3.1

Michael Nyenhuis

Mathematics - Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Surrey

3.1
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
50%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
3.1
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
3.3
Helpful
2.9
Clarity

50%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

22

4

18

3

16

2

16

1

12

What Students Say

its a hard course doe

1130 - 4.0 rating

Does not know how to teach

MATH1130 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

46%

Textbook Required

31%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (3)
Drop/Withdrawal (2)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(1)C(1)D(4)F(2)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
Not sure yet: 3
Drop/Withdrawal: 2
B+: 2
F: 2
Common Tags
Caring (6)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
Respected (3)
Clear grading criteria (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
Tough Grader (2)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.29 avg change
Sep
Nov
Dec
Nov
Mar
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

2331

5.0

(1)

22322321

5.0

(1)

MATH23222331

5.0

(1)

MATH1113

5.0

(1)

MATH1152

5.0

(1)
+20 more courses
Difficulty by Course

LINEARALG

5.0

MATH1112

4.5

1120

4.0

22322321

4.0

MATH2155

4.0

Reviews (84)
1.0
4.0
1120
Nov 26, 2002

nice guy but quiet voice (hard to hear even when upfront) and messy writing

1.0
5.0
MATH1120
Dec 4, 2002

unclear, unfocused, messy writing

2.0
3.0
MATH1120
Jan 24, 2003

Cant hear a thing, messy writing

3.0
1.0
MATH2340
Feb 23, 2003

good teacher... very quiet, but very smart, and always available to talk to

5.0
3.0
MATH1220
Mar 25, 2003

Really good inst. but bad handwritting, and quite voice. Much better than any inst. i ever had.

4.0
2.0
MATH1220
Apr 11, 2003

just those damn maple assignments !!! but otherwise a good teacher

3.0
5.0
1120
Apr 15, 2003

Questions on tests are obscure and far more difficult than the material taught in class.

2.0
4.0
1120
Apr 23, 2003

I would recommend taking a precalculus course or Calculus 12, difficult course, quiet teacher,messy handwriting.

4.0
4.0
1220
May 1, 2003

He is a very good teacher who will always be available for help if you need him. However, be warned that his midterms and quizzes are very challanging

5.0
2.0
MATH1120
May 4, 2003

He is a good teacher and have a easy quiz .... he is smart and very helpful ... but his writing is messy ..... easy to get higher mark!!!

2.0
4.0
1120
May 13, 2003

He explains stuff in class very good but his test are very difficult. You need to have higher understanding of math. His final was a killer.

4.0
2.0
MATH1120
Jul 23, 2003

No Comments

4.0
4.0
MATH2155
Nov 13, 2003

He is a very technical teacher. The examples used in class and the textbok seldom are useful in his examinations, and he doesn't use the textbook at all, which is irritating since it cost over 100$

4.0
5.0
MATH1120
Nov 14, 2003

He explains things well in class and is quite helpful when you go to see him but his tests are nothing like what you go over in class or what you are given for homework.

5.0
4.0
MATH1120
Nov 21, 2003

Michael explains all subjects very thouroughly. However, if you do not take care to follow all examples and ensure that you comprehend all concepts, you will not have a high level of success in this class. He marks all tests very diligently. Dont mess up

2.0
4.0
MATH1120
Dec 1, 2003

umm lets see... he is helpful but i never understood what he said and neither did the ppl sitting beside me....hard marker

3.0
5.0
MATH1120
Dec 3, 2003

Hes a good teacher, but his tests are nothing like the stuff you do in class and his style of teaching is boring. avoid him

4.0
3.0
12202232
Dec 26, 2003

he is a good teacher. his tests r very similar to his example questions.knows everythign he teahes.

4.0
3.0
MATH2232
Dec 26, 2003

If you get a low grade in linear algebra, don't blame it on the teacher, it's a very hard course. He teaches it the best he can, a lot better than the Richmond teacher. His tests are fair, but he's not very giving with part marks. The final was easy.

2.0
4.0
MATH1120
Mar 18, 2004

he makes no sense. he has the tendency to skip sections to """make it easier"" but all it does is confuse people. when in class he puts a pathetic definition or somethin on the board and makes u do exercises with no assistance.

