3.5
Quality3.6
Difficulty65%
Would Retake116
Reviews65%
Would Retake
116
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
116 total ratings5
46
4
31
3
13
2
9
1
17
What Students Say
“But she is lacking common respect in the class room”
MATH1316 - 2.0 rating“Good Lectures, very hard tests”
CALCU2413 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
77%
Textbook Required
49%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.16 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH1416
5.0
(1)MATH2426
5.0
(2)MATH1325
5.0
(1)CAL2412
5.0
(1)MATH2415
4.5
(13)Difficulty by Course
MATH2302
5.0
CALCU2412
5.0
2412MATH
5.0
CALCULUS2
4.7
CAL2
4.7
Reviews (115)
I would like to say that this Professor is the worst i ever had a course with. She doesn't explain the material clearly and doesn't grade fairly.i'm not saying this because i didn't get a satisfying grade in her class, but i feel that i wasted my time this semester, i'm a science major and i know th
she explains the material, but she grades awfully unfair. when you ask something she makes you look stupid in front of the class. her tests are almost impossible, teches with easy problems but evaluates with advanced problems , so it is kind of hard to get an A. i did pass but I wouldnt recomend this instructor to my worst enemy.
the rudiest, unkind, unhappy teacher I have ever had and it reflects in her teachin,it's like she is disgusted with her students for not knowing ,she know her stuff, but talks down to students, she tutors also,she is the same way rude, rude, rude!! If would not recommend her to anyone!!!!!
Ms. Pence is an EXCELENT professor. You will learn a lot from her provided that you are willing to put in the time to study. Be sure you do your homework and the review sheet. You will not pass her class by NOT doing homework and not having the prerequisite.
Explains it very well and breaks is down "Barney Style", but the test are very hard. You have to show all your work. Lots of quizes during the beganing of the semester, and homework everyday. So if you're lazy like me it can be difficult, but still got a good grade if it helps anyone
Very condesending to her students to the point of rudeness. Very poor people skills. Super hard tests and the examples she gives in class are super easy compared to the exam. Not recommended at all.
Extremely rude and very unfriendly person. During lecture she looks so plain rude and make certain people feel dumb. Never take her for calculus classes take Bazargan at Stafford Campus.
This lady teaches like she has a grudge against everyone. Our entire class was afraid to ask a question b/c you always felt that if you did ask one she would make your question sound trivial in front of the class. She has been known to call them stupid in front of other class mates during tutorials. She's a terible teacher, save your money !!
VERY RUDE!!! She is a good teacher if you don't need to talk to her and don't need to ask anything... But this woman has a heart filled with hate
She is a good lady, not rude at all but o ya she is quite hard and counts every single small mistake. Calculus is a hard subject and please lady be easy on us
Yes she is rude. She makes you not want to talk or ask any questions. Dont even try to get on her good side because its a waste of time. I took calculus so it was def hard. The assignments she gives daily are easy but then she surprises you with the test/exam, HARD as hard can be. With that said, I would still recommend her because she teaches well
She knows the material and knows how to convey it well. But she doesn't try to make the class fun, or even cheerful. She is definitely a competent instructor, but it's hard to tell if she is actually enjoying herself or not. I wouldn't necessarily recommend her, but she's not "BAD" per se...
She is the most rediculous grader I have ever encountered if she ask you whats 3+2 and you say five she'll say no it's cinco, I'm serious. I felt like giving her immense phsycial pain even though I got a B.(Should have been an A)Don't assume obvious steps won't be counted off if you dont' show them.
Not a very helpful instructor. I also felt that her lectures were poorly delivered. She is very harsh and blunt and has little patience.
she is soft spoken, but very easy to understand you just have to listen closely. she teaches step by step and she makes it very simple, she gets to the point. i didnt buy a book i just took notes and i made an A in her class. tests are exactly like the review and she has a review session the day before the exam! she's great!! i would take her again
Current student and love the class so far. I don't see why so many people give negative comments, they must call out wrong answers. Also, I guess i'll be the first to say it.... SHES HOT!!
