4.0

Shelly R. Spencer

Biology - Rio Hondo College

4.0
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
73%
Would Retake
96
Reviews
4.0
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
3.8
Helpful
4.1
Clarity

73%

Would Retake

96

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

45

4

30

3

10

2

3

1

8

What Students Say

If you're here to be a nurse, you better wake the heck up

BIOL226 - 4.0 rating

One of the best professors I ever had

BIOL226 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

38%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 37 grades
Most common grades:
A (16)
B (9)
Drop/Withdrawal (6)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(11)C(1)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 48 reported grades
A: 16
B: 9
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
B+: 4
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (10)
Hilarious (8)
Beware of pop quizzes (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Clear grading criteria (6)
Test heavy (6)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (5)
Respected (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.50 avg change
Feb
Mar
May
Jun
Aug
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOLO125

5.0

(1)

HUMANANATOMY

5.0

(1)

BIOL226

4.3

(12)

BIO226

4.3

(17)

BIOL125

4.3

(12)
+10 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOLO125

5.0

PHYS121

5.0

BIO226

4.2

ANATOMY

4.0

BIO125

4.0

Reviews (96)
2.0
4.0
ANATOMY
Mar 5, 2006

it was anatomy..then teach us about anatomy of the human body... not physiology..

5.0
5.0
BIO125
Sep 27, 2006

She is soooo HOT! An excellent teacher and you will learn a lot. The class is tough but Shelly is great. She is down to earth and has a fun personality.

5.0
4.0
BIO125
Oct 17, 2006

Shelly is really hot. Very attractive women. Her class is not easy, but she will teach you if you want to learn. She might come across as too straight forward for some people. I really enjoyed her class and would take any course she offered. In addition, she had some fun stories and made the subject very interesting.

5.0
4.0
BIO125
Nov 9, 2006

very good but hard at times, u really need to focus.

5.0
1.0
BIOL125
Dec 13, 2006

Mis Spencer is by far the hottest !!! professor. The first rater must be on crack! Mis Spencer was very straight to the point, easy to approach for questions, and helpful by putting in extra time on Saturdays to open the lab. Simply the Best professor in treaching and in Looks!! EC Semper Fi

4.0
4.0
BIO2577
Jan 22, 2007

tough on the outside soft on the inside. hang in there and give it your best . you'll be okay. SHe's vsery helpful and a little controling

4.0
3.0
NONEYET
May 2, 2007

Maybe her class is hard because you guys are focused on her...you need to focus on her lecture!

4.0
5.0
BIOL125
Oct 21, 2007

This young lady knows her material unfortunately she does not know the word pedagogy. She is not a Reflective Teacher and she discusses too much about her personal life.

5.0
3.0
BIOL125
Oct 22, 2007

Overall great teacher she is very animated in class, and breaks the material down to simple forms. Of course it is anatomy, be prepared to put in some time studying. Her test are very easy as compared to the material that gets covered. Study groups are also very helpful especially for the lab test. Oh, and ok eye candy.

4.0
1.0
BIOL125
Dec 18, 2007

Shelly is a very cool professor. Keeps the class on their toes and interacts with everyone in the class. Strict and to the point and doesn't BS around. The class was great except for this annoying Russian girl in the glass that though she knew everything and couldn't keep her dam trap shut.

4.0
4.0
BIOL125
Feb 5, 2008

She can be intimidating at first, very strict, and may scare you, but her tests are not all that bad at all. Good to form a small group for studying. Do a lot of studying on your own. She will help you with your questions, if you take an interest. Tends to go off on tandems at times. Overall a good teacher, wants her students to understand the mate

3.0
4.0
BIO321
Mar 20, 2008

went off at times but alright

4.0
2.0
BIO125
Mar 22, 2008

Shelly made this class easier to swallow. The material required lots of studying. Shelly was clear about material to cover. She definately made this class interesting. I am looking forward to taking another class with her.

5.0
3.0
BIO125
Apr 17, 2008

She's by far one of the best professors I've ever had! I am not a young student and have had a lot of experience. I am currently in her class. She cares about students proves it!

