3.4
Quality3.7
Difficulty45%
Would Retake83
Reviews45%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
28
4
17
3
15
2
13
1
10
What Students Say
“All-time least favorite teacher”
ECON202 - 2.0 rating“Don't like his teaching methods of showing movies all day and blaming us for bad results”
ECON201 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
48%
Textbook Required
71%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.27 avg changeRatings by Course
ECON201
4.0
(12)ECON301
3.7
(7)ECON202
3.5
(60)ECON200
2.0
(1)ECON210
2.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ECON200
5.0
ECON101
5.0
ECON210
5.0
ECON301
3.7
ECON201
3.7
Reviews (83)
This class is only based your exams, and you get to drop the lowest exam, he explains things really fast but the review's usually help you on the exams.
He is a nice guy and he explains things really well. I would take one of his classes again.
You can't go wrong with Dr. Spencer. I really learned a lot.
I really like his teaching style. He gets to the point and explains things in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Plus he is cute. : )
Hes a good teacher if you can handle the boring topics. The class is based on 4 tests including a final. You are able to drop your lowest test grade out of the 3 regular tests making it a test oriented class. If you are a good test taker i suggest taking this class.
He's really smart and knowledgeable. Just don't nit pick his grading techniques too much cause he gets pissed. Oh yeah and make sure you do any homework he assigns cause he likes students who try there best especially if they come to his office. Apart from that he is a fair teacher and cool guy.
Awesome guy! Study and you'll be fine... Do the homework and attend class and participate and it'll be a breeze~~~~
Great teacher! Only grades on 4 test though, go to class and pay attention and you will be fine.
great teacher, no need to buy the book as long as you show up to class most days and take notes, drops lowest test score
Good Teahcer, but it is really easy to get confused and lost so pay attention.
Very nice guy, but his grading techniques suck. He's very good at explaining the material and buying the book would help you out also. If only attendance counted it would make getting an A way easier.
Was a great teacher. Made learning and and understanding Economics really easy. Tests arent bad and he drops the lowest one. Just wish there were more points like attendence to help your grade a little more.Great teacher though!
Dr. Spencer is a great Econ teacher. He explains things so they are easy to understand. His tests are worded a little differently but you get used to it quickly. Not many points awarded so come to class so you do well on the tests. Overall, worth taking micro with him!
Spencer definitely knows what he is talking about, however he doesn't really give students a chance to find out if they actually grasp what he is saying. There is no graded homework in this class. Your grade is based upon tests and your lowest test score will be dropped. If you take this class, get the study guide for extra practice.
Really hard to pay attention - lecture every class period - he really needs to work on diff. techniques to catch people's attention. Test questions are sometimes worded really difficult - to the point that a simple question doesn't make sense. Watches you like a hawk while taking a test - very nerve racking!
Probably one of the best teachers that I have had at this school. He knows how to explain things clearly and get right to the point. No tricks in his class, he is just straight up.
Pretty cool guy. Cares if you learn. Make sure you go to class. Study hard for the tests.
Pretty good prof overall. The class format is lecture everyday but he has notes for you to copy which is nice. He makes a lot of references to the book but you don't really need it. Tries hard to help you understand and always ask if there are any questions. Test are alright-multiple choice, not too difficult. I would reccomend him.
This class was awesome! He was the best teacher I have ever had. He goes at a perfect pace so it is very easy to keep up without getting bored A+ Teacher Highly recommend him!
He is an awesome professor. He goes at a perfect pace so it is easy to keep up without getting bored. A+ Teacher Highly recomended!
BORING!!! Goes way 2 slow. Comments about the students in his class when those students are not there to defend themselves.
I don't know why there are so many positive comments here. I had a horrible time with this class. He talks way above your level if you don't have any prior knowledge. It's a 200 level, it shouldn't be this difficult. He only talks graphs and does nothing more to change his teaching style. It's a bore and I hated every second of it.
He goes way too fast, he throws out more graphs than a person can handle and he was overall a bad teacher.
very very difficult class, boring. i took great notes, studied and still only pulled a D. no homework, graded only on tests. tests are very very hard. he is very intelligent but can't relate to our level.
Don't know what to expect on tests.