3.0
3.0
1220
Apr 14, 2004

no flow, often left wondering hey what's for homework? ...Notes are all over the place, dives in to examples w/o giving notes. Be prepared to get married to the book... that's the only way you will do good.

3.0
5.0
MATH1120
Apr 14, 2004

Very poor instructor.

3.0
4.0
MATH
Apr 16, 2004

This guy teaches very technical math, his notations are hard to understand.

1.0
5.0
LINEARALG
May 19, 2004

ahhhh! i wanted to die! math needs someone crazy to make it less dull... he makes it unbearable! blah blah blah. i used to love math. i wanted to do good, but i couldn't help falling asleep.

2.0
4.0
MATH1120
Jun 3, 2004

Low, monotonous voice. Doesn't explain concepts well, and sounds like he's repeating the text. Very technical. Quizzes with very few questions, so a few mistakes do great damage.

5.0
4.0
22322321
Jul 19, 2004

It's true that he can be a very hard prof, but he's one of the smartest that you'll ever meet. He tends to lecture straight out of the book as he wants you to be able to reference anything he says to the text. He is very helpful and tool for you to use

1.0
4.0
MATH1120
Sep 28, 2004

the worst prof EVER!! if you take him..slap urself in advance for making such a stupid move. i have had some bad profs, but this guy does not care about his students at all. He is the worst teacher and he expects you to know everything.

2.0
5.0
MATH1120
Oct 7, 2004

No experience in calculus=very difficult and time consuming.Do not recommend taking this course 1st semester. B4 taking any course, take a look at the detailed outlines in the career advising office. If I had known that I would not have taken this course.

5.0
2.0
MATH2232
Oct 13, 2004

These comments are SO UnTrue! Michael is Very helpful! Though I hated him on the 1st day of class cuz he consistently tried to convince ppl to Drop the Course. But he just wanted to make sure that u really will be studying hard for this course!!

4.0
3.0
MATH1120
Nov 3, 2004

Wot r u guys talkin about? He is the best teacher n e one could have for Differential Calculus. Just cuz some ppl don't wanna do math doesn't meant the teacher sucks. Sample Midterm totally helps on tests.

1.0
5.0
MATH1120
Nov 16, 2004

Doesn't explain anything! Can't read his writing either!!!

2.0
5.0
MATH1120
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 16, 2004

Wehn you asked him a question, his answer was always "mhmm" and he was so unclear. My grades just went down and down in that class because he didnt lecture what he tested on. Don't take this guy unless you are a math buff.

4.0
2.0
122022322331
Nov 23, 2004

best teacher, very clear. some students think he is hard teacher ,i think its because he wants everyone to understand evrything, so he uses proper math terms . if u r thinkin of taking higher level math, take him , if u just have to take math then go for John Inglis.

2.0
2.0
MATH2232
Dec 2, 2004

Cant explain****, but his tests are easy

2.0
3.0
1120
Jan 9, 2005

ok here is the thing,he is intelligent and is willing to help u, but the problem is u will not understand what and why s he doing what he is doing. i would not recommend this teacher.

4.0
4.0
MATH1140
May 1, 2005

Michael is a brillinat guy. He helps out in the learning center and he is the cmartest prof ever, but his lecture notes are HORRIBLE, and his tests are really HARD!! He's great, but his lecture is really boring!

5.0
2.0
MATH23222331
May 26, 2005

For All you winers, Michael is an awsome proff, U just don't know it yet. Wait till you go SFU or UBC. I'm telling you, he's a mathematical genius compared to some of the teachers you'd get there. He's very helpfull and always makes time for every1. He's actually a very funny guy, unless your mathematically changed!!!

3.0
4.0
MATH1120
Oct 14, 2005

He was a pretty good teacher, but someone has to stand up and tell him, "Don't handwrite your notes!" I believe I still have a list that I started putting together of his particularly incomprehensible scribbles.

3.0
4.0
MATH1112
Nov 21, 2005

He knows what hes talking about but has no idea how to teach it. He makes you work on questions before he shows you how to do them, and he never fully explains how to do questions. If you have taken math 12 you have a running chance. He is on the other hand very helpfull but i found him hard to understand b/c he leaves out rules and steps.

