader (1)
Lecture heavy (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.04 avg change
Apr
Jun
May
Nov
Jan
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH

5.0

(1)

MATH263

4.0

(36)

263

4.0

(1)

MATH3289

4.0

(1)

CALC0261

4.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CALC3

5.0

CALC263

5.0

CALC0261

5.0

CALC1

5.0

MATH260

4.3

Reviews (83)
1.0
5.0
CALC3
Nov 9, 2006

the worst teacher ever ! he dosnt know how to teach at all :(

1.0
5.0
CALC3
Nov 16, 2006

No. Just no. You'll learn more from reading the textbook.

1.0
2.0
CAL1401
Dec 20, 2006

HE IS THE WORST AND MOST UNFAIR TEACHER

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 9, 2007

Great professor. Test right out of text.

1.0
4.0
MATH263
Jan 9, 2007

Noooooooo.Dont take him...

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 9, 2007

Easy tests. All you have to do is come to class and do the HW to pass.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 16, 2007

Professor Pumar is an excellent lecturer and his tests are straightforward. I would highly recommend him.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Mar 1, 2007

Teaches right out of the text. Easy to follow, clear lectures and fair straight forward tests. Take his class if you can you won't be disappointed.

5.0
1.0
MATH215
May 14, 2007

Easy tests and straight forward lectures. Only downside is that you have to attend workshops, but otherwise great course.

5.0
1.0
MATH215
May 23, 2007

Math is not my subject, but Professor Pumar made the class a breeze.

5.0
1.0
MATH215
Jul 2, 2007

Although this class was largely a review of things learned in algebra, Professor Pumar made it as ingesting as possible. I really liked his workshops also.

1.0
4.0
MATH215
Nov 27, 2007

OMG!!!! This teacher is something else. He copies the pages straight from the book and puts it onto a power point and just reads word for word. Doesn't show any examples just reads. Its very boring and really, you don't learn anything. RUN!!!!!

1.0
3.0
MATH215
Dec 21, 2007

His teaching is literally a joke. He doesnt teach at all. He just reads from notes that have nothing to do with the test and expects you to know all the material. Dont take him!!!!

5.0
1.0
MATH215
Dec 22, 2007

Great professor. I would highly recommend him. This was my last math class and he made it a breeze.

4.0
1.0
MATH215
Dec 23, 2007

Considering that the course was essentially math I learned in grammar school, Professor Pumar did a good job keeping the course moving along and interesting. I would recommend him.

5.0
1.0
MATH215
Jan 2, 2008

Fantastic professor. Loved his lecture notes - they provided an easy study guide to the entire course and he posts everything online.

5.0
1.0
MATH215
Jan 3, 2008

For the first time I really understood basic math. Professor Pumar is a real pro at explaining math and helping you really understand it.

2.0
2.0
MATH215
Jan 10, 2008

Don't even bother buying the book that is "required" bec he just reads the lecture from the website that he created. this class is really boring. His tests are all in the lecture notes, but you really have to understand it (on your own) to past the test.

4.0
2.0
MATH215
Jan 14, 2008

Really help professor. He takes is test questions out of the book, so if you can do the homework passing the tests is not a big deal.

4.0
2.0
MATH263
Feb 16, 2008

Unfortunately I had to drop this class, but Professor Pumar was very nice and helpful. I would highly recommend him!

4.0
2.0
MATH263
Mar 12, 2008

Wonderful professor and very helpful. I would highly recommend him.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Mar 25, 2008

Gives really easy tests. Just do the homework and study. An easy A.

4.0
2.0
MATH263
Apr 16, 2008

Best prof I've ever had. Take him if you can.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
May 2, 2008

Professor Pumar is outstanding. His lectures are clear and his tests are straightforward and easy.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
May 7, 2008

Really, really good. He knows his stuff.

3.0
4.0
MATH263
Nov 17, 2008

This guy is VERY boring and unhelpful.The only good thing about him is that he gives you the hw solutions.He is NOT a good teacher at all!He can barely explain a simple hw problem without looking at a manual.His writing is sloppy and all over the place.He just reads from his lecture notes.I suggest you take yoshi even tho he gives online wk as well

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Nov 19, 2008

Excellent professor. He really knows his stuff. Goes out of his way to explain the background of the material and give insight into the problems.