RUDE! Belittles you in class and in tutoring when you ask for help. I really do feel sorry for Nancey and hope she can find joy in her life, because she seems miserable. Out of 20 students in my class around 7/8 where receiving F's. Its a hard class without the added strain of her constantly cutting you down.DO NOT TAKE HER, DROP BEFORE ITS TO LATE
she explains really well and clearly. she is not funny person but a good teacher. highly recommend her!
She can be difficult because calculus can be difficult. If you go to class and do the assigned homework from the book, you'll pass the class. I'm not that great at math, but am making a B and learning stuff. I mean, you're there to learn math and she can teach it, so that's good enough for me.
DONT TAKE HER!! i got a B but it was tough. when a students ask a question, she looks at u like u r dumb. We pay her to teach but her attitude, she got problems at home. Most students got 30's to 60's for the first exam.
I'm a current student in her class. She's quite helpful. It's not her fault the class is difficult. I'd recommend her.
I took her for cal2 and am currently in cal3, by far the best math teacher i have ever taken. She gives homework (3-8 questions) over the days work and gives reviews that resemble her tests. She explains things very well and gives plenty of examples and she offers tutoring at certain times throughout the week.
If you can avoid this teacher, I recommend you do so. Her teaching style is second to none, but she has MAJOR personality issues. Any kind of interaction with this teacher other than listening to her explain material WILL end badly. In her case, her awful manner towards students asking questions or anything from her greatly outweighs her teaching.
Absolutely amazing instructor. She is extremely smart and most importantly, she can teach the information in a way everyone can understand. I wish I had taken her for all my math classes. The best teacher, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very good teacher!! Highly recommend her!!
She is a Fantastic teacher, I highly recommend her to anyone.
She is a good teacher explaining in class but is really mean & rude if u ask questions outside of class. Her tests are super hard. More than half of da class failed or dropped. probably going to tell u " u should know dis its basic algebra" ughh
She can REALLY teach. Really really well. Her reviews are very similar to her tests, but I took cal2 in the summer, and it was a killer class. Kind of a mean professor, and doesn't like stupid qusetions, she'll just tell you its "trivial" and not answer it. Overall = Good but hard.
To start off she is a very cranky teacher. She explains material very well and makes sure to go over all material though. She also gives great notes. But in saying that it is not worth taking her. She is very rude and makes u feel very stupid when u ask legitment questions, she is also not easy to talk to after class.She makes Cal2 very difficult.
All negative ratings I've read about this professor has describe her to the point!!!
FANTASTIC TEACHER!!! not very socialable though. I was just interested in making my grade, not looking to make friends with her. notes are great, she makes calculus seem easy (its not). But she's not a good person to greet, because she wont even look at you or smile. but if youre just looking to learn - take her.
Come to class and copy the notes word for word dont try to understand anything while in class she moves quickly. The notes are what you sit in her class for. Only ask questions on test review day. Get a full understanding of the test review because it will be very similar to the test. Do all of the homework to the best of your ability.
Great teacher. Teaches material very well and thorough. Take this teacher if you want to learn and earn your grade. Attendance is a must if you want to pass. Very easy if you pay attention and take all notes and study just a little bit. Textbook was useless, dont buy.
I've had 2412 and 2413 with her and now I'm taking her for 2414. She's IS the best math teacher I've ever had. She's extremely clear, but calculus is still pretty difficult. It's just less difficult with her teaching it. I'd recommend saving your questions for tutoring or review day. She's not there to be your friend. She's there to teach.
Very concise lectures: she knows her subject like she's skating on a razor blade. And she will cut you up if you ask any questions that she deems trivial. Mandatory homework due at start of every class period, folded in half with your name along the outside and placed upon he desk before the start of lectures. Examinations are a challenge.
Good lecture, great teacher, poor attitude towards student participation in class.
