2.8

Steven Kahan

Mathematics - CUNY Queens College

2.8
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
30%
Would Retake
125
Reviews
2.8
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

30%

Would Retake

125

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

33

4

16

3

19

2

20

1

37

What Students Say

This dude has a phD in mathematics, this is a joke

MAT231 - 1.0 rating

If Math isint your "thing" try to Avoid

MATH143 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

42%

Textbook Required

58%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C+

95% confidence
Based on 30 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (5)
F (5)
A (4)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(5)C(5)D(8)F(5)A-/B+(5)
Based on 41 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 5
F: 5
A: 4
A+: 3
Common Tags
Tough grader (18)
Test heavy (15)
Lecture heavy (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Graded by few things (10)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (6)
Lots of homework (6)
Clear grading criteria (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.15 avg change
Jun
Aug
Dec
May
Jul
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATHLALG

5.0

(1)

MATH619

4.8

(4)

MATH201

3.7

(6)

MATH231

3.4

(40)

MATH151

3.3

(11)
+20 more courses
Difficulty by Course

231

5.0

MA231

5.0

MATH

5.0

MATHLALG

5.0

THEOR619

5.0

Reviews (125)
5.0
1.0
MATH231
Dec 27, 2003

Linear Algebra. Excellent, Friendly Prof. 3 Tests (Pick 4 of 5 problems) + MC Final Exam ( =2 Tests). Lowest test grade, or half Final, dropped. Can ask questions on HW at start of each class. Can get A+ (etc.) without being perfect. Enjoys math/students.

5.0
4.0
MATH231
Mar 28, 2004

Great teacher, friendly, loves math, doesn't hesitate to give an A+. Same system as already described. He wants you to do well...you can tell by the way he grades your paper (LOTS of partial credit)- but expect to work hard- it's a tough subject.

5.0
4.0
MATH231
May 24, 2004

Good professor, very helpful in his office hours. His class is not easy, but he will make sure you understand the material when you walk out of his class. Hint: Beware of the second exam. Know well about the definations and theormes in the book.

5.0
4.0
MATH619
Jun 2, 2004

GReat teacher, but the tests aren't easy- they aren't impossible though. It helps A LOT to have the old tests from previous semesters- not the same questions, but it gives u an idea of what to expect. Same grading system as described for Math231.

5.0
4.0
MATH141
Aug 29, 2004

really great teacher. explains material very well. gives home work every night but doesnt check it. goes over any problem. but consepts r hard. reviews exactly the type of questions he will give on the test. good luck

4.0
2.0
MATH152
Oct 27, 2004

awesome math teacher, very clear. Tests are very fair and doable also, not ht emost patient though.

5.0
4.0
MATH141
Nov 1, 2004

he is absoultley the man he is what i call a real gentelman. take his class it could get hard but youll com through

3.0
4.0
MATH151
Nov 17, 2004

As a person he seems to be nice but as a teacher ehhh! He spends more time writing than on the material itself. His test are complicated but he does curves if thats what youre looking for although personally thats not what i cared for. I really expected to feel more comfortable in class but I didnt.

2.0
5.0
151
Dec 1, 2004

he is so hard, and his test too. and i think he like to comfuse the student. but he is good in teatching.

3.0
5.0
MATH151
Dec 2, 2004

hes a really tough teacher. he grades unfairly. for the smart kids its good, not good for me..i understood most concepts he was teaching but he went really fast and didnt dwell on anything for too long. upside is that theres a lot of time for review. tests are hard..beware before you take him

5.0
3.0
MATH619
Dec 17, 2004

He is a terrific teacher,maybe one of the best at QC.Explains well, helps students.Grading is fair too.His standard is high and he makes sure you learn. I think students who are complaining about that he is hard are students with weak math backkgrounds; don't want to learn but just skip by easily.

5.0
3.0
MATH141
Jan 3, 2005

Excellent teacher. I'm a math phobe. He explained the material well-the material is difficult (it is calculus after all!--if you don't understand in class, he ALWAYS has time after class/office hours to go over any difficult concepts. Tests & grading are fair. Keep up with HW & you will be fine!

