4.5
Quality2.8
Difficulty80%
Would Retake83
Reviews80%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
60
4
15
3
7
2
1
1
0
What Students Say
“Michael is without a doubt one of the best teachers I have ever had”
MTH111 - 5.0 rating“Made coming to class enjoyable”
MTH60 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
28%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.14 avg changeRatings by Course
MTH244
5.0
(5)MTH20
5.0
(2)MTH90
5.0
(1)MATH
5.0
(3)MATH112
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MA65
5.0
MTH112
4.5
STAT000
4.0
MTH263
4.0
MA60
4.0
Reviews (83)
Great guy... not a bad teacher at all. I never got sick of hearing his voice, though... he has a really neat voice.
Very good teacher. Explains material very thoroughly. Student workload O.K. Hard grader on tests but if student takes good notes, no problem achieving a high grade.
I LOVED HIM! he is wonderful at explaining things so that it is easy! He doesn't waste his time with tiny details and steps, If there is a shortcut he'll teach you that! He makes it fun and easy!
I loved him!!!! He is such a nerd, but that is why he is so great.
No preference in appearance, but he seams like an awesom teacher
No Comments
If you want satistics to be interesting and entertaining, take it with Marciniak.
he is the funniest teacher i have ever had. Very enjoyable to be around!
Marcainiak asked at the beging of the class if we thought statistics was hard. Most of us said yes, he told us it wasn't and then proved us wrong. He uses examples from things acutally happening in Portland (sometimes he embellished for hummor sake) to keep you interested. Very helpful, highly recomended.
Marciniak is friendly and helpful, though I did feel that he over-simplified some of his material. Math is a difficult subject for me and I sometimes felt frustrated that he offered extensive answers to my questions, but wasn't able to render his explanations into non-mathematical terms that were easier for me to grasp.
I love this teacher! To be able to take a subject most people find unpleasent and turn it into an interesting fun class. This is the work of a master. Mr. Marciniak is an amazing, interesting and clever teacher and I will miss his class. He is the best!
"Marciniak the Maniak" is my favorite teacher at PCC so far. Algebra is boring right? WRONG! With a guy like Michael teaching it, it's fun. I mean FUN! If you need to take algebra, run, don't walk, to his class. You won't be disappointed.
PRO: endless cute and witty comments. CON: does not review for exams, instead introduces new unrelated material. Class is paced for the 5% who are quick with math. quizzes = copying a couple homework problems to show you did it. insists the material is 'easy' which makes you feel dumb if lost. (which is often the case).
Be prepared to separate yourself from your calculator; you'll rarely use it. Marciniak's a great teacher. He puts complex concepts into simple terms, making them easy to grasp, then spices things up with his offbeat humor. Tests are fairly hard for the average "math person." I learned a lot, though my grade may not show it.
He goes off topic alot. If you miss a day it could really put you behind. If he has alot to cover he will give you 100 on your quiz so you can go over material instead of having to take it.
Precalc. itself is hard, so I rated him easy compared to what could have been. Assigns a lot of homework, but it is good for learning, and gives mostly odd numbers. Quizzes are mostly from homework, so DO it! He is very nice and funny; it's a pleasure to be in his class. He is willing to give help if you need any.
Ok guy, talks about his wacky family a lot. wasn't that clear on statistical stuff. Ok teacher. Would recomend him.
I took MATH 243 and 244 from him. I love his sense of humor, and above all, he really cares about his students. He donesn't care taking a lot of time to make you understand the material if you ask him in his office hours, and he never looks down on students even if you're slow at understanding.
This dude is extremely funny!His humor really helps liven up math lectures. He's also an extremely good at exlpaining math concepts during lectures. Overall a great teacher. On the negative he's a bit impersonal. Like he's taught in a million different places and this is just another class, which is probably the case. My favorite math teacher ever.
He understood that a Math 60 class is full of students who aren't so great when it comes to the subject, and taught as such. He was funny, never boring and very clear. Highly recommended.
Mr. Marciniak is one of the best mathematics professors that I have ever had! He relates to his students and keeps an otherwise dry topic interesting. If you need help, he will assist you. His tests can be a little tricky, but I promise that if you actually study, you can pull an easy A. You will NOT be disappointed!