5.0
3.0
MATH1113
Nov 23, 2005

micheals a great teacher, his notes are pretty helpful and hes always taking time out to help his students, whether it be in the learning center or during his office hours. his exams are easy if u understand the main concepts. awesome prof

4.0
2.0
MATH2341
Grade: B+
Dec 12, 2005

Very easy, he gives you the questions for the exam before hand in his "sample questions", do the questions and you'll do fine in the tests.

2.0
5.0
MATH1112
Dec 12, 2005

I really understood math until I took his class. This guy is way too smart to teach lower level math class. If you want to take physics or any other heavy math class he is your guy. But unless you want to spend a semester wondering what planet you are on, don't take his class.

2.0
4.0
MATH1112
Dec 27, 2005

this guy is horrible..not organized..all over the board with his work and cant even read his writing..horrible teacher i think

5.0
2.0
2331
Mar 7, 2006

i think he is attractive. he is very helpful, and interesting. his test is not hard. but his handwriting is awful.

5.0
3.0
MATH2335
Jul 4, 2006

He is willing to help you and very helpful, but he has a messy hand writing. Other than that, he is the most smart instructor in math department at kwantlen. I would recommend his class to all!

5.0
2.0
MATH1130
Nov 16, 2006

He's a great guy, makes the class fly by. Really nice and his tests are pretty easy if you do the sample midterms that he hands out. I'd recommend this teacher to everyone. Don't get scared of his messy writing, you'll get used to it after a few classes. You also don't have to do the homework that he assigns because he doesnt collect it.

2.0
1.0
MATH2232
Dec 26, 2006

Doesn't know how to explain. Writes messy notes that don't make sense for the entire class. But, quizzes and exams are too easy and you can pass even if you don't understand the material really well.

5.0
2.0
MATH1152
Feb 11, 2007

easy instructor. just read his notes and do all the practice questions he assigned and u should be fine. gives easy tests and most of them r similar to the sample midterms that he hands out. However, only thing to complain is that sometimes his writing is unclear. but its not a big deal. Aced his class with an A-

2.0
3.0
MATH2335
Mar 4, 2007

For someone who is consitently making mistakes when giving examples, he is a merciless marker, even if you've displayed a clear understanding of the material. This makes for an extremely frustrating class, and his unintelligible chicken scratch on the board doesn't help. Don't waste your money on him, there are many much better teachers out there.

3.0
1.0
MATH2335
May 1, 2007

he is very nice and helpful when you go to him, but going to class is next to worthless because his notes don't make sense (if you can read them). definitely a course where you teach yourself. His exams are just like his practice exams though so i guess thats a +

4.0
3.0
MATH2341
May 6, 2007

He is really nice and makes class time fly by fast. His handwriting is really messy but you can approach him anytime if you can't understand what he's saying (or writing). Exams and assignments are fairly easy, very similar to sample problems he hands out.

3.0
2.0
MATH1130
Jan 9, 2008

Michael's a really nice guy, but it was difficult to follow his explanations in class and on the board. I spent a lot of time in the learning center trying to figure out his notes/examples. He tended to miss steps, which inevitably made me really confused. He didn't understand most of the questions I asked...not sure if I would take him again.

5.0
1.0
MATH2335
May 5, 2010

Good guy. Hard working teacher. Always in the library offering help. If you can do the examples and exercises he does in class, then you will do well.

5.0
1.0
MATH1130
Nov 8, 2012

He was very helpful and clear in terms of understanding the material. just be attentive in his class and you will get atleast an A.

5.0
2.0
MATH3421
Nov 30, 2013

Great prof! Great at not just breaking complex ideas down into elementary ones, but framing concepts into an overall picture. Tests are predictable and straightforward: he even makes some questions easier by giving extra info. Course itself is dry, but I'm glad he was the one teaching it. He's a bit quiet, but very easy to approach for help.

5.0
1.0
MATH11301230
Jun 9, 2014

Good professor, however I recommend that you take math 1112 before you take a calculus course(unless if you are very good at math). Straight-forward, just attend class and do the homework and you will do well! If you work hard you can easily get a good mark.