5.0
3.0
MATH151
Mar 30, 2005

He's one of the best math prof's I've ever had. He explains everything very clearly, and he's not lazy (he writes everything out on the board). His tests are a LITTLE harder than the homework, so you'll have to study, but he curves and he's VERY understanding. Do whatever you can to take him!

5.0
5.0
MA231
Jun 8, 2005

his lecture is very very good & clear. but his exams are EXTREMLY HARD, seems like a "gradute course" exam, very different than HW. class average is 50s & 60s. most student gets 'C's & 'D's. don't take him for MA231. the grade will screw u up your GPA. (as I said his lecture is very very good but NOT the grade)!

5.0
5.0
MATH231
Jun 14, 2005

Excellent professor, but very difficult tests. When you are taking the notes in the class, DO NOT COPY DOWN HIS TWO BLACKBOARDS PROOF! Becasue there is not enough time on the test for him to test you rewrite the entire proof.Instead, must copy down his definations and examples, they are important and similar questions might show up on the exams.

3.0
3.0
MATH151
Nov 6, 2005

He is the epitome of what people think of when they think college. he presents the information and requires the students to do the rest, which if you are not great in math would probably make things difficult. i enjoy math, and although he makes things unnecessarily complicated, he is a good prof. if you took calc in h.s. it shouldnt be too bad.

5.0
3.0
MATH201
Nov 10, 2005

He is not 'easy' .. you will learn from him. His notes are very helpful. He also gives an idea of what he will give on the exam as a form of review for the exam...If you lazy-don't take him..wanna learn- take him

5.0
4.0
MATH152
Nov 13, 2005

Proessor Kahan is one of the best professor in QC.He has high standards and teaches well. He represents the fact of what cllege level education should be. Also that student who said they got F from him in Math 151, got A from another teacher should just SHUT UP.You need to thank Kahan for letting you learn;some teachers cant teach but gives easy A

1.0
5.0
MATH201
Dec 8, 2005

Ignore every good comment about this washed out loon. He expects you to know the material before he even gave it to you. And no, we don't want ur Su Doku garbage, we just want a teacher who knows how to present the material well!! He writes and writes and writes... I wish his hand would fall off! Stay away from this tilted-head loon!!!

4.0
5.0
MATH231
Dec 30, 2005

Yes, it is kind of easy to cheat. You will be a fool not to get his old exam from other students, because these questions are much harder than HW. Lot of people put formulas and examples in their TI83 calculator and use it to ace the exams. Knows nothing about calculator technology these days, that's probably why people take advantage on it.

3.0
3.0
141
Jan 26, 2006

good professor teaches well Do the HW and go to tutoring it helps. study and you will do well. not an easy class but not entirely difficult. STUDY and Do HOMEWORK

1.0
5.0
MATH152
Jan 27, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
MATH152
Jan 29, 2006

Wipe that goofy smile off your face and stop telling us stupid corny jokes!When are you going to listen to the students!You can't teach for your life so why don't you try something else, you real farce!

4.0
5.0
MATH152
Feb 5, 2006

No Comments

4.0
2.0
MATH201
Mar 3, 2006

Open up your ears, take out a pen and copy down everything he says because it is not often you get a walking textbook as a teacher!!

2.0
4.0
MAT321
Mar 7, 2006

This is a Prof that is like no other.And if you have a religious holiday you need to take off he'll give you his own notes not bad. but if you have a serious problem good luck ever seeing those notes. Hell help if you are a religious follower

4.0
4.0
MTH141
Apr 23, 2006

Typical college professor. You are responsible for the material, but he is very willing to help if you ask. Tough tests, so study in advance! Study groups don't hurt either.

4.0
5.0
MATH
May 6, 2006

Pay only attentation to his examples and definations. Do not, do not try to copy everything down, because then you will not be able to focus listen to his explanations. I try to copy everthing down at first, but got a 37 on his second exam. Then I stopped doing so, and just pay attentation, I got a 80 on the third exam.

3.0
3.0
MATH231
Sep 30, 2006

He can't teach if his life depended upon it-He expects you to be an expert in the topic because he knows it so well. He does hardly any practice questions. Don't take this knucklehead

1.0
5.0
MATH231
Nov 21, 2006

No Comments

2.0
4.0
MATH231
Nov 30, 2006

No Comments

3.0
3.0
MATH231
Feb 21, 2007

No Comments

2.0
5.0
MATH231
Mar 16, 2007

I really like this instructor. He is a great lecturer and teaches like a college professor is supposed to. However, you do need to study for his exams. If you really want to learn mathematics, take his classes.

