His lectures can get pretty boring, and the test is pretty hard. If you take him make sure you study hard. He is a cool and funny guy though. The class requires effort.

Good teacher but you better do your homework and try in the class...If your not going to try dont take his class.

Funny, good anecdotes, good adding humor and personality to American history. Lots of time-consuming homework, though. Exams are multiple choice/essay, gives questions in advance. He picks 2 (in theory, more like 3-5), you pick one and write. Overall, he's good but it's his first semester and he needs more experience teaching community college.

This guy is dope!!!! very funny, lots of personality, as boring as west. civ. can be he does his best to make it entertaining.willing to work with people. I highly recomend him for west. civ.

he's pretty awesome. weekly homework as compared to daily homework, and very lieniant on due dates. keeps the topics funny and interesting. tests are a bit tricky at first due to the essay, but it gets better.

he knows his stuff and makes class as fun as he can but he uses the fact that he taught AP in some hick town against you. you'll find him saying "come on guys..ur in college now" often. homework sucks..tests are multiple choice/one essay..does not let you leave early and really expects you to pay attention to him while ur in class.

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This guy is in the power hitters club for history at Palomar,he knows his stuff.Lets face it, anyone who handles Alabama for ten years has got to be a good teacher. Entertaining,he puts allot of effort into his leactures. One thing I also enjoy is the visuals he brings to class he has class material on powerpoint which makes things very clear.

this guy is an f'ing great teacher, best one i've had so far. power point makes notes easy to take, plus the guy is entertaining.

Estes is an awesome teacher, not only does he teach with clarity, but is also very passionate about some parts of history. Also his jokes are pretty funny and when you figure him out they are really funny, i would recommend this teacher to anyone. I got a B but that is cause i did not try, if you keep up with hw you will get an A Highly recommended

I took two of Estes's classes this semester and they were both awesome. He is easy to pay attention to, and I think this is the first time I have actually LEARNED history from someone. An overall awesome teacher who really knows what he is doing.

I love this teacher. My favorite history teacher. It is pretty easy once you get the hang of the questions he gives on the tests. The jeopardy game if fun, take notes! and know them all you'll definitely get a good grade. it was awesome. he has such great passion in teaching. i really do like him.

It can be summed up by saying that this professor will help you learn history and make it a quality experience. To take a class that you will look back and value and feel that it was money and time well spent take a class with professor Estes.

Mr. Estes is an awesome teacher, he makes class interesting and the power-points help in taking notes. I would recomend him to anyone and he also has a great sense of humor which makes class even more fun.

I was happy with this teacher.

my favorite teacher at palomar! he is excited about history and makes history interesting! he is funny and very fair when it comes to grading. he tries to structure the class so that you will succeed but you still will have to work for your grade!

Matt is a GREAT professor. Its easy to see he is very passionate about teaching. Yea, he does LOVE his power points but he gives a lot of info in the lecture thats not on those slides. Loved the class even if I got a C

He's so great, I took him again. He fails to disappointment me.

Matt is the best teacher I have ever had. Everyone should have the pleasure of taking one of his classes. So far I have taken 2. Always helpful, and very passionate. It's so nice to have a teacher who loves his job!

i took him for history 105 and 106. he is a good teacher, and he really wants you to learn the information, so he tries to put it into concepts that you understand. the essays are easy if you pay attention to what he says, and the quizzes are straight from the book. he is upfront with what he expects from you.

Estes is great. Loves the subject and is dedicated to his students. Go to class and you will learn a lot and get a good grade.

Great teacher very passionate about history. Highly recommened but be prepared to think!

Estes is a really good teacher because he tries to relate to students and keep them entertained. He i smore than willing to answer and and all questions as well as reset blackboard when he knows its glitching. Only complaint is that he is like Carlos Mencia ang gets loud when making a point. (helps you remember)

I took Estes' 101,102,105, and 106 class and each was a blast. The lectures were clear and all information was easy to learn. He even adds little tidbits of History's dark side, such as Nero's childhood. The online tests are easy to do. The essays are easy if you pay attention. Estes is not deserving of almost all of the negativity towards him.