2.0
5.0
1130
Oct 7, 2014

His writing is soooo messy! he's not clear and sort of just rambles when explaining. avoid him if possible.

1.0
5.0
1130
Grade: C
Nov 20, 2014

DO NOT TAKE THIS PROF. He spends an entire class going over only a couple questions and he makes you do them on your own. Michael does not provide any clear steps. His tests are very difficult.

4.0
3.0
1130
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 27, 2014

The first couple of weeks were brutal. My inability to decipher his incomprehensible handwriting left me confused, and he liked to assume we knew more than we did. As the class carried on, I was able to finally understand him, and began to like him as a teacher. He does LOTS of examples in class, and is always there to help.

4.0
4.0
1130
Grade: F
Oct 12, 2015

FIRST YEARS LISTEN TO ME: aight so calculus is already hella hard cuz well its calc, you're gonna die regardless. I had to take this shiz twice because the first time i gave up hope halfway :P FROM EXPERIENCE Michael is actually hella easy with marking tests YOU PEOPLE DONT KNOW IM TELLING YOU FROM EXPERIENCE LIKE OH MY GOD!!! its a hard course doe

4.0
3.0
MATH1130
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 10, 2016

pretty good. trust me

3.0
3.0
MATH1120
Grade: A
Apr 6, 2016

Michael isn't a bad teacher by any means, he knows his stuff, and is ready to help. Where he earns an average grade for me is with his lectures. It may seem as if he explains new concepts very poorly and you will have to rely on your text book (Stewart 8th edition is awesome) for most concepts. His illegible writing is also a bad factor.

4.0
4.0
MATH1130
Grade: B
Apr 22, 2016

His tests are the easiest compared to the rest of the math instructors, hands down. His lectures, however, are a different story. He needs to work on his teaching, you can't rely on his teaching methods. Easy tests, self taught course. Really confused the kids when teaching definition of derivative, felt like he could have made things more clear.

3.0
3.0
MATH1120
Grade: F
May 17, 2016

Very helpful and nice. Tests were difficult compared to other math teachers. His whiteboard writing was messy due to lefthandedness, but projector writing good; you will get used to it. Very quiet in class, tough to hear. Overall, he is a good instructor who knows his stuff. I only failed this class due to personal life being pervasive. Buy textbk.

3.0
4.0
MATH1120
Nov 17, 2016
Wouldn't take again

easy tests, but bad teacher. knows his stuff but you need to self study and learn the topics on your own. if you can learn it on your own you can do great on the tests. lectures are draining, nice guy overall.

2.0
4.0
MATH1120
Nov 17, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Tests are somewhat easy if you know the material but lectures are very hard to follow. This class requires a lot of self-teaching. I'd recommend taking a different prof.

1.0
5.0
MATH1130
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Does not know how to teach

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
3.0
MATH1130
Mar 15, 2017
Would take again

His test are so base and easy if you are familiar with the material. He is always available to help outside class and will try his best to let you understand. Many will say his lectures are hard; however it worked with me. The only thine I found difficult is reading his hand writing on the board. He is actually a good professor ( my perspective)

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
3.0
MATH1130
Mar 15, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He literally whispers to himself the whole time. Not the best teacher but he's a nice guy.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
2.0
MATH3421
Grade: A+
Apr 6, 2017
Would take again

Michael Nyenhius is passionate about Math. I never miss a lecture!

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Grade: A-
Sep 2, 2017
Would take again

Explains concepts clearly and is available outside of lecture hours if you need extra help. Textbook has practice questions but there is no homework so you don't need the textbook. There are no marks for attendance. He has practice midterms that are exactly like the real tests. Go over questions done in class and the practice exams and you're good!

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH1230
Grade: A-
Sep 2, 2017
Would take again

I've taken 182 university credits and Michael is one of my top 5 favourite profs. He genuinely cares about his students and wants you to do well. He makes himself available outside of class for you and provides sample tests which are similar to the real ones. Try the in-class problems on your own. If you put in the effort you will be rewarded.