1.0
5.0
MATH151
Jan 8, 2009

First of all he likes to write on the board, what that means for you he writes way too many useless notes on the board, notes that will make you more confused instead of helping you. His tests are really hard you have to do the most challenging problems in order to do well in his tests. If you can, avoid this headache of a professor.

1.0
5.0
MAT151
Mar 18, 2009

he is not a mean guy and hes very smart, but you will not learn anything in his class. he moves fast, does not explain thoroughly, gives the hardest problems for the exams, and is BORING. he made me DESPISE math. avoid if possible.

5.0
4.0
MATH231
Mar 26, 2009

This professor is very good, very thorough, maybe too thorough.I think he has a robotic hand that allows him to write on a chalkboard for hours without stopping, you may want to bring a tape recorder. LISTEN then write and you'll be ok. If you copy all his notes your notebook will pass for a well-written textbook and you could probably sell it!

3.0
4.0
MATH231
May 22, 2009

The man knows his materials. Relaying it clearly to the students however, is a whole different story. Too much time spent on theorums and proofs instead of applying them to problems which end up on the test. The textbook and student manual is absolutely rubbish and no help whatsoever.

1.0
5.0
MATH151
Dec 14, 2009

Never ever take him in your life.His teaching is boaring, gives a lot of notes which is finally not that useful for the exam, doesn't give reviews before test and the tests are really very hard. so try to take different professors for this class. he will make you not to take calculus again.

2.0
3.0
MATH152
Jan 27, 2010

This man knows his stuff, but he teaches like a robot. He is condescending and treats students like bugs. What an awful experience.

5.0
4.0
MATH231
Mar 21, 2010

Professor Kahan knows his stuff, and expects nothing less then perfection from his students. if your looking for an easy A this class isnt for you. if you really enjoy learning math this class is for you.put in the effort and reap the rewards

2.0
5.0
MATH231
Mar 27, 2010

He is incapable of relaying information 2 his students. When asked: "What is the difference between math 201 and 231," he responded "They r both easy." He is full of himself,he thinks he knows everything,& beleives he is a fantastic prof.He needs a reality check-like most math professors do in Queens college.He is a nice person, but BAD teacher.

2.0
5.0
MATH201
May 9, 2010

He writes ALOT, but it's been said. He gives outlines fro his exams and that's pretty much what gets you through.ALso, he gives WAY too much homework. If you want an easy A this isnt the class.. .. at all.

5.0
2.0
MATH201
May 27, 2010

This prof knows a lot and he writes a lot. Just be sure that you know your basic calculus, otherwise you'll have a tough time in there. This class is not an easy A but you will learn a lot in his class. Tests are pretty fair, and he is a fair grader.

5.0
4.0
MATH201
Jul 20, 2010

GOOD smart Professor.Very clear and precise.He just wants you to know what your doing and get the concepts. Ask questions in class, that helps. Exams are Hard. He tests your understanding of the material. Always do HOMEWORK. He doesn't check but its important.Available outside class as well.he has off topic puzzles for extra credit points.Put Effor

5.0
5.0
MATHLALG
Oct 23, 2010

had steve kahan for linear algebra in 1980! great class,killer exams, my goal ever since has been to be a wonderful professor like him. once in a lifetime you have a prof. who motivates you to the point where you have to study math, teach math, live math. professor, you were the best, i owe my career to you.

5.0
4.0
MATH231
Nov 7, 2010

best professor ever. it was a very hard class but i have learned more math in that class than in any other math class i've taken in my life. this was the first class where i really started to understand proofs. BEST PROFESSOR EVER!! If you love math and learning, take his class!

5.0
4.0
MATH151
Dec 2, 2010

this professor is amazing. he gives review questions before the test, always keeps you up to date with whats going on in the math department. he writes alot but he always explains it after. hes always available for office hours and is well respected by other professors. i didnt like calculus but he made it easy to pass. lots of extra credit.