4.0
4.0
BIOL125
Jun 2, 2008

Anatomy is hard, but she makes it easier to understand. her tests are STRAIGHT from the notes she gives you. She might be a little scary at first, but after you get past that, she's REALLY helpful.you REALLY have to put in the time to study! some good advice:don't miss a single class.

4.0
5.0
BIOL125
Jun 19, 2008

she's okay but has attitude when students have different opinions than hers when comes to lecture or in lab. She acts grumpy sometimes and shows no pity.

5.0
3.0
BIO125
Nov 12, 2008

im really not that smart but i came out with a b the students will try to scare u and say omg every one drops cuz its so hard but honestly if u approach this class as learning a new language it will come alot easier you will have to study i recommend taking her lab it makes things a lil less confusing just show her u r commited and shell have ur ba

4.0
4.0
BIOL222
Feb 1, 2010

Very rude, arrogant, yells at students, and in no way does she have respect for others/students. However, very knowledgeable. Not too bad just memorize essay questions and powerpoint slides. No need for book, only clarification. Only PHYS teacher so no other option..take and pass.

3.0
5.0
BIOL125
Feb 26, 2010

no comments

4.0
4.0
BIOAN
Jun 1, 2010

the class isnt so bad, youll do fine if you study and ur good with Memorization. mrs.Spencer isnt as bad as they say. honestly she keeps it real, shes says what on her mind. all i can say is STUDY!!!!

5.0
5.0
BIO125
Jun 25, 2010

BEST TEACHER EVER!!! Human Anatomy is SUPER HARD but Spencer makes it SOOO Much easier to understand. PLUS, she makes the students feel like they can approach her if they have any problems. TAKE HER for Human Anatomy!!

5.0
4.0
BIO125
Aug 4, 2010

This class is tough, but her exams are taken straight from her lectures, so pay attention. The lab exams are tougher than the lecture exams, so study, study, study. Shelly tells it like it is, and a lot of people don't like it. She also tends to give TMI, but it just shows how real she is. She is funny though.

4.0
4.0
BIO226
Sep 30, 2010

At the end of every lecture i knew what the main topic was about and what i needed to know for her test. Her slides make sense ONLY if you attend her lecture. She explains things really well. She will even explain it twice though she's yelling but you WILL remember it . Had AHAA! moments which made me never forget to this day unlike other classes.

5.0
5.0
BIOLO125
Oct 17, 2010

Dr. Spencer is a very tough professor, she is very knowledgeable , and knows her material. If you study you will be fine. Sometimes she yells at the class, but only like that you will remember. Very important to attend the class. Make sure you don?t miss , and if you do, it is better to inform her, she wont mind. Overall excellent class

5.0
5.0
BIOL125
Oct 29, 2010

excellent teacher !!!

5.0
1.0
BIOL226
Dec 15, 2010

cool professor, easiest A in my life. class is very very easy, just make sure you attend.

4.0
5.0
BIOL226
Feb 1, 2011

Spencer is great when it comes to lecture. She explains things clearly, but Physiology is a hard/challenging class. You can't afford to miss a lecture because you will be behind. DON'T be afraid to ask her questions, and listen to her lecture, take notes, and recording it helps a lot. Send an e-mail to [email protected] for the book.

5.0
4.0
BIOL125
Jun 1, 2011

Shelly is awesome. She is very approachable. Most ppl r scared of her, for no reasons. Approach her prepared & she will help u w/anything u need. She is logical, therefore use logic in her class. Also u need 2 b logical as a nurse that is Y she's so tough.

4.0
5.0
BIO125
Jun 8, 2011

Shelly, funny professor but has her mood swings here and there the beginning of the semester, after everyone drops, she's laid back so don't get too scared. Attend every class, very imp. Read before her class too or you'll get lost during lecture. She's clear but confusing at times. Study ALL the NOTES!! She asks for unbolded stuff (sneaky) good lu

4.0
3.0
BIO125
Jun 11, 2011

She is a stern no nonsense prof but I highly recommend her She gets so into the subject so ask qtns at the end/off hrs. Test and Q are directly from power point and final from Q and test so make good notes. For lab memorize it as she said, don't be lazy or you will fail. Study groups are highly recommended. Late study hrs are in your future LOL :)

5.0
4.0
BIOL125
Jun 21, 2011

BEST TEACHER EVER!!!