Estes is a great teacher. If you show up to class, take notes, and participate, there is no way you can fail the class. The tests are 100 point multiple choice on blackboard and one essay in class. Easy! and he's a fantastic teacher, puts in the extra effort for his students.

Prof. Estes is the best history porfessor I have ever had. It is not an easy A but he is very flexable and willing to help students. As long as you go to class and talk to him regarding tests, you will do fine. Also, participate in class, and SAVE ALL OF YOUR HOMEWORK. IT WILL HELP ON THE TESTS.

Do your Homework. Show up. Comment in class. Repeat above steps will = A Also gives out a little extra credit, Do not pass it up! You will learn a lot, but you won't have to memorize, his teaching methods really force you to retain the information and it's not very painful, Get a study partner in the class though.

Estes doesn't mind jumping around and making obscene jokes about historical events or people in order for the students to learn. His teaching methods totally work in that he makes history sort of funny. I think this class with this professor will definately add wrinkles to your brain (which is a good thing). Big P is definitely lucky to have him.

he is an okay teacher...he loves power point he always use that more than book... and he gives tones of homework i dont like that thing about him otherwise he is okay...

tough teacher but entertaining and energetic - even @ 0800. makes you think and expects you to do your part in class and on your hw. essays were rly tough if you dont come prepared, but he gives you the prompts ahead of time so use it wisely. :) overall rly enjoyed his class!

He's an easy teacher who is enyertaining enough to actually keep your attention in history. all tests online so just do work and your good.

I was dreading this class because American history has to be the most dull kind of history out there, but Prof Estes totally made the subject fascinating and interesting. He is fun, energetic and really knows his stuff. The essays were a bit tricky because they are formatted and are pretty tedious but if you've read the material you will be fine.

took both 101-102 & supper easy teacher!!! ch. hw every week & dbq stuff once a week but its either no brainer or easily found with google. tests are repeats of ch hw he has a great sense of humor that actually keeps you from zoning. Take him with a friend and the class will become even easier!

ALOT OF HOMEWORK!

Good Teacher but he teaches at a high level. Expect to have a lot of Homework and to speak in class. You must read the book or you are going to get lost. All homework is given online. Every other class you are expected to do a DBQ.

Awesome teacher...SLACKERS BEWARE!!!! not a friendly class for students who don't care. Open office hours when you need to talk to him about upcoming tests, notes, etc. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SCHOOL TAKE ESTES...He brings history alive. I never paid attention in History before but I Aced his class...IT WASN'T EASY

Estes is a funny guy, but there were very few lectures to capitalize on this. When you're not essay testing, the sessions alternate between primary source discussions and lectures. When you're not in class, you have to do these 25-question tests for each chapter you read. The book is fabulously written, but you often have to backtrack for the test.

Took him for 106 as well. Great teacher! He does give out a lot of homework through Blackboard, but THIS IS COLLEGE, and I've had worse teachers when it comes to homework. He is a riot, teaches you things that aren't in the book, very enthusiastic about history, loves the subject, and the essays are easy A's IF you prep, even for English haters.

Dude this guy is a crack up. You will remember the weirdest things about history. He makes it fun and you will not be totally overwhelmed by the work if you listen to what he says in class, overall awesome.

He's very funny! His habit of swearing is a little unprofessional, but the class was excellent! The work was challenging, but easy enough, if you read the book and pay attention during the lectures. He gives you the essay questions ahead of time, and the online assignments take only as long as it takes to read a chapter in the book!

Estes was honestly my favorite professor so far. He is sarcastic, vulgar, loud but i learned more in his history class than in any other academic class I've had and in the most fun way. You will spend a significant amount of time doing online quizzes, homework and exams but if you go to class prepare for the in class essays, easy A. Take him!

spent way too many hours doing homework and prepping for class. You're required to be on top of things every class. (You'll get called on more than once in a day.) Don't take the class if you aren't willing to put a lot of work in. Smart guy, but a royal ass when he wants to be.