3.0
5.0
MATH231
Dec 15, 2010

Intelligent man, terrible professor. Lot's of board notes to the point your hand hurts from writing. He only likes the smart students.

5.0
2.0
MATH231
Dec 17, 2010

Linear algebra is not an easy course. But if you have an interest in math, this class is not that bad. There IS a lot of writing, so write first, and ask questions later; you can always look back. I had him for MATH 201, and MATH 231. I had fun in both classes. Put your best effort into the work and you will do fine. Do the weekend problems!

2.0
5.0
MATH151
Dec 20, 2010

he is a brilliant man but not a good professor. he is really hard and his tests are known to be the hardest out of all the other math proffers.if you love math and you want a hard challenge take him if not stay far away

5.0
1.0
MATH231
Jan 24, 2011

SOO easy. He gives extra credit worthy of a 9th grade math team participant. Uses a book by Anton, and it sucks. Buy "Calculus I" by apostal if you really want to learn the subject. Also, he tends to focus much more on tedious calculations on tests as opposed to conceptual understanding.

5.0
3.0
MATH231
Apr 19, 2011

fair exams. fair grader. thorough explanations with proofs, altho proofs aren't on exams. basic college level workload.

3.0
5.0
MATH231
Apr 28, 2011

You want to learn about matrices, stick with Keanu Reeves unless you are seriously up for the course of your life ! This class will blow your mind. Hardest class I have ever taken ever

5.0
4.0
MATH619
Jun 2, 2011

He is the best professor!...just trust me...intelligent, well-mannered, gentleman....love him!!!! This class is challenging!!!

4.0
4.0
MATH619
May 20, 2012

Outstanding instructor who provides elegantly clear presentations of theorems with proofs. His exams can be a bit tricky, however, as he tests for understanding of the material at a relatively high level. Take advantage of the test outlines he gives to prepare yourself for specific questions.

3.0
5.0
THEOR619
May 23, 2012

extremely hard class I would avoid 619 at all costs. Tests are difficult and tricky. all the tests are problems you have never seen before and wants you to really think

2.0
4.0
MATH231
Jun 6, 2012

Not the best professor out there. The tests are way tricky even with the outline he gives before hand. He'll throw you questions that are way off from the textbook. A common complaint about him is his tests, so unless you're good at learning alone, avoid. Take someone else.

3.0
5.0
MATH131
Jul 12, 2012

He is a gentleman but his exam question are so hard. I studied all month during the summer semester to earn my grade. If you are willing to work hard then he is your man. If not go elsewhere.

4.0
5.0
MAT231
Oct 1, 2012

Decent lecturer, nice guy, but one of the hardest test givers at Queens College. Exams are usually only 4-5 questions that are NOTHING like anything you did in class or for homework. He gives a review prior to tests of whats gonna be on it which is useless. If you're down to work to the grind just to pass go for it, otherwise save your time and $.

3.0
5.0
MATH231
Nov 25, 2012

He just re-writes what the textbooks says on the board. You get nothing unique from class that you can't get from the book. His tests are super hard. He'll give you 5 question, and you can choose 4 of them, but they're all hard and not found in the book. Unless you're a wiz, avoid at all costs. Also for test 1, he'll throw word problems.

5.0
4.0
MATH151
Dec 14, 2012

Great professor, really takes the effort to make sure his students understand the material. His tests are indeed harder than other math profs, but if you want/need to learn calc very well, he's your man.

1.0
5.0
MATH231AND20
May 28, 2013

Bad professor. Thats all. He shouldve gone into applied math bc he is really smart. But a bad teacher.

1.0
5.0
MATH131
Jun 25, 2013

dont take prof kahan!hes not nice, speaks in a muffled voice which you can barley understand, and will make you feel stupid if u ask a question that he finds easy. he cant teach at all i learned all the material by going to the lab and on my own. tests were ok because i taught the material to myself, he was of NO help!calc is hard so choose wisely

3.0
5.0
231
Nov 12, 2013

He is a really great guy and he tries to help you out a lot. His notes are nice but sometimes just to long winded. He isn't the best professor his tests are overly complicated for no reason and your notes do not help prepare you for the tests. In the end i would never recommend him to anyone unless i wanted them to get mad at me.