5.0
3.0
BIOL226
Jul 21, 2011

do not miss class. Everything in lecture and power point covers the info on test. there is no surprises, all info is given to you and very organized. Just plan on spending lots of time studying. Anatomy and Physiology are not easy subjects lots of info in littlie time.

3.0
3.0
ANATOMY
Oct 22, 2011

I had her as my lab instructor. Avoid her if you can. She might be better as a lecture instructor though.

4.0
4.0
PHYSI226
Dec 20, 2011

MS Spencer is a good teacher but you need too keep your distance and be respectful, the class is for people that spend time with time to dedicate to the books. if you are lazzy go to elac here you will learn with effort, this lab is easy,lectures are interesting and tests are okay.In order to succed you have to buy a voice recorder and study

3.0
2.0
BIOL125
Dec 21, 2011

Study from the notes for lecture. Study for the lab. STUDY STUDY STUDY! Study. Pop quizzes will be given, so definitely be prepared as understanding the materials and having that specific scantron! Tip: pay attention to how she addresses the topic. If she speaks UP, gets up, repeats, writes it on the board, it means you will be tested on that!

5.0
3.0
BIO226
Jan 30, 2012

This woman is AMAZING! She is funny, will have you interested in the entire course. She makes learning this material easy and is very helpful. She is a great teacher. The class overall, you do need to study a lot! It is very possible to get an A since she is so straight forward about tests and what not. You will have a great time in this class.

5.0
4.0
BIO226
Mar 20, 2012

Explains the material very well and makes sure everyone understands.Don't be affraid to ask questions or see her in her office hours.She's funny and makes class interesting.Best teacher I have EVER had!

5.0
4.0
BIO125
May 6, 2012

Mrs.Spencer has got to be the most bipolar teacher I have ever meant, I mean it in a good way though. She is like a mother gives you crap and the next min she's very comforting lol I love her she is an amazing teacher I intend on taking her class again, she may seem mean but shes not she is onyl hard on you so you can pass. A+ teacher :) love you!

3.0
5.0
PHYS121
Jun 17, 2012

If you study her power point word for word and do as she says you would do fine. I will tell you this, she does not repeat things in class and if you ask to repeat it she wont, so pay close attention, if you want to succeed in her class. She can be a grinch at times but if you get on her good side your ok. Personally I was scared of her.

5.0
3.0
BIO125
Jul 16, 2012

Shes koo, blunt, and sometimes shares too much personal info. Yet she is a great prof and makes class go by quick. O yea dont be scared of her Shes koo like i said before hahaa!

5.0
3.0
BIO125
Dec 15, 2012

I love professor Spencer. She is a super, cool lady. She's funny and makes anatomy so interesting. Follow all notes and listen to her lecture, tests and quizzes reflect exactly what is on her notes.She is not the stuffy type at all, she's a progressive scientist and a lady I admire.

5.0
2.0
BIO125
Apr 23, 2014

Professor Shelly is amazing! She is very helpful, she knows what she's doing, & makes every lecture go by quick. She does talk a lot about personal stuff, but that is one of the things I liked the most; she made a stressing subject feel like second nature.Yes, the tests are long but the lab for this class is pure memorization so REVIEW & PRACTICE!

3.0
3.0
PHYSIOLOGY
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Aug 9, 2014

She isn't very approachable and can be very condescending. However, her lectures are pretty clear with what you need to know for exams.

5.0
4.0
HUMANANATOMY
Aug 20, 2014

She's amazing! She is very good at what she teaches. Pay attention and study, study, study! She is very strict but only because she loves what she teaches. Follow her rules and put in the work and you should be ok.