He's so funny, and by far the nicest teacher who will make you feel comfortable. If you answer a question wrong in class, he doesn't make you feel stupid. Before I took this class, I didn't really care for history & never remembered it, but after taking him for 2 semesters, the stuff he taught actually stuck with me. great professor!

He is funny &very entertaining but don't take this class because of that. He IS hard, but he knows what he is talking about. He offers so much extra credit, office hours, &he is 1 of the most generous teachers when it comes 2 hw. You must read the ch, do the hw&DBQ's otherwise your grade will drop. So, I recommend taking this. WORK LOAD IS CRAZY!

Probably the closest thing I have had to a University standard teacher. He expects a lot out of the students, but we are in college...isn't that the point? At first the tests and essays were a little tough, but once you have the format down it isn't an issue. I learned a lot,because he knows what he is talking about, and enjoys telling you about it

Loved this class! Really interesting. The book is online and searchable, which makes the homework easy. Do the DBQs.They don't take that much time, you just need to read them. He is really nice and willing to work with you if you need help. Tests are hard at first, but easy once you know what he wants. Use the note page! It will make test easier.

I did HIST 101 and 102 with Estes. He likes things in a specific way, but explains and shows it to you. And makes online tests easy.(print out the pages like he says!) If you are not a history person, or major do not take his class. It helps if you know US Hist already. You DO need the book to pass.

Professor Estes is very passionate about history! He tells you exactly what he wants & how he expects it done. Just do it, it's not hard. Do the DBQs & in class documents & be prepared to participate in class b/c you will be called on...It's inevitable! He is extremely fair & very helpful. Any questions, see him during office hours.

He really changed how i view history. I decided to be a history major because of him. Seriously the best teacher i've ever had. I wish every teacher cared as much as him!

I took four classes from Professor Estes. He is an outstanding teacher. Lectures are very interesting and he evokes a lot of class partiipation. There is a lot of work and maybe one too many tests but nothing is a surprise. You have the essay questions in advance and the weekly tests are open book. He is one of the best teachers I've had.

Estes class is very busy but he is a great teacher. The book sucks and is rather biased, but that is why he delves so deeply into teaching us biases. I highly recommend him if you want to learn something. Do not take his class if you are lazy. His lectures are awesome and he is very helpful and open to questions.

Excellent teacher overall. He explains the material very well. I highly recommend anyone to take him for history 101/102.

Awesome teacher! Wasn't really into history before taking his class. Very passionate and helpful. Show up to class and participate or you will fail. Do the daily and weekly homework and the class is pretty easy. You will actually learn a lot if you are not lazy.One of the best teachers I've ever had!

Best teacher ever. I totally recommend taking this class. Easy Chapter Quiz homework every week, Document readings, or lectures for class, five in class essays where he allows one page of notes, and online multiple choice exams which questions come straight from the homework!! do your work, and participate (participation is worth ALOT), and ur good

Estes is a good teacher but this class has alot of work. The weekly chapter homework are 60 questions and take forever to complete. The book is a must for the weekly homework, as all the questions come from the the book. Very helpful and his lectures are interesting but i wouldn't recommend taking him if you have a full course load. LOT OF HOMEWORK

SO much homework. More in this class than my other 4 combined. He's funny, lectures are interesting, but scarce. Way too much time spent on documents. Multiple attempts are homework are great, answers from the book. Participation is mandatory daily. He's unprofessional, but knows it. I wouldn't take his class again, unless he cut back on the docs.

You have to put in a very good amount of work. But it's duable if you put in the effort. Multiple choice tests online are just all the homework! He tells u to copy off your homework!I In class essays are hard but managable. If you work hard, you will pass (unless he hates you but if you work hard, he won't hate you.)

Amazing teacher! I was lost at first, but after learning his teaching method it came as a breeze. When taking this class be prepared to be loaded with homework upon homework. The homework is to the point and when you just put effort into it, a good grade is easy to get. Very energetic when teaching, it makes you want to lean!!