My calculus 3 class: 1) tutor before class 2) on time 3) daily homework assignments 4) test as same as review ... She is so smart and tidy by work. Math is a scalar your genetic intelligent and so you should not get mad with her when you got a bad score. She is always happy to help you to understand daily problems in tutor before class. When you are tidy such German or japanese, I highly recommend her to you. Things I hate her are daily homework assignments and on time :(( ... Bc I am lazy boy
she's very organized. i like her and her way of teaching so much. she's so helpful.she sticks to her plan and tries to explain everything very well. i really learned so much in her class. her tests are based on what she taught. i got A in all my tests and im so proud of it cuz i know i really know the stuff... u r the best...lovee u
This lady is VERY strict about everything in her class, on time, on point, grades hard..The only positive thing about her is that she teaches very clearly and explains very well..Hw has to be turned in every class worth 15%(ttl), 4 test each 15% and final 25%. She will make you feel dumb if you ask her any questions during class (attitude reply).
Take my advice: do not take her. she is extremely difficult to work with. if you know your stuff then be my guess, but its not going an easy ride. she really know math, however she won't babysit you, and if you are slow to learn do not take her or you will be left behind.
Take my advice: do not take her. she is extremely difficult to work with. if you know your stuff then be my guest, but its not going an easy ride. she really know math, however she won't babysit you, and if you are slow to learn do not take her or you will be left behind.
What a professor!
This is the best instructor Houston community college has ever produced! made strong A's in all exams,if u plan to lean calculus, take her! If u planning to just get it over with then please don't take her! She been teaching calculus for 24yrs, available for tutorial, review= exam, but apparently not the same questions.. Kudos!!!
Houston Community College needs such professors. She is the BEST.
She is the best teacher I have ever seen. People who complain about her are just low prepared students who want to get easy A's. They've been choosing easy professors and they think it is the right way to do. In reality, they'll regret later in tougher subjects. She helps students succeed in the future courses.
She is born to teach. Her explanaiton is crytral clear. If you do the homework everyday, and make sure understand the test review which she gives before exam you will get an A
She's a great professor. Learn a lot from her :)
This Class is Hard, especially exam are very difficult. It easier to understand her cuz she is an American professor not like our typical foreign professors. For cal 2, u need to master complete Trigonometry otherwise u will do BAD! A lot of ppl Dropped, even in my University Physics 2 class more ppl passed the class then cal 2. smh
College Algebra: A (grade), Trig: A. Cal 1: A. Cal 2 with Her: "Rather Not say." Best of luck who ever takes with her, by the way I took Cal 1 with Head of Math Dept n did well. Its just not enough time to do well on her exams.
Take her at your own risk, she is very hard and harsh. When asking a question in class she makes you feel like an idiot. She tends to lecture the whole 3 hours when you only need 1 hour worth of notes. . . kind of like information overload is what she does. She is needless to say: difficult.
She's my favorite math professor overall! I love her teaching style. Don't expect an easy A on her class if you don't study hard for yourself. Lecture notes are the most important tools to study.
honestly, her class isn't easy, test kinda difficult, but if you took all the notes and the review, you'll get a B or higher. To me, her class is an easy A, if you don't understand and afraid of asking her, just open your book and read it, it's all in the book, she just kinda shorten the book for you to study.
I had her for cal3 and everyone wants to be in her class, so you have to register early. One of the best math teachers I've ever had. Have to work hard for the grade but you will learn a lot for sure.
She is the best calculus teacher in HCC!She explain everything clearly. The people who said she is not helpful because they didn't study or they are stupid!If you want to learn something rather than just pass the class, take her! Also, I believe if you did all she asked, you will get an A!
Nancy was incredibly helpful throughout the semester. One of the only math teachers that hand grades each homework assignment and writes the correct solution to each problem. I would strongly suggest taking her.
Excellent professor! Best professor I've ever had at HCC. She's helpful and will help you with any problems you have even if it's silly. She explains everything well.
Clear and concise lectures, tough teacher, you will be challenged.
she is great teacher. But remember , she teach clearly but she move chapter too fast. she know your name even at the first day she did not call your name . it is really special. Her test is kind of hard and diff. please ask her right away if you dont understand, you will be lost. you should do more hw to get more knw. and she hate cheating.