2.0
5.0
MATH231
May 21, 2014

Avoid his class, although he knows his stuff, he doesn't convey it in a way that will help you on either the tests or the finals. If you take his class, use Khan Academy on youtube, they provide much better explanations

4.0
4.0
MATH231
Jan 7, 2015

Professor Kahan is an amazing professor, I really enjoyed his class. He gives three tests and a final. Drops the lowest test. Tests are 45, with best three counting as 30% and worst one is 10%. The final was 88, all equal worth. His first tests I did badly on because I did not know how to study for a Proof based test.

3.0
5.0
MATH231
Jan 22, 2015

While I can't say I enjoyed the class itself, I felt Professor Kahan is a fair professor. I think that eventhough I disliked him during the class, I look back, and he really was a nice, respectable man. He definitely knows his stuff.

3.0
4.0
MATH151FALL2014
Jan 29, 2015

Kahan. His class is very simple. 2 tests plus 1 final that counts twice. the average of four grades is your grade for the class. Heavy curves on tests cuz everyone fails. Ask questions. If you don't understand just ask. if you still don't understand then go to the math department office and ask him until youunderstand. hwdoesn'tcountbutdoitforpract

2.0
4.0
MATH143
Apr 8, 2015

Prof Kahan is Very Smart, however, it can become a problem when relating to students. It acts as if Calculus is so easy and obvious so when you have a question be ready to feel stupid for asking. He claims he isint out to trick you on the exam and then whoops. Somehow a 30 Point curve is necessary. If Math isint your "thing" try to Avoid!

2.0
4.0
MATH143
Grade: A+
Apr 8, 2015

Prof Kahan is Very Smart, however, it can become a problem when relating to students. It acts as if Calculus is so easy and obvious so when you have a question be ready to feel stupid for asking. He claims he isint out to trick you on the exam and then whoops. Somehow a 30 Point curve is necessary. If Math isint your "thing" try to Avoid!

2.0
5.0
MATH
Grade: D-
May 10, 2015

Prof Kahan? More Like Kahn Have to Learn Everything on your own with Kahn Academy Each Night. Extremely disrespectful to students and makes them feel so stupid. Tests are 10x harder than the practice examples from Class and HW Note That You have Been Warned

1.0
5.0
151SUMMERCLAS
Grade: C-
Aug 7, 2015

If you're good in math or not, don't take him. His tests are extremely hard, that you'll feel as if you're notes and homework was a waste of time. He's very smart but he doesn't know that not everyone is good in math. Prepare to go to tutoring lab everyday if you want to take him. The test format is simple but prepare to work 20x times harder.

4.0
4.0
152
Grade: B+
Oct 13, 2015

Great teacher. Explains well, goes over all the homework, he's happy to help you if you go to his office. His tests are actually straight forward if you do all the hmwk, study, and realize he likes to use one major "trick" per problem. calc 2 is not an easy course to take over the summer, don't try to take it if you are only ok at math.

3.0
4.0
MATH152
Dec 17, 2015

The tests are tough and tricky. If you know your stuff it shouldn't be that difficult but you need to know everything 100% otherwise will not do good on tests. Don't wait up until the last few days before exams to learn the different concepts (like I did, a big mistake). Lots of homework (for practice only, he doesn't check).

4.0
4.0
MATH152
Dec 22, 2015

Decent professor. Tests are tricky, SO DO YOUR HOMEWORK! It's for your well being! Also gives a curve for just about every exam. Avoid if you want an easy A.

1.0
5.0
MATH231
Grade: A+
Jan 13, 2016

Kahan has a tendency to reuse his final exams, for example for math 619 and math 201. He erases the date and changes it to the new year, leaving the entire exam the same

1.0
2.0
MATH231
Grade: A+
Mar 2, 2016

Kahan has a tendency to repeat exam questions from year to year

2.0
4.0
MATH231
Grade: A
Mar 16, 2016

A multiple choice final exam that never changes from year to year

3.0
3.0
MATH151
Grade: A-
Apr 18, 2016

Constant repetition of exam questions from year to year. Solutions often cut from previous years exams and cut and pasted into new solution sheets. Most people have stacks of his old exams and solution sheets and use them to study for the exams

1.0
5.0
MAT231
May 3, 2016

What I am wondering is how come someone who is so weak in maths can be instructor in a 4 years college. This dude has a phD in mathematics, this is a joke. Queens college hires weak math instructors for sure. He is gonna cover it up by being so race. Please do a favor to your money and to your time, STAY AWAY. Or take him a go straight to Youtube.