Very fun class. Estes is very energetic and willing to help. Shows love for subject and is very relaxed in class. Make sure to do homework (online quiz once a week. DBQs every class) yes a lot of work but not to hard. Just "read" the book for quizzes(search index). 4 in class essays really easy just provide evidence and cite properly!

He is awesome. It's almost impossible to fall asleep in his class because he talks loud and get everyone in the class to be involved. I enjoyed the class because even though it's a history class, there was never a time where the class was dull or boring. He keeps it interesting and he's also willing to help.

If you want to learn history this isn't the class. That being said it's a pretty straightforward class do the DBQs pay some attention. You're writing skills will have to come up a notch to get through the essay exams.

The in-class portion was easy enough, just do the DBQs and your good in class. Essay prompts are given to you prior so you can prepare w/ 1 page of notes. ONE PROBLEM, the online tests have almost NOTHING to do with what you learned or read. Using my memory, notes, the internet, and 20 problems my brother had from last semester, highest grade = 70%

Good teacher! I'll admit it - there's a lot of reading and writing. You will read 100% of the book and write a TON of essays. Still, you'll learn a lot. He's also a good lecturer, so that helps. If you don't mind writing a lot, take the class, he's a cool guy.

The best history teacher at Palomar College. Laid back, easy-going, and I love his teaching style. Love that he basically forces you to participate by having you do the DBQs. It makes learning the material more fun and I learned so much. I wish I had taken him for my other history courses. Lots of essays required but you can use notes.

Professor Estes is the man. He is super nice and one of the funniest teachers I have ever had. He makes learning history fun. The tests are difficult though. They are online but they are difficult. Can you use notes and the book. I highly recommend this teacher. Be sure to do the extra credit for the essays, it helps a lot. Best teacher at Palomar.

Professor Estes knows what he is talking about and is a very entertaining teacher. The only problem is that his essays are extremely difficult and downloading documents every day you have class is a pain. I feel like his class was way to hard for a 102 level.

Professor Estes, is a pretty interesting guy. He always gives studyguides and essay hint questions weeks before the exams. Tests have an online portion and an in class part. You need your textbook or you will have a difficult time passing the tests. He gives weekly homework as well but overall it's super easy. I'd take him again.

A lot of busy work, but very funny and keeps the lectures interesting, recommended by my brother and I would recommend him to anyone else.

I took his 102 class and failed. I realized later, it was because I didn't really apply myself and the layout for a perfect grade is right there in the syllabus. So I took 101 a semester later & got a B (gist: he's a great, honest, smart, enthusiastic guy who believes in his students, even when we don't ourselves.)

If you're looking to coast, then don't take Estes' class. An A is attainable in his class, but you have to work for it. His teaching style is what every teacher should strive for: GREAT information with an entertaining presence. His approach to history is very captivating, and it's not boring namedate memorization. One of Palomar's best!

Estes was a fantastic teacher. Basically gave us the outline to get an A. He makes the class really interesting and is fantastic at explaining things. Probably the best professor I've ever had.

Expect homework! But if you do the work it is very difficult not to get an A. He is passionate about the subject and gives interesting lectures that keep your attention. He is clear about his expectations, there are no surprises, and he grades fairly. I would love to take another class from him.

Mr. Estes is a very good teacher who is extremely passionate about his work. Really funny guy and gives a lot of hints of what to look for on tests and essays. Online homework is really easy and the DBQ's arent so bad but make sure you do them or you will look really dumb in class. Would take for other classes.

You will never have a boring day in this professor's class. As long as you do your work and pay attention, you will pass. The work load is heavy, but helpful. If i was able to pass with a B, anyone in the world could.

have to be there everyday in order to even have chance to pass the class. but he gives the essays out for test ahead of time

Professor estes is a hilarious guy who is really passionate about history. He has good office hours and gives you plenty of opportunity to do well. No cellphones and you must be wiling to put in all the time for homework.