He is a really bad teacher. He can't teach others and goes to fast. He is on a power trip and thinks its cool yelling at students that are in COLLEGE! His tests are really hard if you are not a good test taker and you are only graded on tests. You will never feel comfortable talking to him if you need help and he curves nothing.
Great Teacher. Easy to understand, gives clear notes... would definitely recommend!
Spencer is not a nice guy. He is not approachable. Most of the classtime is used to either yell or babble. Students never know what to expect on tests and the tests are hard. I studied hard and attended class everyday and could barely pull a B.
I didn't like him at all. Studied hard but his exams were messed up, and different from expected. Don't take this class with him
not very interesting class. grade is only based on tests, no homework! if you are a bad test-taker good luck! only take class if you have to.
This courses is actually pretty useful. This course covers a wide variety of economic concepts and expands on ideas from Econ 201 and 202 by using mathematical concepts. The exams aren't too bad as long as you study your notes. Dr. Spencer explains things very well and he does have a sense of humor.
not helpful. says "If you email me I won't respond to it", "I'm ashamed to hand these test back". Don't like his teaching methods of showing movies all day and blaming us for bad results
This class is not recommened for anyone. I think he hates students and his job. Very smart guy but can't teach. His tests are very different than the last. Doesn't have office hours for students. Went there once and he said "ask someone else or look in your book. I teach not tutor students". Never take him if you can help it.
Do not take this professor! He is very rude and unapproachable. This class was one of the most difficult econ classes I have ever taken! Since there is only 100 pts in the class which is composed of only exams, it makes it really difficult for students who don't do very well on exams but excel on homework and quizzes. I don't recommend this class!
This is the rudest teacher I have ever had. He doesn't not care at all about his students he acts like he hates his job. If you ask a question during class he will yell at you if you and make you feel stupid for not knowing the right answer. Take anyone else he is so rude, mean, and heartless.
This is the worst teacher I have ever had. The whole class is based off of 100pts so it is very hard to get an A. If you do not understand something he will not help you. He gets irritated when you ask questions and wont help you if you ask after class. You can tell he is mad at the world and take its out on his students.
Yes, the teacher does seem pretty angry with the world some days. But all over all he is very clear in his expectations. His tests are pretty straight forward. The only thing is the grading makes the class difficult but I think most ECON 202 classes have a similar grading scale (class out of 100 pts) Show up to class, pay attention, you'll do fine.
Everyone says this teacher is horrible and mean, he is really not that bad. He is just very straight forward with everything. His tests can be tricky. The advice I would give is to show up to class everyday. Get the study guide, it is the only way I did well in the class!
Overall this teacher knows what he is talking about. His test are super hard. Even if you use the study guide book it's hard to get a good grade in the class. I studied a lot for all of the tests and I still ended up failing the class.
All-time least favorite teacher! I believe he knows his stuff, but I think he's a sub-par teacher. He never seems happy in class. My other teachers really want you to learn and understand the info, this is not the case with Mr. Spencer. Basically its just you and your book. The class might as well be online! I recommend finding a different teacher.
he has a hard front but is helpful in his office hours and reading the book helps with lectures. he follows the book. and he is very clear and gives no crap.
He is a great teacher, know the material very well and explains very clear. The teast were not hard, if you study the book and notes, you will be fine
Lectures are dull but he writes all the notes in real time rather than having a powerpoint prepared. He follows the text book to a T. No quizzes or homework. Just four exams and the lowest exam grade is dropped. I liked his class!!
A good professor.
He is smart, he has a clear layout, and he is passionate about the subject. He is sometimes intimidating and the material is pretty tough. I wasn't a huge fan at first until I realized how smart he is and how much he helped me. I know others that said he is very helpful if you go to his office.
Professor Spencer recommends getting the textbook as well as the study guide. If you are worried about expense, get the study guide instead of the textbook. I bought both and used them, but a student could do well in his class by using the study guide alone. Go through the study guide problems multiple times and you will do well. A 90% is an A!
Seriously.... go to class, READ THE CHAPTERS, and complete the study guide that goes with the book. I only did the study guide on the first test and almost failed with a low D. I ended the semester with an A when I took time to read & understand the book material. 3 exams + final, lowest grade dropped. No homework or quizzes. Just exams.