4.0
4.0
PHYSIOLOGY
Sep 23, 2014

She is very intimidating, but she is hard on students because she wants them to learn physiology. She's preparing us for health care fields. I love the way she lectures. She knows her stuff and is picky with how she wants students to answer essay questions because she wants us to master the ins and outs of the physiology.

4.0
3.0
PHYSIOLOGY
Grade: A
Nov 11, 2014

Bring a voice recorder to class and record what she says you need to write for the essay questions. Doing this, plus memorizing the powerpoint slides will get you an A. She is quite strict in how she expects you to study and properly phrase your answers, but becomes much more approachable as the class moves on once the lower scoring students drop.

4.0
2.0
BIOL226
Grade: B
Jul 12, 2015

Definitely unique professor. Sure, she may yell at you, or the class, from time to time. Sure, she may not be too approachable from time to time. But suck it up, she's good at what she does, period. She genuinely wants those who put forth the effort to succeed. She's very personable and keeps it real, no bs. Study and know the material, period!

4.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: B+
Sep 23, 2015

Had her for anatomy (lab) & physio (lab & lecture). She is a strict professor, but it's for our own good. She tells you what you need to learn, and how she wants it written. The material is alot and it is difficult so no slacking off is allowed. Can get very comfortable with her students & some of her stories are very personal but makes class fun

3.0
5.0
BIO125
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 30, 2015

I do not recommend this teacher to anyone! Her quizzes are given at about 15 seconds a question and you cant go back to review your answer. Same for Lab tests, each question is timed. Her theory is if you don't know the answer in 1 minute you don't know it at all. it was just a very stressful environment to be test taking.

5.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: B
Jan 11, 2016

She may seem intimidating but believe it or not she was worse before! Very motherly and she wants you to pass. She is passionate about her teaching and students. You have to work for this A but I promise its worth it She is straight-forward with what she wants written for her essay part on the exams and she wants it verbatim, so listen carefully.

2.0
5.0
BIO125
Grade: C
Jan 25, 2016

Worse one I ever had

4.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: B
May 24, 2016

If you want to pass this class you HAVE to study. Everything that is on the test is on the power points. The lab was pretty tough.

4.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: B
May 26, 2016
Would take again

Excellent professor. She's very animated, and very funny. I started off with a very low grade, but decided that failing this class was not an option. I got help and studied the power points thoroughly. I loved this class... Don't be afraid to talk to her, she's a great person.

1.0
5.0
BIO125
Jun 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Be ready to work the harder you have ever for a grade, she is a tough instructor. She is very knowledgeable, and believes in the tough love approach. She's like questions or to repeat information. She will call you out in class, so be ready to answer. At times condescending and crass towards students. I will never take her again.

5.0
5.0
BIO226
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 22, 2016
Would take again

Highly recommend, had her for a few weeks during summer school! Dropped because I did not put in the work that needed to be put in, very caring, funny, and intelligent. Many people are intimated by her because she has a strong personality, but she is loving and caring. Cares that students pass and encourages you NOT to do half ass work.

4.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 8, 2016
Would take again

Very outspoken and straight up, If you are not doing good in class she will tell you to drop and re take it next semester. She expects her students to be prepared at all times and but if you put in the studying, you will not have any problems passing her class. Can be moody at times and sometimes makes you look dumb when you ask a question. Fair.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Clear grading criteria
5.0
5.0
BIO125
Grade: A+
Dec 5, 2016
Would take again

This class is hard im not going to sugar coat it. If you're taking this class I assume you most likely are a nursing major. Remember that you're competing with the 40 students before, after and the one you will be in. Study right away before the next class meeting because a lot gets thrown on your shoulders fast. Good luck.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: A
Jan 22, 2017
Would take again

Spencer is definitely one of a kind! She can seem intimidating at first, but once you get to know her, she really isn't. It's obvious that she wants her students to pass and tries to help as much as she can. Her class was hard and you must work for that grade. Work hard and study study study and you'll be fine!