4.0
3.0
MATH231
May 24, 2016

Very clear professor which makes the long lectures very manageable. Tells you exactly what he'll ask on each exam. Drops lowest mark. Doesn't collect homework but do yourself a favor and DO IT. Not easy but he's probably your best option for Linear Algebra at QC.

5.0
3.0
MATH231
Grade: A
Jun 1, 2016
Would take again

Kahan is a great professor, but many people still have difficulty with his class. The material isn't the easiest, so just study the textbook & problem sets. He is clear on his material but very thorough, so get ready to take A LOT of notes. There is a slight curve, depending on the exam(s), so there is room for mistakes. Highly recommended.

5.0
4.0
MATH131
Jul 3, 2016
Would take again

I don't understand all the negative comments, he is an extremely fair professor and definitely knows his stuff. Explains all the material very well and encourages students to ask questions. He gives you homework to practice and goes over any questions you have at the beginning of class, also tells you what will be on the exam, you're in good hands

5.0
4.0
MATH231
Dec 8, 2016
Would take again

Kahan is amazing. His lectures are extremely detailed and it is obvious that he is brilliant in his field. His exams are fair and he is always willing to help and clarify material that students are confused with. He assigns lots of homework--not mandatory at all, but super helpful. I would take this guy for every math class if I could.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MATH231
Jan 10, 2017
Would take again

This prof is amazing. He really knows how to convey concepts to the students and tie different ideas together. He gave out the test questions beforehand so you know what to study but people still end up doing bad and even failing. Homework is optional but it really helps if you do it. Gives many proofs in class but test is mostly calculations.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
MATH152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

His voice is low pitched and makes you want to go to sleep. He writes extremely small so its difficult to see unless you are in the first row. Do not take this class unless you love math and are good at it. I was neither so getting through 5 mins of his lecture was painful :(

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MAT231
Grade: A
Apr 10, 2017
Would take again

Gorgeous, smart guy. He is the best math professor at QC. I wish I could take him for every math class!

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
MAT131
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Kahan made this summer class harder than it needed to be, he has a very low/monotone voice. He gives tests that aren't very reflective of the HW. No matter how much I studied it never really prepared me for the tests. On the 2nd test given, 40% of students in his classes failed, he had to jack up the curve dramatically. Would not recommend.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
MATH131
Jun 26, 2017
Would take again

Clear Lectures and is always willing to answer your questions

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
MATH151
Grade: A-
Aug 3, 2017
Would take again

Excellent ! He has an excellent knowledge of his subject but has a low voice. I would strongly recommend taking his class.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
MAT231
Grade: B-
Jan 30, 2018
Wouldn't take again

TERRIBLE. Makes easy stuff complicated. The tests are hand written and look like a essay. I have never got less an A in any math course until I took Kahan.

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
MAT151
Mar 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is a very tough grader as well as going too in-depth with his notes causing it to be really confusing. His tests are even harder and is nothing like the review sheet he gives us.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MATH231
Apr 26, 2018
Would take again

He is an amazing professor. Extremely knowledgeable, organized, and entertaining. It's a math class, so you need to do all the homework to do well, but Prof. Kahan helps you out a lot. Gives very detailed test reviews. Highly recommend.

Gives good feedback
Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH231
May 22, 2018
Would take again

Great Professor! He teaches you the material in class, gives a lot of notes, gives you problems to practice on your own and, he gives you the outline of the exam so you know exactly what to expect. The only downside is that he sounds a bit monotone. Don't fear the plethora of notes. The concepts are pretty straightforward, he just writes a lot.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
MAT151
Grade: C+
May 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hes not that bad at explaining but his tests are harder than what he explains during lectures, I wouldve rather taken another class with another professor.