Best teacher at HCC I've encountered so far. She takes her job seriously and offers extra help and tutoring. A lot of the other teachers are too lazy to grade homework and do not offer free tutoring. Quick feedback on everything! I got graded work back the next class every time! How does she do it?? She is so organized! Hard but fair!
Don't skip class or you will fall behind quick. She covers a lot in one day and NEVER cancels class. She is very organized and straight to the point with the material. She is a very fair professor and knows whats shes talking about. I love how she is old fashion and doesnt use scantrons or online homework. I recommend buying book but not required.
SHE DOES NOT GIVE ANY EXTRA POINTS AND DOES NOT CURVE YOUR AVERAGE GRADE. I wouldn't recommend her to a friend. Her tests are HARD nothing like the review. Yeah her lectures are nice but long and she grades H.W accurately, also she gives you review which is the same outline as the tests but much much more easier. She is very mean and strict
Very strict and consistent!!! Tests are NOT multiple choice and Expect your H.W to be graded very accurately. Seriously, students in her class are afraid to ask her questions because she will try to make a fool out of you.
This woman is a very difficult professor, do not take her if you think you will slack off. She teaches very quickly and teaches a lot each class (roughly 3-4 sections). She can be kind of rude at times and she expects you come in with a lot of math knowledge, which you should once you reach calculus. I had to drop the class bc it was too much
Tough Teacher. DO NOT TAKE HER!!! SHE IS HORRIBLE.
Pence is everything I want from a Math Prof - she is clear, concise, fair and provides you with all the tools you need to succeed. Highly* recommended if you're going to need a clear understanding of math in the future. If you're just trying to get a credit out of the way MOVE ALONG. If you need a solid math foundation, She is THE person to take!
It's simple. If you want to learn Calculus and actually earn your grade then Prof. Pence is the way to go. I highly recommend her for any math course you need that she teaches. She is fair, her lectures are great, and she has clear grading criteria. The only reason you would fail her course is if you didnt put in the time. You get what you earn!
If you are good at math and can be in class everyday you will get an A. Her reviews are just like the tests and homework assignments are only a few simple problems. She is not the most personable person though and accepts no excuses. I made all As till the end because I got hospitalized and miss a lot of classes so I ended up with a B+.
Good teacher
Nancy is a pretty good math professor that teaches clearly. The only negative things of the class was homework being graded on ACCURACY NOT COMPLETION. You have to work for the grade you get. Overall she knows her stuff and is there for you. (Only get the book if you would like more clarity on problems w/ examples, never had to use book in class)
Does not have extra credit
Only assigns 3-5 hw problems for hw. Doesn't use web assign. In class lectures are well organized and easy to understand. Tests are TOUGH. She gives 5 points on test as a 'curve' other than that no curves or extra credit offered. She is ALWAYS on campus so if you need help she is available which is very helpful. No MC on tests. Will take for cal3.
she is hard to understand,do not take her,l like math but getting board with her lecture.
very rude to me she will not help u if u are not in her class yelled at me i did noyt know you had to have your book for tutoring
I dropped her class, I trusted the good reviews from hear , but finally find her class boring , tests are very difficult,I was A student but after first and second class my grade was F and the worse point was this class put me in a way to heat Math! she is not helping with drop the lowest grade and no extra credit for those with bad grades to help.
Her lectures and handwriting are awesome. The only potential complaint is that she is a college professor in the truest sense. She doesn't care for your sob story if you slept through class or missed a homework. She has provided clear guidelines for what she expects. If you don't deliver- tough.
She was the exact teacher I like. A HUGE advantage is her reviews same as the test (changing the numbers). If you knew how to do the review questions, you got an A. She grades tests on a 105 scale so you get 5 points per test. If math isnt your subject, her lectures are very clear. She answers all questions too. I ended up with a 101 average.