Respected
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
BIO125
Grade: Not sure yet
May 24, 2017
Would take again

the subject is hard. lots of info to absorb. shes absolutely fantastic. not only is she a very engaging, effective lecturer, shes also a good motivator, student advocate, and a HBIC. I aspire to be more like her

Gives good feedback
Respected
Inspirational
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: A
Jun 7, 2017
Would take again

Great teacher 10/10 would recommend. Really cares for her students. Must be willing to study the material at least biweekly or you wont even pass. Its another language. She grades fairly, and tells you what to study, you just have to pay attention and actually put in effort to learn the material.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO226
Jun 10, 2017
Would take again

Professor Spencer was such a joy. I loved coming to her class to learn and laugh. I will miss hearing her jokes that kept me wide awake throughout the semester. I will always remember her and her amazing lectures.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
4.0
4.0
BIOL226
Grade: A
Aug 2, 2017
Would take again

If you're here to be a nurse, you better wake the heck up. Come prepared everyday to learn. Skim her PowerPoint slides before every lecture. Buy yourself a recorder and record her lectures. I repeat, RECORD HER LECTURES. Lastly, remember all the information on her slides. Everything in there is fair game. If you can do all this, you will get an A.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
3.0
5.0
BIO125
Oct 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

youtube great resource. doesnt allow recording. memorize all information on slides. not approachable for questions. labs are 1 minute around each question then 45 seconds 2nd time around. after pop quiz write down answer and questions bc it will be on exam. when chapter is finished in lecture, study bc pop quiz next time you meet. STUDY everyday

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
BIOL226
Grade: A
Jul 17, 2018
Would take again

if you get the chance to take her class do it. She's extremely intimidating at first, but as the class goes on, you start to see that she cares about the students who put in the effort. You really have to work for an A, but you retain the info well after the class is over. One of the best professors I ever had.

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Caring
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: A
May 1, 2019
Would take again

Best professor I've ever had. The class is hard but the career I want is even harder so you need to remember that. Study (the powerpoint slides everything is on there), study groups, and ask questions. Pop quiz questions will be on the tests. She is intimidating at first but she is super nice. Office hours and tutoring at LAC are super helpful.

Respected
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: A-
Jun 25, 2019
Would take again

Imagine if Wendy Williams is your anatomy professor. She means serious business and definitely you will work! But she is fair and great at explaining with a lot of humor and helps material stick. Its a treat to go to her class. She is so funny, admirable, and just all around the best professor I have had, and the most memorable

Gives good feedback
Respected
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Awful. If you work well by yourself, you may enjoy her a lot. However, she explains absolutely nothing she teaches. She takes THE ENTIRE LECTURE AND LAB PERIODS to talk about absolute nonsense. One lab, she put a video on where none of the students could hear, and left to go eat lunch. She degrades you, and gives you unnecessary attitude. The worst

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: A+
Apr 9, 2020
Would take again

This class is meant to be hard. She is approachable and funny. Those saying otherwise haven't tried to approach her. Everything you need to know is on her slides, study them. Lab exams are tough but take good notes during lab and you will do fine. Pop quiz questions will be on tests and final. If you participate she may give you extra credit.

Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: A+
Apr 9, 2020
Would take again

Record the lectures and listen to them again. Pop quiz questions will be on test and final. Highlight everything that is on quizzes and tests after in your notes so you have them to study later. Can be intimidating but she cares and is funny. Lab, study the lab report questions and background. Memorize short answers for exams bc its worth a lot.

Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
BIO125
May 29, 2020
Would take again

It was difficult to not want to pay attention IN class(online was terribly boring)because she made her lectures so funny/relatable. Shes amazing but if youre not willing to study dont bother. Shes very sweet though and willing to help students learn new studying techniques. Although the class is tough, shes easier than the other bio profs.

Amazing lectures
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: A
Jul 4, 2020
Would take again

Honestly speaking; if you are not going to put in the work then don't bother taking her. She is a storyteller and tries to really relate with her students. She is very helpful and if you read her powerpoints and LISTEN CAREFULLY, she pretty much gives you everything you need to pass w/ and A!