Took him for Stats. Highly recommend!
This guy was awesome. He definitely made Math not suck. I'm arranging my entire schedule next term around his Math class at 8:30 am. He's that good. He grades tests and quizzes on how well you know the process, not just the answer you get. If you like math, or don't like math, this guy teaches it well! Oh, and he kinda looks like Rudy Giuliani. Ha!
Mr. Marciniak is has all the qualities of a good teacher, and is borderline crazy funny. His tests are hard, i.e. you need to know all the material well. If you go to class and read the book, you'll be fine. I would recommend him 100%.
Officially weird, but not in a creepy way or anything. Has a way of relating statistics to a variety of esoteric phenomena in the world, and taking strange tangents along the way that keep the class alert and interested about a potentially boring topic. I feel confident about the material I learned. and yes!. . .resembles rudy guiliani, uncannily.
A classmate of mine and I from last term Math 60 are now falling asleep in Math 65 without Michael. He was so entertaining and a joy to take a course from, not to mention he is very knowledgeable and a bit geeky but cute regarding Math! I totally recommend him and his exuberant attitude towards mathematics.
This guy is a quite a strange bird, which saves the class from the otherwise dreary world of math and statistics. He really brings it alive with offbeat examples. Sometimes all the strange topics and jokes can be distracting from the topic but overall okay. NOT an easy class- tons of homework and really long tests. Be prepped to put in the hours
Completely strange but great at his job. One of the best things about Michael is that you can drop by his office whenever and he will take the time to explain things to you no matter how long it takes. Liked him so much I am now in his Stats 244 class.
I usually hate my professors but he's really nice and helpful.
I took him for 60 & 65. I am SO glad. He gave a lot of HW and tests were longer but all MA teachers I've ever had do that. He went above and beyond in teaching us Algebraic basics and was incredipatient. Funny as hell and weird in a great way. He keeps you entertained!
Marciniak is a real card, but is the most entertaining math instructor I've ever had. His chipper attitude and brilliant way of explaining algebraic concepts makes the class exciting (and I hate math)! Would take him again in a heartbeat!
This teacher is pretty entertaining and has great handouts that help you understand the material. However, he is somewhat confusing unless you are a math person. Overall, a good math teacher.
Great instructor and super funny. Wants his students to get good grades. By far the best math teacher that I've had at PCC, and probably ever. I don't know how this is possible, but he makes pre-calc lectures really fun.
He's a funny guy who knows how to keep you from stressing over math. His class is really laid back, he doesn't try to surprise you, you know what to expect. Awesome professor, take a class with him if you can.
I love Marciniak!About 5 students, and I failed math. We had a horrible professor. We just hated math and had very busy schedules. We had to take it over again with Marciniak. He was such a wonderful teacher, and we all got A's and ended up doing good all the way to 111C.
I didn't think I could pass any math classes before taking his. His helpful instructions, in class assignments, copious homework, and attention to individual students made all the difference for me. I got an A and took two more math classes after his! Great teacher!
Mr Marciniak is a great lecturer but if you have questions you would be better off finding a tutor he is not so responsive in that department. He does have a sense of humor which helps during a 2 hr lecture. I've enjoyed the class.
Perhaps the funniest teacher I have ever had. He opens class with a monologue and is very friendly. He looks exactly like the Borat driving instructor. Very helpful and very clear.
Prof. Marciniak is a pleasantly goofy dude, but he still makes sure to explain all the formulas and concepts very well. I visited him in his office and he was very approachable and personable. Word of caution: You must do the homework if you want to pass quizzes!
Loved Michael. He was a great instructor. He made the rest of my classes bearable. He's helpful, clear and hilarious.
Marciniak is very entertaining and gives you the benefit of the doubt constantly. The book is freaking USELESS. I took Stats I at PSU and understood what I was doing the whole time and the book was amazingly helpful. Then I took Stats II @ PCC and this book is terrible, barely recognizable material! Very considerate teacher; try to make him focus!
pros: good at explaining, gives immediate feedback and keys on homework, funny personality, fast response on email. overall probably my best math teacher. cons: we get a lot of homework which could also qualify as a pro if you do most of it. generally the homework is pretty easy though and helpful when trying to remember concepts.