3.0
3.0
MATH263
Jan 4, 2009

Not the best teacher in the world, but a nice man. I ended up with an A because he curved some of the exams (since most students did badly on them). So I'm really happy with my grade :). I have to admit that I did not learn as much as I should have though.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 5, 2009

Best math teacher I've ever had. He explains every thing so well and takes the time to answer all questions.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Feb 4, 2009

Really helpful and very nice. He give out solutions to the homework and his lectures are very entertaining. I wish he taught 270 or 275.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Mar 2, 2009

Sometimes a bit verbose but overall gets the point across.

4.0
2.0
MATH263
Mar 16, 2009

I really learned a lot in Prof Pumar's class. His tests are fairly easy if you study for them, attend class and do the homework.

2.0
5.0
CALC263
Aug 6, 2009

Worst professor. HW problems are very easy and he go over them in the class. But Tests are really hard and most of the students got low grades in this test. Don't take his class. Not helpful also. Makes you beg for grades.

4.0
2.0
MATH263
Jan 11, 2010

Outstanding professor. Explains things well and his tests are easy.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 12, 2010

I would highly recommend Professor Pumar. He did a really good job of explaining the course and his tests were extremely fair: he took the problems straight out of the book.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 13, 2010

Best math professor I've ever had. Almost all the students did very, very, well in the class and especially on the tests.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 16, 2010

Exceptional professor. Clear lectures, tests are problems right out of the book. Most of the class did really good. I wish he was teaching 270 or 275

3.0
4.0
MATH261
Jan 20, 2010

cant teach. tests are hard. class average on the midterm was a fail. Does not curve tests. test are worth 150pts(3tests) hw 50pts. extra credit useless. nice guy, bad professor. very boring monotone. test problems are difficult. lots of people ended up with a C. i had a tutor and understood everything but tests made it impossible to get an A

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Jan 21, 2010

Incredibly great teacher a very nice person and very helpful. Made the class extremely interesting and was fun to listen to. Curved all tests. Tests were easy if you studied and put in the time. Problems right out of the book. Lots of A's and B's. Everyone I know did very well.

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Jan 22, 2010

Tough subject but Professor Pumar made it seem easy. Couldn't ask for a better teacher.

4.0
2.0
MATH261
Jan 26, 2010

Great professor. Wish he was teaching 262

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Feb 17, 2010

Pumar's the best. I highly reccomend him.

5.0
2.0
MATH261
Feb 22, 2010

Math isnot my subject but Professor Pumar made the subject seem interesting and fairly easy.

3.0
4.0
MATH261
Apr 15, 2010

please DO NOT TAKE. was definatly not easy. Calc is a hard subject itself and he just made it more confusing. my tutor couldnt even answer some of his test problems. yes he does take the test Q's from the book (he picks the ones at the end that are difficult to answer) just take ANOTHER teacher. NOT worth it!

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Jun 22, 2010

Easy prof...test question right out of book...its hard to see how one could do bad in this class

2.0
4.0
MATH263
Sep 9, 2010

I dont kno where the good comments r coming from. He doesnt teach u. He only mentions the EXTREMELY basic stuff.. everything else rest u learn urself, which is a lot. He asks the wacko questions from the book, barely the ones that help u understand the concept b4 jumping into the hard problems. I'd rather take Smith, even tho he sucks too!

1.0
5.0
MATH263
Dec 13, 2010

WORST MATH TEACHER EVER!!!! He does not explain anything clearly. He just reads out of his powerpoint, which is copied word for word out of the book. He does not do any new examples. The only way you can pass the tests is if you learn the material by yourself. Lastly, he is extremely boring. I do not get why he has so many good comments.

1.0
4.0
MATH263
Dec 15, 2010

Terrible teacher. He teaches only the most basic concepts, and asks you the most difficult questions on the test, which would be fine if he was a better teacher. He's also extremely boring and as long as the class average is at least a 70, then he's happy because the class is technically passing, and he's done his job.