4.0
4.0
MAT151
Grade: Incomplete
May 19, 2019
Would take again

Professor Kahan is very nice, but almost half the class failed the quiz. He gave out a clear outline for the quiz each time. If you understand each topic and do some practices related to the questions, good! His class notes and examples help a lot on the exam. The exam is base on understanding materials and it's not super hard but a lot of works.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MAT151
Grade: Rather not say
May 22, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Bad explanation for everything. the final was not the things he taught and he made it worse every time. Do not take his class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH141
Grade: F
Dec 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

HE IS THE WORST MATH PROF I HAVE TAKEN. SUPER DIFFICULT. HE WRITES PARAGRAPHS OF USELESS INFORMATION ON THE BOARD. boring voice, bad examples, a lot of homework.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH141
Grade: F
Dec 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

HORRIBLE PROFESSOR!!!! If you don't care about your GPA go for it and take a risk at taking the worse math professor in qc. He is horrible at teaching and very tough he's horrible at teaching!!!! DO NOT

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH141
Grade: D
Dec 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I WILL NEVER TAKE HIM AGAIN! 3 exams that weigh heavy gives review sheet that is nothing like the test no powerpoint only him talking

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH231
Grade: F
Dec 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

......... the hardest math professor in qc

1.0
5.0
MATH231
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Horrible lecturer. You won't understand what he explains. He is gonna make you write so much (14 pages per class). Very proof heavy. He literally doesn't explain anything. Just write things on the board. His exam questions are formula proof-based. If u sit at the back of the classroom, you won't hear him clearly.

Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
MATH141
Grade: F
Apr 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He will give you a review sheet,speak very low, give you notes to copy like a mindless drone,talk really low and write essays on the board and then give you questions in different formats from the example he gives you. Save yourself another semester of retaking calc by taking another professor.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
MATH141
Grade: B
Jun 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

its math, if youre not good at it, take another professor. I read the reviews here before and thought ppl were exaggerating about the essays on the board but NOPE. ive never seen a MATH NOTEBOOK that has more NOTES than WORK?! i had to watch youtube videos just to teach myself and luckily passed his class. would NOT recommend!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He doesn't give homework, but he gives practice questions. The quizzes are horrible though. There are only two questions and you get a quiz per week. Your grade depends on these quizzes. I wish he gave us homework to boost our grades. I failed almost every quiz and I emailed him for extra credit and he basically said I'm on my own. I dropped it.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
MATH141
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Your entire grade is based on the twelve quizzes you take during the semester. Theyre given once a week and the two lowest are dropped. Sounds okay? Wrong. He grades tough. Partial credit is a thing, sure but the quizzes are only two questions and if you dont do it how he wants it exactly, hell give you no credit at all. Make sure its neat too.

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MTH141
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Your grade gets based on 12 quizzes throughout the entire semester. If you don't get the material, you're out of luck. No homework, no midterms, no finals, just quizzes. The lectures are incredible dry, uninspired and uninteresting. It feels like he's reused the same lectures from previous years despite the situation. Steer clear of this professor!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH15202
Nov 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Horrible Professor. Lectures were boring and consisted of him lazily reading notes he had already written. Graded harshly, takes points off if you get an answer correct but not by the specific methods he teaches. Rude attitude and very snarky/egotistical especially over email and in general.

1.0
5.0
MATH152
Grade: C+
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

12 quiz each worth 10% of your final grade drops the 2 lowest and that's it. No final no home work. Every quiz is 45 mins some were 1hr but you have to send it to him 5 mins before otherwise if it's late he literally takes off 5 points for that

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH152
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Don't have much to say, except: When I went to his lectures and paid utmost attention got an 80 - 85. Decided to skip his mundane, boring, and uninspiring lectures opting for youtube videos and the textbook, I began to score a 90 -100. The videos were free, the textbook was around 50$, this professor was a few grand. Sad.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MAT231
Apr 29, 2022

Professor Kahan doesn't teach well. He's very old school. He doesn't give grace to his students because only the exams count towards your grade. If you don't do well on the exams, you're done for.