I thoroughly enjoyed this class. The professor is a very visual teacher, videos, power-points and pictures were provided the whole semester for learning opportunities. Expect to have homework that is mandatory for the classes lecture. Online tests were a little hard, but essay was easy with proper preparation. Online homework was extremely easy.

Professor Estes is one of the greatest professors that i have had in my short college experience. his dedication to his work is impeccable, and no other teacher does it like him. You will have fun, you will work hard, and you WILL learn. His expertise shows especially when it comes to the topic of WWII & the Japanese internment. -Jordan

GREAT teacher, TIME CONSUMING hw. There will be an online quiz due each Saturday night based on that weeks CH. Two chances for the quiz and NO time limit. SUPER easy, just very time consuming if you want a good grade. DBQs in class that aren't related to the book. Must go to class for participation credit. 2 or 3 essays. online book available

Estes was a pretty decent professor. He is extremely knowledgable of history and gives interesting lectures. Every day. All day. 3 essay exams, makes it so you pretty much have to write 5 different essays for each one then a 10 page constitution essay. Would not put myself through that workload again.

Estes is amazing and funny, the guy makes you want to like history. The lectures everyday are filled with info and great stories from Estes. The work is pretty big but its college what do you expect. Taking him for 102 next semester this dude is rad.

Mr Estes was a terrific professor, his lectures were fun and entertain. Do the work, go to class, and be alert when he calls you because he loves to put people on the spot. He is an amazing teacher. He will make you read and write A LOT But he is the greatest teacher in the department. English is my second language and I got an A on the class.

Professor Estes is hilariously entertaining and easy to understand, albeit demanding. His class is a lot like life itself: it is what you make it. There is a great amount of homework, but if you devote time to it, success is inevitable. He also lets you bring a page of notes, front and back, to the in-class essay exams. Prepare, and you'll do well!

He gives a lot of writing, but his class was great and he's an awesome teacher. would totally take him again!

Prof. Estes was the best history teacher I've ever had. He was funny and he cared, but only if you put in the work. I love history and he made it so exciting to learn about. Participate in this class, he loves it and he will remember you. I loved the homework and the way we were graded. I wish I needed more history credits to take him again.

TAKE HIM. Weekly online home work, he gives you two weeks to see if you're ready, but his lectures are amazing, he is supportive of struggling students, EXTREMELY ORGANIZED you'll know everything coming up from day one. Be good to him, goof students get goofed. He takes teaching seriously so don't try to take advantage of his good nature! Bunnies.

Best professor I've ever had, I changed my major to history because of him. He is hilarious and passionate about history! there is a lot of homework for a 3 unit class but totally worth it. There is an online Txb w/ quizes that you kinda do on your own but class is kinda differnt material. follow the guidlines for the essay exams, you'll get an A

After 4 years of my B.A. adventure, Estes remains one of the most memorable instructors by far. He clearly and efficiently lays out the tools any aspiring historian must have to study history. He will teach you how to identify bias, political ideology, and understand where they fall within the political spectrum. True education CRITICAL THINKING!

There's a chapter of homework due at the end of each week, on top of that there are DBQ's that need to be done due each class.

Calls on names for participation.

Prof. Estes is a super funny guy who made history fun & interesting. There's a solid amount of homework but you go over everything in class. He also gives you the essay questions before the exam & you're get a note sheet for the test. You can get the textbook online for online homework & there's also a workbook that you do daily reading/ques. in

Professor Estes is the best he is super organized and everything is clear from the first day he is so helpful and wants every one to pass the class if you follow his guidelines you will get an A. His explanation is so interesting even though English isnt my first language. I am so glad that I took him for HIS101, and His102.

Professor Estes' classes (HIST101 & 102) have been my favorite at Palomar College so far. I am not a History major. His lectures are interesting and funny, and he has taught me not only the material but better study and analytical skills for future learning. If you want to pass, go to class, do all the assignments exactly how he says & participate.