I had Marciniak for Math 111C and Portland Community College. I had dropped this class with a different Professor the term before because the text book is confusing and I really needed a great teacher. I went from almost failing to 92%. He is an excellent teacher. He is so intellegent! He looks like Rudy Giuliani, HA
I had Michael for Math 60, and I'm so glad I transferred out of my boring class and back into class with him. He is a great person and very excited about his subject and tries to relate it to everyday real life. I can't wait to take another class with him!
Michael is funny, engaging. Course material is difficult and he discusses concepts, but not much process. Had to purchase software for this class that we didn't use past the first exam
He looks like Rudy Giuliani, ha. He is a great teacher, the material is hard and he is very helpful. He knows what he is doing. TAKE HIM if you can, you won't be sorry.
Michael made statistics fun! He was very clear, always willing to help, and passionate about the subject. If you have a chance to take any class from this instructor, take it, he is a great teacher!
Michael is/has been a great instructor. He gives up monumental portions of his time to allow students to succeed. Always replies to emails and tries to make a tough subject fun. Great sense of humor. Work hard on your hwk/assignments and you will do just fine in his class. Don't work hard and you will be eaten alive by statistics.
I had him for 243 and 244, he's a great teacher. He's really helpful and has lots of energy. He's good at explaining things in a way you will understand.
Take this instructor-even if it's in 8 in the morning! Seriously, he will make it fun believe it or not. He wants you to know the material and doesn't try to trick you. Plus he's so funny with a great attitude.
He's awesome! Explains things well, and has reasonable tests that reflect the homework. I took calculus before and got a D, but I would have never gotten such a poor grade if this guy had been teaching it. Marciniak rocks!
This class was a requirement for my future school plan. I was not looking forward to this class at all. However, this professor makes the topic interesting and is funny and kind. Class isn't a cakewalk, but it is certainly possible to get a good grade even if math is not your thing. (It's definitely not mine!) Great professor!
This guy is the head of the math department for a reason. Mr. M will never make you feel inferior, and he tries to make himself as available as possible to explain any topics you may feel unclear on. I only wish all math teachers were like him.
Extremely funny. Laid back. Makes math fun. His lessons are well organized and extremely clear. He makes everyone feel at ease. Is always available for office hours and during that time he clears up any difficulties. TAKE HIM!!!
I LOVE MR. M!!! I took him for 60 and 65 and wish he taught every math class so I could continue taking him. He was extremely helpful, clear, funny, organized, and fair. He made math fun. Quizzes every other class or so for attendance points. Spends a lot of time clearing up questions or issues. Mostly all homework on the web, so you have to do it
Great teacher and a funny guy. One of the dept. heads, he's strict about your work, but he made it fun and easy to learn. Any other math classes I take at PCC, I will take with him if possible. We'll remember him fondly for the rest of our lives.
Michael is one of the best instructors I have had at PCC. He never made me feel dumb when I asked a question and was quite available--he met with students every day before class and also has office hours. Stats is tough and you have to do the homework, if you dont and your struggling--dont complain. Also, he is super funny!
He is hands down the best math teacher I have ever had. I had him for MTH 60 and now for Stats 243, and I am begging him to teach trig in the Fall so I can actually pass it. He has a way of explaining things like he is learning them for the first time right along with you, and he is super funny.
Great teacher! I dreaded taking stats at 9am but Marciniak made it fun, and pretty darn easy. He seems more like a goofy athletic coach than a math teacher.Easy to find outside of class and will never make you feel bad if you don't understand right away.
Such a great math teacher! Highly recommend taking his class. You won't regret it!
He's very considerate of everyone's individual comprehensive learning abilities and teaches the entire class thoroughly and gives clear, concise, easy steps to solving problems. He's attentive and always offers help before or after class. You walk out of this class having learned so much unlike the first say you walked in worried you'd fail.
Michael has been the best teacher so far at PCC. He has even helped me since term was over with future math teachers! He is so fun and doesn't give horrible homework. He was ALWAYS available if i needed extra help. TAKE HIS CLASS!!!
super funny! doesn't waste time getting bogged down in algebra from formulas, you get to actually see what your calculator can do... he's concerned about student success. i would definitely recommend him.