Respected
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Nov 26, 2017
Would take again

Writes example questions on the board and gives you time to solve before going over with class. Explains concepts clearly and is available to help after class. Gives sample midterms which are pretty similar to the real ones. No textbook needed. Gives webwork assignments throughout semester. Sometimes hard to hear tho and writing is kinda messy

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Apr 16, 2018
Would take again

Michael is a good prof. He cares for all his students, and want to see his students succeed. He is always available if you have any questions . Although his writing on the board is a bit unclear to read, he explains concepts quickly, and we get what he says. Also, his tests are very close to the practice ones. Webwork homeworks but no textbook.

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
MATH1112
Grade: D
Jan 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Only class I've failed, 2012. Homework and in-class problems are simple, but tests consist of a few problems, each being incredibly complicated compared to practice questions with a very limited time to do them. He boasted about failing more students than the average prof.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
MATH1130
Nov 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor expects too much from students. Midterm in the first or second week of class and expects you to know everything since it is a review. Also his writing is illegible and his teaching style I found to be okay. You go into class and all you do are examples. You never actually learn anything. I had to drop his class.

Test heavy
3.0
4.0
MATH1130
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Micheal is a good prof and knows what he is talking about. Personally, I didn't get much from class. His webwork problems were impossible for me to do-even the tutors at the learning centre couldn't help much. 3 mids- first one is precalc(he expects you to know everything from highschool/math 1112).I spent the whole semester watching youtube vids.

5.0
3.0
MATH1120
Mar 31, 2020
Would take again

An amazing prof he is super chill and always available to answer any questions. Very caring and helpful. I don't get why he has horrible reviews; you are required to know Grade 12/Math 1112 material before you take this course. Do ALL the webwork, exercises and in class examples, those show up on the tests!!

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH3421
Grade: A+
Sep 17, 2020
Would take again

ODE - Lecture style: Explain one or two concepts on board, then give examples for students to do in class. After a certain number of minutes, he would go over each example. Rinse and repeat. The classes are usually very short, often not taking up the full 2 hours needed. Just make sure to read the tb and do examples/homework and you'll be fine

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
MATH1130
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 17, 2022

Very poor teacher. He seems like a kind person, but he is not good at actually teaching and you're very much left to fend for yourself. Don't take his courses if you want a good grade; you won't get one.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH2232
Grade: D+
Dec 18, 2022
Would take again

He is very kind heart person.

4.0
2.0
1130
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 7, 2023
Would take again

Not sure why Michael has such a low rating, he is very caring. Honestly, an easy grader. You dont even have to go to class, just figure out how to do it and show up to exams. Keep in mind that no class is easy, so you have to put in the work. And Michael answers to every question (even dumb ones). He's so patient, nothing bothers him. lol

Lots of homework
Caring
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
MATH1140
Mar 20, 2024

Michael is a caring professor, however you are pretty much self learning a lot of the material in this course as his way of teaching is simply going over examples. The exams were quite easy as he is a pretty easy marker, but sometimes the homework was very confusing as it wasn't anything covered in class.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
2.0
MATH1230
Grade: B+
Mar 24, 2025

Take his class ONLY if you have the time to learn everything at home. Just to put it out there, getting an A is simple for this course. Soft marker as well. But he CANNOT teach. Goes with only examples in class, has chicken-scratch for writing, and makes mistakes + skips steps in explanations. Only Grade 10 French class was worse than this.

Get ready to read
Caring
Graded by few things
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

46%

Textbook Required

31%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (3)
Drop/Withdrawal (2)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(1)C(1)D(4)F(2)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
Not sure yet: 3
Drop/Withdrawal: 2
B+: 2
F: 2
Common Tags
Caring (6)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
Respected (3)
Clear grading criteria (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
Tough Grader (2)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.29 avg change
Sep
Nov
Dec
Nov
Mar
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

2331

5.0

(1)

22322321

5.0

(1)

MATH23222331

5.0

(1)

MATH1113

5.0

(1)

MATH1152

5.0

(1)
+20 more courses
Difficulty by Course

LINEARALG

5.0

MATH1112

4.5

1120

4.0

22322321

4.0

MATH2155

4.0

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