1.0
5.0
151
Grade: B
May 1, 2022

Gives 12 weekly exams that are the ENTIRETY of your grade. Do not take this class if you are not an amazing test-taker. Lectures are him reading off of his notes - he does not do questions in front of you, he simply reads them out loud and expects you to follow along. Terrible professor. Avoid if you can.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MATH141
Grade: Rather not say
May 23, 2022

Avoid Kahan at all costs unless you excel at math. He just wrote notes for 90 mins each lecture and barely explained anything he did. Sometimes he can give you questions on the test that were not on the test outline. He gives no extra credit or homework, so your grade is based solely on the tests. If you care about your GPA, take another professor.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MA231
Grade: C+
Aug 12, 2022

I was in TIME2000. They made me take TWO math course with Kahan. After the first course, I would recommend to my friends... DO NOT TAKE HIM. But since it was required, I had to stick with him for a second course. Lecture heavy, talks way too much. Does not care for his students. (Not sure why TIME2000 loved him so much). Tough grader.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
151
Oct 23, 2022
Would take again

If you don't mind taking 7 - 10 pages of notes every class, go for him. Other than that, he's really good at what he is doing. Would definitely take him again.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH231
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 2, 2022

His class is boring. He wore a really thick mask so I couldn't hear most of the lecture and he would nonstop write 3-4 pages of notes every class. A student kept asking questions and he looked annoyed after 2 weeks into the semester. Hw is not checked but for the hw review every next class he would skip the little procedures so no point in it.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MAT231
Grade: B
Mar 12, 2023

Of you have a chance to take a different professor, please please please do so!!! Lecture heavy, SO MUCH NOTES!! Do your mental health a favor, AVOID!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 23, 2023

If you want to lose the ability to understand math again, please take him. Says "You should know how to do the rest." a lot. Review sheets contain topic names rather than example problems. No partial credit and multiplied my test score by 0. Took my test to the mathdepartment, and they all held their heads trying to figure out what was going on

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
MATH231
May 16, 2024

Professor Kahan is a nice guy and very smart but hes not good at teaching. Math 231 is not a difficult course but Kahan makes it wayyyy harder than it is. He essentially just writes giant proofs and subject matter on the board from the textbook and expects everyone to instantly understand everything. If you take him, make sure to do the homeworks.

Get ready to read
Caring
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
MATH231
Grade: B+
Jun 4, 2024
Would take again

His class is pretty easy since he gives outlines of exactly what will be on each of the 3 (non-final) exams but also curves. Beware of the final though - there is a multiple choice section (and no outline); study your class notes very thoroughly, as well as past outlines. Passionate about math but not great at explaining Linear Algebra visually.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MAT231
Grade: D
Aug 12, 2024

He intentionally wants students to fail so they retake math classes, which causes both him and math dep faculty to get more money. He's very nitpicky, takes away large ammount of points over handwriting or how much space your writing took. Also he writes A LOOOT. Handwriting of his is awful so good luck reading it.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
MATH231
Grade: B-
Dec 19, 2024

Professor Kahan is not the best at explaining concepts visually. His class can be tough, with a heavy focus on proofs and taking copious notes. However, using resources like the textbook, Unstuckstudy, and past outlines can really help. Overall, just be prepared to put in the work.

1.0
5.0
MAT231
Grade: F
May 31, 2025

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!! I'm telling you right now do not do it to yourself by taking his class, it's a canon event waiting for you. He's the WORST at teaching linear algebra he writes a lot and overexplains. He does this purposely to make you lost. I never had a professor affect my mental health and question my worth as a person. DON'T TAKE HIM!

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
152
Grade: C
Jul 13, 2025

He is a very nice guy, but man, it was the worst experience I've ever had with a class. Lectures are super dry and boring, while the grading makes it impossible to get a decent grade. At the end a third of the class failed...

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
152
Grade: A-
Dec 20, 2025
Would take again

His way of grading tests are generous compared to the other ratings previously. He gives 3 midterms and the final which counts as 2 grades, will drop the lowest one. He even gives an outline on what'll be on the test, with same order on the test. Although lectures may be dry, he does give a 5 minute break in-between so you don't lose your sanity.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

42%

Textbook Required

58%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C+

95% confidence
Based on 30 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (5)
F (5)
A (4)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(5)C(5)D(8)F(5)A-/B+(5)
Based on 41 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 5
F: 5
A: 4
A+: 3
Common Tags
Tough grader (18)
Test heavy (15)
Lecture heavy (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Graded by few things (10)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (6)
Lots of homework (6)
Clear grading criteria (4)
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3.4

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3.3

(11)
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5.0

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5.0

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5.0

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