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
3.0
BIOL226
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Her recorded lectures are great: concise, informative, and a little funny. Dealing with her during Zoom lectures? Nightmare. Spent a considerable amount of time yelling at students to the point people were drinking/smoking off camera just to get through it. Learned a lot in the class, but I'm devoutly thankful I didn't have to take it in-person.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Participation matters
5.0
5.0
BIOL226
Grade: B
Dec 5, 2020
Would take again

Spencer is cool. Anatomy and physiology are the hardest classes so i knew it would be hard but i took her for both. I like her because she tells you exactly what is on the test. Just listen to her and memorize everything she says. I watched the videos over again and took notes and memorized everything. DONE. no surprises but its HARD.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Goes off topic. Sometimes she actually talks about biology related things. Most of the time, she talks about other things (personal life). Not organized but passionate. She yells at students though and isn't caring. Hard to follow her lectures. Lots of pop quizzes and doesn't give you enough time to do them. Work your butt off

Skip class? You won't pass.
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
BIO226
Grade: A
Jul 27, 2022
Would take again

Prof Spencer is very strict but caring! However in order to pass, make sure you do NOT miss her lectures and please record them as that is key to pass her exams and assignments. If you do not put in the time / work to study or go over the material, you wont make it. Her exams are all fair game as she will tell you what will be in them. Good luck!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
BIO226
Grade: B+
Aug 25, 2022
Would take again

Awesome loved her during the summer but it is a hard class

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO226
Grade: B-
Sep 29, 2022

Changed due dates of assignments last minute. Doesn't follow her syllabus. Requires group work, because she doesn't want to grade so many papers Says to ask questions, but answers in a way that leads students to feel discouraged to ask again. She has errors on her PowerPoint; you need to attend lectures and record her audio to not get confused.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Group projects
5.0
5.0
BIO226
Grade: A+
Nov 10, 2022
Would take again

I took her accelerated bio 226 the year the pandemic hit, it was a lot of work but as long as you put in the time & effort to study the material(everyday)you will pass with an A! Bio 226 summer session has a higher pass rate because you're literally living, breathing, and sleeping physiology. Remember, ANY OF THE MATERIAL SHE PROVIDES IS FAIR GAME.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Accessible outside class
4.0
3.0
BIO125
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Spencer is straightforward & has a high standard for students in her class. She cares a lot about her students success, so as long as you set aside the time to memorize ALL of the info on the lecture slides, you will ace every exam and quiz because the questions are DIRECTLY from the information on the slides. Course is challenging but doable.

Caring
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ANATOMY
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2023

Can't even ask question without her being super rude. Makes you print it out your hw. Test and quizzes are due before class and won't give you remind for nothing so you have to check on your own. We had couple of parents taking the class and were strugging and told them to not waste her time and to drop if this class is not for them.

Participation matters
Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: A
Mar 13, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Spencer cares about her students. If you would like to become a nurse, you have to input efforts into this course. She shares a TEST Material with us. Actually, all the exam question are from this TEST Materials. I have no complain about this course. If you would like to have an easy 'A', apparently, that is non-existent.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
ANATOMY
Grade: Incomplete
May 8, 2024

I do not understand why my ratings continue to get to get taken down. This is getting annoying. She is not a good teacher. She has the knowledge but does not do a good job of sharing this knowledge. Unnecessarily loud and rude. Lacks patience. You will need to teach yourself if you take this course.

5.0
5.0
BIO125
Grade: B+
May 9, 2024
Would take again

Professor Spencer is amazing! Yes, she gives pop quizzes, but all the information you need will be in her lecture slides. ANY OF THE MATERIAL SHE PROVIDES IS FAIR GAME. Her exams are pretty straightforward ***you've seen these questions before***. As with ANY science course, if you don't put in the time to study, you won't do well.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
BIO125
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 21, 2024

Do not ask questions. Loud and abrasive tone whenever there is a question asked. Not a good listener. Does not lecture properly, provides videos of herself reading slides with little to no explanation. Lab videos are equally lacking. It is a tough subject but her lack of teaching skills makes it 10xs harder. Do not take her class!!