2.0
5.0
MATH263
Dec 16, 2010

Most of our class dropped for good reason. We had a 49% average on our second test. This is not an easy class, be prepared to read the book, which is not that helpful either. I agree, I don't understand where these good comments are coming from. Just imagine Ben Stein reading out of a math book for an hour. That is pretty much the class.

2.0
3.0
MATH263
Dec 23, 2010

This teacher is horrible. His tests do not require a high level of understanding with regards to the material taught in class. They are a measure of how fast one can perform laborious, menial tasks. I do not recommend this teacher to any student that wishes to learn and be tested on the material the class is supposed to cover.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 8, 2011

Really good professor. He really explains the subject. Just attend the lectures, do the homework and study and you'll get a great grade.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 10, 2011

BEST MATH TEACHER EVER! Professor Pumar really explains the material well. Professor Pumar's test can be a bit trying but all the problems are right out of the book so its hard to see how you can't do well.

4.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 13, 2011

Professor Pumar is a really good teacher. The class can be a bit dull, buy hey, its math. If you want to be entertained take Cinema.

5.0
2.0
MATH263
Jan 18, 2011

I thought the class was tough at the time but thank goodness for Professor Pumar. He really prepared us to go to UCLA. If it was not for all the work we did I don't know where I would be.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Jan 24, 2011

Love this guy. He gives out all the solutions to the homework problems and takes his test problems right out of the book. It's hard NOT to do well in his class.

5.0
2.0
MATH263
Feb 3, 2011

I agree...class seemed hard at the time, but really thankful Professor Pumar prepared us so well. If you think his class is hard wait till you get to UCLA!

1.0
5.0
MATH263
Sep 12, 2011

Literally, the worst teacher in the universe. If you're actually considering taking it with him, DON'T.

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Nov 8, 2011

Best professor I've ever had. Take him for sure!

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Jan 4, 2012

Professor Pumar made the subject so easy to understand. His lectures were interesting and his explanations straight forward and easy to understand. His tests could be challenging if you don't study hard.

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Jan 4, 2012

Awesome professor. Very clear and organized. He made the subject seem easy.

5.0
2.0
MATH261
Jan 17, 2012

Really, really good professor. Tests can be hard but he is very helpful if you ask questions or stay after class.

4.0
4.0
MATH3289
May 30, 2012

Professor is an 7 out of 10, not bad but not great either. I would take him again but not with the same book. BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. If you want a great professor and a great book. Take Jim Castro for either Calc 2 and Calc 3. He uses the Swokoski book and its amazing. Plus hes the best Calc teacher ever. He teaches at Valley and CSUN.

1.0
5.0
CALC3
Jun 22, 2012

He's just not a professor for Calc 3. I learned nothing from him, and he didn't explain the material well. Test was multiple choices which wasn't suitable for any Calc subjects!

5.0
1.0
MATH263
Oct 16, 2012

Very good prof. I learned a lot and would take him again.

2.0
1.0
MATH261
Dec 10, 2012

if you want to learn math for your future do not take with him.

4.0
5.0
CALC0261
Feb 12, 2013

its an okay class but very difficult to get an A, either he has to give some extra credit assignment or give extra points on the tests because his tests are very difficult and picks hardest problems

5.0
1.0
MATH
May 16, 2013

He's easy to understand but his tests are a little on the difficult side. However I learned a lot. You just need to stick with it.

1.0
4.0
MATH261
May 28, 2013

horrible. if you need to take calc 2 he will NOT prepare you at all. worst teacher in my whole entire life.

1.0
5.0
CALC1
Aug 14, 2013

He writes all the nice comments you're reading. His tests are from the book, literally. Multiple choice on a calc exam? Yup, he does it. I got high A's on all the exams and failed one quiz and got a B in the class..wtf? The class was apparently curved, yet I still got a B. He teaches nothing. You learn nothing. Don't take him.

1.0
5.0
MATH261
Nov 26, 2013

STAY AWAYY. This teacher gives multiple choice tests based on logic (if A then never b but always C) with no worked problems! He has a monotone and will mostly work theory problems. As someone who has now passed calculus (I dropped this teacher)take someone who actually does real problems. This teacher will not prepare you for Calc2 at all

5.0
1.0
MATH261
Feb 19, 2014

Great professor! He prepared us very well for 262. His tests can be a bit tricky, but if you study you will do well.