Estes is really cool, funny, and easy to learn from; however, he does assign of homework. There is online homework that is due every week, and we have to read documents that we go over in every class, which is literally all we do throughout the entire class period. Do NOT take his class if you don't know the basics of politics.

Great professor.

Great teacher, he gives you a page front and back of notes you are able to use on your in class essay. Half of the tests are online- the other half in class. If you show up and pay attention, an A is very attainable. Great Teacher!

Great teacher, very passionate about the subject. Though the homework is easy, there is a lot of it. You will want to prepare outside of class so when you do show up for the actual lecture, it's super easy.

Prof. Estes is a cool guy. He clearly tells you everything that you need to do to get a good grade in the class. Make sure to show up to class everyday.

He clearly tells you how to get an A and breaks down and dumbs history down to its core and makes it super easy to study and all you need to do is do the homework, attend class, and gives you a cheat sheet on your exams, also helps you A LOT if you visit him in the office, extremely professional and keeps things interesting, extremely organized!

Professor Estes provides clear and detailed information. He also provides evrey student with the same resources and material. His main objective is for everyone to pass his class, and sure enough I did. I honestly had no sense or knowledge of history before taking his class. Now I'm researching history topics on a daily basis.

Estes was a solid Professor. I took him for Hist 101-102. Attendance is mandatory and he calls on you in class at least once a session. Really easy to do good. Although lots of homework and takes awhile to prepare for test.

Great Professor. Very caring of students and was a fair grader.

I took both 101 and 102 with him. He's a great teacher who is passionate about what he does. He's funny and always makes the lectures entertaining. I would want to change my major just to take more of his classes. He's not a very harsh grader, and gives plenty of information to prepare for exams.

I feel there were way too many writing assignments for a history class. Other than that, this online experience was a positive one.

I took this class during the pandemic online, all my other professors struggled to find a good format - not professor Estes. He has a window showing him lecturing along with graphics and key concepts with multiple lectures each week. Though there is a lot of work it is laid out logically, and you are given clear expectations. Enjoy the class

He's got good lectures that help you with the homework on Canvas. The Canvas homework is not hard just time consuming, but the homework that comes with the book can make it feel like this is two classes in one but it does offer you plenty of extra credit.

Oh professor Estes. He is a fair grader, you are required to complete 15 to 20 modules a week, each module will have a 5-20 min lecture. One discussion & one assignment due each week every other week three assignments due. PLUS launchpad every week!! To be completely honest its unnecessary but he loves what he teaches and I have actually learned!

Prof. Matthew Estes is great and responds to emails. I'm not great in history but got an A. Lots of work (read, write, & follow instructions) but he explains it so well you understand it and get a flow going. Definitely recommend him and class. This transfers to CSU. I took online summer it was fast but good.

Professor had entertaining lectures and videos, but the workload was INSANE for an intro-level class.

Overall good teacher. He makes the class very interesting. I've learned a lot in this class, but there are a lot of assignments. They are not tough but he does inundate you with weekly online textbook reading/quizzes, weekly discussion post and Sunday essays. There were two exams consisting of a 5 paragraph essay/quiz and then the final exam essay.

Had a good time for an 8am course, no complaints toward Professor Estes. Only critiques I have are I wish there was more group participation between students and much less writing. 4 essays(the final one being 8-10 pgs) and 3 multiple choice exams. Lots of writing for an entry history course, I've written less in previous English and Lit. classes

The workload was intense, but Professor Estes' engaging lectures and unstuck ai made it manageable. While it felt like an advanced writing course, I gained a strong grasp of the material. Worth the effort.

There was weekly lectures(1-2 hours total, may vary), writing assignments, and textbook readings/assignment. Professor Estes's lectures are very easy to watch because he's very funny. He was very clear on his grading criteria and there's lot of opportunities to get help and/or get extra credit. I would recommend his class if you're okay to write.

i love professors that clearly care and love what they do and mr estes is definitely one of them. i did his accelerated class and it was TOUGH, definitely a big time commitment since i was also working. but it was clear he wanted us to succeed and i learned a lot.