Cal 2 is the hardest class I have taken. Prof. Pence is a tough teacher. Tests had a lot of "haha, got ya!" problems if you know what I mean. She is a great professor but no Webassign homework which would have made the class A LOT easier. You really got to work for your grade. This class is not for the faint hearted.
Don't take her, she is the worst prof I ever had, she is so mean...
Good Lectures, very hard tests. If you have good math skills you will be fine if math is not your strength then look for another professor. Do all the recommended exercises, turn in your homework and you will pass. Dr. pence is a very hard grader!! There is not extra credit (apart from the tests being graded out of 105)
One of the best professor I have ever taken in HCC. Highly organized and do not waste time. Lectures are great she knows exactly what to teach. Tests are okay if you do the review and hw. Only few HW problems form a chapter and reviews are very specific. She does not drop the lowest test grade. I like that professor. Took for cal 1 and 2.
She goes very fast and covers all important topics. Tests are very similar to homework and reviews. Homework is usually 3-5 problems and is due at the beginning of each class. She is very organized. A perfect professor for science and engineering majors.
she is one of the best professor I have had so far at HCC. Very helpful, clear, organized, and her notes are extremely helpful. her tests are not really hard but YOU NEED TO PRACTICE A LOT. I took her for Cal 1, 2, and 3.
My greatest regret. Very few HW. Her teaching isnt bad at all, however, expects U to understand almost everything going on, she teaches in a VERY FAST pace . if you ask a question, she makes fun of you, and rolls her eyes. She doesnt help you when you need the help, acts like she doesnt care about her students. EXams are HARD. NOT HELPFUL AT ALL.
She can explain concepts really well, however you will start to notice her condescending attitude towards students. She has literally said on more then once, "I don't have to explain myself to you". I'm not sure where the disconnect lies, but she has potential to be a 5 star teacher. But she is lacking common respect in the class room. Be advised..
I swear to you. This is a GPA-killer if I ever saw one. Pence is presumptuous and rarely stops to explain things in finer detail. No extra-credit, no curve, no test corrections, no webassign. You NEEEEED your book!!!
She is definitely a great professor, and very organized. 4 test 15% (test are graded out of 105pts) weighted homework total is 15% (boost grade if good). homework is more difficult than test so find a group to do it in and do problems over again before test on top of given test review. final exam is 25%. she does not curve and be prepared to study.
Rude you will be afraid of asking her any question about anything because of the look she gave like 'Why did you come to me to ask'?
If you do the homework and practice problems, you will be fine. She is only rude and condescending towards students who show no respect. If you don't show up to classes, then hold the entire class back while asking a question she explained clearly in her last lecture, expect to be talked down to. She wasn't rude to students who put in the effort.
Do not slack anything, understand what happens in class and get an A like I did .. Never opened the book .. She is very sweet from the inside, you can't imagine how amazing the recommendation I got from her after i asked for it when the class was over.. She only appears to be rude just so she has a little fun :D Do not be afraid of her :)
Very fast-paced lectures, for someone who lacks attention span like me; with no pauses for the brain to absorb what just happened. Classes started even before the time it was supposed to start a few minutes. Nevertheless, those 2 are the only complaints I have about her class. If you don't mind challenges, why not? ;-)
The best Math professor I have had in my life I took her for Math 2412, 2413, 2414, and 2415 very helpful, caring, and is always willing to help
she is the worse she goes super quickly her tests are nothing like the review
Hard exams, homework every class you feel uncomfortable to ask a question she answers sarcastically!
I took Math 0312 with professor Pence and I learned so much in her class. She is very thorough when working the problems on the whiteboard during class. She breaks down the problem and when she did not, all I had to do was ask & she would explain. I felt like she moved too fast though but maybe it was bc we lost days due to Hurricane Harvey.
Do the work. You'll make an A. Took Mrs. Pence for Cal 2 & 3.
Excellent Professor. She knows the material and doesn't just teach out of the book. It is still Calculus, and you have to actually do the practice and learn the material, but if you pay attention, take notes, study, and do all the homework you will certainly pass.