This has been the hardest class I've ever taken here at MSU. He expects you to understand the material the first time he says it, and then he moves on. Your grade is based off 100 points (3 tests) and you can only get 10 points wrong in total to get an A. This class is long and boring. Save yourself and do not take his class.
There are no homework assignments or mandatory readings. Just 4 exams and he drops the lowest score. Lectures can get long, but there's nothing really that can make econ exciting. I skimmed the book before exams and looked over the notes and I have averaged an A to high B on all exams. If you take a little time to study and go to class, it's fine.
His lectures can get a bit long. His notes were in real time and were easy to following along with. He is an ok professor. The down sides were that he does not answer email and his offices hours were at the strangest times and were usually not really helpful because so many other students were there to see him too.
Michael Spencer is likely the BEST econ teacher that MSU has. He makes the material clear as long as you actually attend class and take lengthy notes. USE THE STUDY GUIDE! I do not consider myself to be an expert in Econ but I still got A's by using the study guide that he recommends. Sit in front, pay attention, and you'll learn a lot and do GREAT
Notes are real time, no HW, just 4 tests and lowest grade dropped. I made the mistake of not looking at the book and skimming the study guide as well as skipping a few classes. He's a smart man, but his tests were very hard for me. Not sure if I will retake his class if I still need the credit after the final...
Dr. Spencer was a great teacher for this class. He writes out his notes as he lectures so if you want the notes you have to be in lecture. The tests were somewhat difficult, but that's to be expected for any economics course. If you don't understand something he is more than happy to explain it for you during his office hours or after class.
He is horrible. Sure, he doesn't take class attendance and he gives no homework, but to me, I found that as a huge disadvantage as a student. He doesn't think of how that effects us, he just doesn't want to grade homework assignments. His test questions are asked in a way to trick you, and the tests are much harder then the examples in his notes.
Tests are hard - lectures definitely do not prepare you for the exams. He only grades you based on 3 exams out of 4; no homework, no attendance, no projects. I liked him AT FIRST, but throughout the semester his lectures became VERY rushed and sloppy. I was at a B level the first part of the semester, but the last exams were extremely hard.
Overall great professor. Class is graded on 3 exams and a final, but drops your lowest score. Very clear during lectures, although he might ramble on about something else. I would recommend this class to everybody. If you go to lecture and get the study guide that he highly recommends, you'll pass for sure.
Your grade is based off of 4 tests but he drops the lowest grade. Each test has 33 questions which comes down to each question on a test is 1% of your final grade. The textbook isn't very useful but I suggest the study guide. His in class notes are helpful but can go quick and can be hard to understand especially if you are new to econ.
there is no homework or quiz points to cushion the blow of a hard quiz. Sure he drops the lowest test score but these tests are hard. He has 5 multiple choice options and the last one is always "none of the above" which makes it really tricky. He is very condescending. for example "This stuff is like 8th grade level" talking about non linear algebr
Entire grade is based off of 3 exams, he does drop the lowest score but the exams are super hard. if you dont go to class you wont get the notes and class is soooo boring. Tough class for me with him.
Professor Spencer knows his information on Economics. Your final grade is based on your top 3 exam scores out of 4 (he drops the lowest - final included in drop policy). Lecture attendance is mandatory in order to get the material! He will not provide notes outside of class. Tests are difficult-get ready to study! Not my favorite class or subject.
Too boring of a class, too many graphs in his lectures. I went to his office hours, and it didn't help. If you do bad on the first test, it's really hard to even get a C. Very sarcastic and automatically assumes we understand everything he's talking about.
Do not take this class with him! I am a straight A student and got an F in his class even though I did everything I could to prepare myself. You're only graded on three exams and each question is worth a point towards your final grade. Take it with someone else or online. Doing the study guide, reading the book, and notes do not help. Good luck
He isnt the best, but the class itself is hard. If you listen, study, and do the study guide, you should be fine. He is sarcastic at times and assumes we know things, but the class isnt an easy A no matter what prof you get.
One of the best professors i have had. Relates material to real life things so it actually makes sense what he is talking about. Graded on 4 tests, one gets dropped. If you use the study guide and textbook and take good notes you will be in good shape. Really fun guy and cares if you understand the material. Would take a class with him again forsur
Spencer is a good professor for microeconomics IF you are willing to put in the work. Go to class every time, read the book, and go over the study guide problems from the book that he recommends. The lectures are extremely boring and you draw TONS of graphs, but if you pay attention you should be able to get an A.