4.0
3.0
BIO125
Grade: Rather not say
Jun 4, 2024
Would take again

This class has lots of memorization. The Professor does try to go over lab review if time is permitted. Study slides and do the metacognition. Audio is hard to hear, because it is prerecorded just mention it to her if you can't hear. Good luck. Extra credit is given if you present a lab via power point.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: A
Aug 14, 2024
Would take again

I tried to take her in person and synchronous and she's honestly pretty rude and loud for no reason so I took her asynchronous and it was the best choice! She is honestly a great professor once you get over the fact that she is rude and since her lecture in asynchronous are already recorded there is no way she can be rude towards you!

Tough grader
Group projects
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: B+
Oct 23, 2024
Would take again

Her class is tough but I loved it. Anyone rating negatively didn't take the course serious. I'm currently in a RN program & building a strong foundation in anatomy/physio is so important for nursing and her teaching style prepares you for that. You can't get free passes when dealing with patient care. Put in the work and your grade will reflect.

Clear grading criteria
Respected
1.0
3.0
BIO226
Grade: A
Feb 10, 2025

Do not take her. Very condescending and rude makes you feel like you cannot ask questions. You are better off taking another professor. I wish Rio Hondo offered better professors for science classes since they are the most difficult. DO NOT TAKE HER!!!

4.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: B
Mar 28, 2025
Would take again

Not an easy class but she knows how to get the material to stick and explains concepts well.

5.0
4.0
BIO226
Grade: B
May 14, 2025
Would take again

I took this class in the fall of 2024. Prof. Spencer is great. Kind of a hardass, it's clear she cares a lot. Just make sure you study the lectures and metacog exercises and you'll be fine.

1.0
5.0
BIO125
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 19, 2025

Unprofessional. Impatient. Rude. Loud. Combative. Several of these ratings are written by her. If you take her class, you will be teaching yourself. Past and present students agree, she is not a good professor. You have been warned.

3.0
4.0
BIOL226
Grade: A
Jun 5, 2025

Not the best professor but just study all the metacognition provided and you will do fine on the exams. Her recorded lectures are very boring and hard to hear at times. She is a tough grader when it comes to labs very picky with things. If you have to take her, take her but beware she can have an attitude.

4.0
3.0
BIOL226
Grade: B-
Aug 14, 2025
Would take again

I took physio over the summer. The class was decent. Make sure to study her metacognition exersizes because the test has literally the exact same questions. The labs were annoying to do with a group online. Otherwise the class was good for what it was!

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BIOL226
Grade: A
Aug 18, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Spencer is an amazing professor and very funny. Fortunately, the modality of the class was asynchronous so that I can watch the lecture videos again and again. Just make sure to really study for the lecture and lab exams because they are the heaviness to the bulk of your grade. Grade is also based off of quizzes and lab reports as well.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
BIO125
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2025
Would take again

Professor Spencer was great. She's very different from other anatomy professors due to her giving you a study guide that has the same exact questions on the lecture exams and that's probably why I passed (no other professor does that especially for anatomy) The lab exams were kinda difficult just study hard and you will pass. YOU GOT THIS!

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
BIOL226
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Spencer is an awesome professor. Her lectures are fun. Physiology is a tough subject, but she makes it easier to learn. She is also very caring for her students and accessible outside class. I went to her office hours several times in this semester. She is very supportive. Highly recommended!

Inspirational
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

38%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 37 grades
Most common grades:
A (16)
B (9)
Drop/Withdrawal (6)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(11)C(1)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 48 reported grades
A: 16
B: 9
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
B+: 4
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (10)
Hilarious (8)
Beware of pop quizzes (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Clear grading criteria (6)
Test heavy (6)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (5)
Respected (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.50 avg change
Feb
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOLO125

5.0

(1)

HUMANANATOMY

5.0

(1)

BIOL226

4.3

(12)

BIO226

4.3

(17)

BIOL125

4.3

(12)
+10 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOLO125

5.0

PHYS121

5.0

BIO226

4.2

ANATOMY

4.0

BIO125

4.0

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