Homework will determine if you will get an A' in her class. The test are easier than the homework and review. Homework is due every day of class. So keep up!
No multiple choice questions No dropping lowest test grade No extra credit No makeup test Homework due every class No late submissions Super fast when teaching so you have to choose between writing notes or listening Im a straight A student and dont mind taking challenges/studying hard but that was just too much pressure. Dropped
One of the best teacher in HCC. but classes are heavy.
She is one of the best and hardworking Professors of HCC I came across. Her lectures and examples are very clear. She does not burden her students with h.w but just give few questions in every class for each concept which really helps to understand the course. She does not give you any reason to fail because her exams are from the h.w and review.
Prof Pence is an awesome professor. She's one of the best math prof i have taking and will take for all math she takes.
I wouldn't recommend her because she says, if you only do the review and the homework your not going to get an A in this class. In my opinion your not even going to get a B. You would've to dig in the book and do the problems to understand the material which is something she does not require.
It's the best Calculus teacher at HCC. The material is hard, it's Calculus 3. However, Prof. Pence gives details explanation and little homework. You need to practice on yourself. Yes, she is sarcastic,but in positive and professional manner. You have extra points on exams. She is strict on grading and communication, but it worth in the result.
Class is nothing but lecture and she will ask for input and answers from the class. She has several different ways of explaining things. If you ask her a question she will answer it, if you ask a question she just explained, she will probably give you a sarcastic answer, but an answer nonetheless. She responds quickly to email and is very funny imo
She gives homework assignments that have to be turned in every class period. Her reviews are exactly like the tests; which have 10 problems each. There are 4 tests, 1 final, and 1 homework assignment per section covered. Don't expect her to hand out grades, she grades you on what you deserve. Do the homeworks and reviews and you'll pass.
4 exams, exam like the study guide. Attend class and turn in the homework. She curves the grade and easy in grading. Fast in grading too. So far so good!
She is one of the best math professors I've ever had. 4 tests which are very similar to the test review she provides. Also, there is a homework assignment (3-5 problems) due every class with exception to the class before and after a test. Her class is basically all lecture, however, I found her lectures really amazing and helpful.
Don't take her. She is rude and mean whenever you ask a question during a lecture, even she asks if you have any question. Her lecture is fast. Hard to understand what she teaches because she speaks so small and so fast even the class is silent. I wish I should not have taken her.
In terms of speed, this professor wins the Daytona 500 in lectures. Youll have no time for note taking. Most if not all questions on the review do not reflect what you will see on the test. Homework is a test grade and questions are more difficult then tests and lectures combined. Very picky grader and you must solve her way or it is incorrect.
She goes through lecture very fast. She gives plenty of examples to help you with homework later & it's not optional and has to be turned in after every class, w exceptions to before/after an exam. She grades homework if they are right/wrong (which I think is unfair bc it's practice) so it drops your grade by a lot if you don't get it/understand.
Shes a tough grader dont take her !!!!! Doesnt explain very well doesnt make the class interesting
best teacher yet... she explains all the things really well.
I took her in 2013 and again in 2018. BOTH times I had to drop. She speeds through the class and your hand will hurt by the end because of all the notes. The notes are organized but dont mean anything since she doesnt really explain. I asked her a question and she said you should know this from cal1 and didnt answer. Got a B in another class
so far she is the best math teacher at HCC very straight instructions I have learned a lot in her class I would recommend it for anyone taking calc 3 or 2
Best math professor I've had, if youre expecting for this class to be easy then dont take her, but if you know you will work hard then you can pass. Class notes are heavy but help with hw. hw is short but a brain teaser. Her lectures are clear if you give your full attention and she gives proper explanations to theorems and other shortcut methods.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
77%
Textbook Required
49%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.16 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH1416
5.0
(1)MATH2426
5.0
(2)MATH1325
5.0
(1)CAL2412
5.0
(1)MATH2415
4.5
(13)Difficulty by Course
MATH2302
5.0
CALCU2412
5.0
2412MATH
5.0
CALCULUS2
4.7
CAL2
4.7