Only four exams make up your grade. Lowest exam is dropped. I would for sure buy the study guide which is optional. His lectures are very boring and his notes are messy and hard to understand. He seems like a good guy but I didn't enjoy him as a teacher and didn't learn much,.
Take Dr. Spencer if you're an Econ major and wanted to learn how Econ work mathematically. Grade based off of only 3 exams, they are not difficult but they can be quite tricky. Do practice problems from the textbooks and read over the notes he provides because some exam questions are from his notes. He is helpful if you go to his office hours.
His classes are not very lively, especially if you take the 3-hour night session. You have to pay attention and attend classes every time. Don't fret if you think you're not doing well, but don't wait till it's too late to start doing something about it. Ask questions and practice the problems before class.
Dr. Spencer is definitely an expert of economics, and really cares about his field. However, his lectures are very boring, and he offers no incentive to really care about the material. The final grade is based off of three best exams scores out of four (one is dropped, final can be included in the drop policy).
Great teacher! His lectures are interesting and time goes by really fast. Just prepare for class so you can learn in it. He's really nice, he is a tough grader. I think he really makes you work for your grade. I'll probably get a C but thats because I dont read the book or have the studyguide, (thats fine with me) No HW just 4 exams, 1 is dropped
Michael Spencer really knows what he is talking about, he is an expert in Economics. Just read before class to be on track, and always work on the study guide before each exams. 4 exams and the lowest is dropped. Absolutely would recommend him for Micro
Grading came from purely tests. No chance at redemption. Was nice enough to drop the lowest test but it was challenging to study for the tests considering most of test material wasn't taught in class. Nice guy tho, makes class fun.
Guy knows his stuff! The only reason he doesn't have a higher score is because students cry about having to read a book these days. If you read the textbook, which is rather simple, the class is quite easy. Lower level algebra is the hardest part of it. I would definitely recommend him.
I am an Engineering major so I had to take either Micro or Macro and decided to take a Micro class despite what my friends said. This guy is an absolute garbage professor. Do not listen to this other reviews. You have to learn everything out of the book because he only draws charts for class. Avoid this man at all costs or take Macro if you can.
Lecture seemed very different from the exams. Lectures consist of drawing many graphs that make perfect sense to him, but are hard to apply to the actual exam material. The study guide didn't help much but it does offer a lot of extra practice and a way to study. Only graded on exams and the lowest score is dropped, including the final.
Dr. Spencer knows his economics really well. However, the class is very difficult. Your grade will be made up of three exam grades and that's it. You take four exams total, but the worst scoring is dropped. So there is nothing cushioning your grade. I believe all of the ECON202 courses are structured like this, so there's no getting out of it.
He does an amazing job. I am a high school student taking college classes and this was my first econ course. He really helped me to know the material. He goes through material very fast and as efficient as possible but is always open to questions. He is available outside of class and is always willing to help.
I had to drop micro because he went so fast and my brain couldn't keep up with all the information he threw at us. He definitely knows his stuff, his lecture and testing methods just don't work for me. I have to take micro still so I'm taking online through a community college since I don't think I could get through his class with anything above F.
Do not take a class from him. Only grades are based on three exams. I took this class during COVID-19, so halfway through we switched to online and he ADDED more assignments that were due at specific times. Not extra credit, actual assignments. Lectures are very dry and boring. Runs through the material quickly.
You only get graded on four tests.
I think he is one of the best professors to take for any economics classes! Your exams are balanced out with homework and busy work which helps your grade! Class was online and really easy
Dr. Spencer is a great professor! He goes through many examples from the textbook, which gave me the tools to go through the problems by myself. He never put anything he didn't go over in class on exams. Dr. Spencer's best quality is how much he cares about his students, any question you might have he makes sure you gain a better understanding.
Fully online class. Make sure you do all the assignments because the lost points add up quickly.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
48%
Textbook Required
71%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.27 avg changeRatings by Course
ECON201
4.0
(12)ECON301
3.7
(7)ECON202
3.5
(60)ECON200
2.0
(1)ECON210
2.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ECON200
5.0
ECON101
5.0
ECON210
5.0
ECON301
3.7
ECON201
3.7