5.0
2.0
MATH261
Feb 21, 2014

WOW! Multiple choice math tests! What could be easier? You gotta love this guy!

1.0
5.0
CALC1
Apr 18, 2014

His rating is so deceiving because he writes all of the good ratings himself. Figured this out halfway thru the semester. If you actually need to know calc, don't take this class. Otherwise, pay a tutor to do all your take-home exams and hopefully you'll get an A. Good luck.

5.0
5.0
MATH261
Grade: A-
Sep 4, 2014

There were no multiple choices on his exams. He is a good teacher - he explains things well and asks if you understand, but you have to put in the effort on the homework - DUH!. This is college NOT HIGH SCHOOL! And it is CALCULUS not basic math!

4.0
2.0
263
Dec 18, 2014

Calculus can only be dumbed down to a certain level, for the grade you have to put in effort. I found him to be a good teacher and a good guy, very approachable and always willing to help.

1.0
1.0
260
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 14, 2015

HE COPIES THE SAME EXAMPLES FROM THE BOOK TO THE BOARD, I CAN JUST STAY HOME WATCH MTV AND STUDY MATH ON MY OWN OR EVEN GO TO TUTORING. NOT HELPFULL AT ALL! and when his TESTS COME HE MAKES THEM SO TRICKY NOT EVEN THE SAME ONES YOU STUDY OR THE EXAMPLES HE SHOWS IN CLASS. I WILL STAY THE H3LL AWAY FROM THIS PROFESSOR SUCH A BAD REP FOR PIERCE

1.0
5.0
260
Grade: A
Jun 1, 2015

im getting an A in this class no doubt bc ive gotten an A on his first 2 exams & ive taken this course in high school but HE IS THE WORST PROFESSOR nobody should take him His lectures are horrible & his class is the biggest bore of my life im so glad i had an amazing teacher in HS bc if i hadnt, i prob would have not passed this horrible class.

1.0
5.0
260
Jun 3, 2015

Pumar is a HORRIBLE professor. He teaches math like it is literature, his examples never make any sense and he does not clarify. Not to mention that he literally does not give a damn about his students. Hence, the no office hours. If you need extra help, his suggestion is "tutoring" worst teacher ever.

2.0
3.0
MATH260
Grade: A
Jun 10, 2015

His whole class is basically him solving the homework and examples from the books. He is not very helpful and makes a lot of mistakes, while not very willing to explain things twice. Most of the grade is based on three tests which usually have few tricky questions in them and they are usually not from homework and not even explained in class :

1.0
5.0
MATH260
May 13, 2016

NOT RECOMMENDED AT ALL. He is mean and unclear. Tests are hard. He goes through the book examples ONLY.

1.0
1.0
MATH261
Nov 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

worst math professor

TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
MATH260
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 27, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Everyone likes to know about the tests, so i will tell you how his tests are structured, for every exam its 5 questions on each exams and each one is worth 10 points so if you dont understand a question or make a mistake on one there goes a big chunk of your grade. i don't recommend this guy for you, because your GPA will be going down

Tough Grader
1.0
3.0
stat1000
Grade: A
Nov 4, 2025

Stands in front of class and presents slideshows every single class. Extremely difficult environment to learn in. Basically reads off the slides and sends you off to do it on your own with no written out examples or practice problems. Do not take this teacher unless you are prepared to learn the whole class on your own, because he is no help.

Lecture heavy
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

62% confidence
Based on 4 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
Drop/Withdrawal (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(0)C(0)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 6 reported grades
A: 3
Drop/Withdrawal: 2
A-: 1
Common Tags
TEST HEAVY (1)
Tough Grader (1)
Lecture heavy (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.04 avg change
Apr
Jun
May
Nov
Jan
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH

5.0

(1)

MATH263

4.0

(36)

263

4.0

(1)

MATH3289

4.0

(1)

CALC0261

4.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CALC3

5.0

CALC263

5.0

CALC0261

5.0

CALC1

5.0

MATH260

4.3

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