I hate math. But Michael levity and teaching ability is one of the finest. Made coming to class enjoyable. Really enjoyed him and his class. I'm glad I don't have to take anymore math, but if I did, I sure as hell would go with Marciniak.
He is there to help you, PLEASE IF YOU ARE TAKING HIS MATH 65 WITH HIM YOU DONT NEED TO BUY A BOOK SAVE YOURSELF A HUNDRED BUCKS!!!
Unclear at times during lecture, but there for you along the way. Also holds a tutoring session weekly.
I LOVED this class! The concepts behind math were always hard for me to grasp, but he puts things in a way that's easy to understand and apply. He also prints out your hmk every class so you don't have to mess with a big textbook all the time. Class time is well organized and he's very helpful during office hours!
This class is ok. I like that he prints out our homework for us, so we don't really need the book. He provides notes for us which we go over in class. He's a tough grader and there's so such thing as extra credit or make-up tests in his class. He does have study sessions to prepare for exams and he does tutor sessions too in the learning center.
Let me start with saying how much I HATE and dread math, but Mike is a great teacher. He is funny and light hearted about it. He knows that half the class (or more) doesn't want to be in that room. He went out of his way to help me before/after classes and was prompt responding to emails. I will need to retake the class, but not because of Mike.
Michael is without a doubt one of the best teachers I have ever had. If you need help with anything he will go out of his way to tutor you.
It could possibly be ALEKS that made this class confusing, but his lectures were completely different from the homework. We learned it one way, but was told to do it differently on the online HW, so it didn't coincide to the tests. I had to do a lot of learning on my own.
He was great! I would take his class again in a heartbeat. In-class work follows homework. Informs you of exactly what is on tests. Gives some formulas for tests. Although attendance is not necessary, he does take attendance. Do the homework and get 5/5. You are allowed to use the computer for some of the tests.
I loved Mr. M ... and I hate math. I'm a student that will work hard to understand the material and pass the class, and Math 111 was a struggle all the way through. HOWEVER, if you struggle with math, meet with him once a week. He's dedicated and will give you undivided attention. Marciniak is also hilarious and simply made math more enjoyable.
Mr. M has been teaching for ever and he seems more inspired each class. He has a unique ability to engage with EVERYONE in the class and seems to learn right along with us. Phenomenal instructor. He inspires me due to his ability to connect with his students. He held 2 separate study sessions and provided coffee and treats! His students LOVE him
Mr. M is by far one of the best teachers I've ever had! If you are worried about taking statistics/math then do yourself a favor and TAKE HIS CLASS because he makes it super easy to understand. He is always available for help and will go above and beyond for his students. I'm sad I don't have to take more math classes because he's amazing!
I've taken Michael for MTH 95, MTH 111, and now again for MTH 243. He's funny and explains things really well for the most part. If you don't get something, he's definitely available to meet and help you more. He prepares you well for tests with his reviews and as long as you do the homework and review previous tests, you'll do fine!
Mr. M makes sure that his students get the grade they earn. Hes engaged and likes to make jokes- so it feels chill. His lectures were hard to follow and we didnt use the book, so it was awkward learning the material. I think hes the perfect teacher for some students- but I wouldnt take him again. His lack of rigor left me mostly confused.
Explains everything clearly in a fun and involving way.
One of the best math teachers I have ever had. Explained concepts clearly, very organized, punctual grader--extremely understanding of the difficulties the average student encounters with mathematics. Would definitely take again.
He talked too much for my liking about not math related information, he was able to get off topic too much, and I feel like he didn't explain things very well, I had to learn outside of his class often because he didn't use his class time well enough to have enough time to explain things.
He was great. very accessible outside of class. if you miss class he is very gracious and patient as he reteaches the parts you may have missed.
strong teacher. very likable
While skipping class isn't advisable, Prof M is really accessible outside of class to help you catch up if you do have to miss class or tutor you before an exam. He's also really passionate about teaching and stats so it makes it fun to learn. If there was ever a professor that genuinely cares about student success, it's him. 13/10 would take again
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
28%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.14 avg changeRatings by Course
MTH244
5.0
(5)MTH20
5.0
(2)MTH90
5.0
(1)MATH
5.0
(3)MATH112
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MA65
5.0
MTH112
4.5
STAT000
4.0
MTH263
4.0
MA60
4.0