Professor Straight is a great teacher and he wants to see you do well in the class so he makes himself available to answer your questions. He does a great job of breaking up the lectures and labs. Plus he always lets you reference your notes so you actually retain some of the information verses just memorizing it and forgetting about it.

Great teacher, you won't be disapointed and as long as you copy the notes from his power points and pay attention you'll do great! I'll take him for historical too!

I love this guy. His classes were a lot of fun and the open note tests and group labs made getting a good grade super easy. Plus, he was right there to help if we had any questions.

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Straight at NVCC. His extensive background in paleontology allows for an amazing historical geology course. You need to do your work to get a good grade, but his helpfulness is second-to-none. Test and quizzes are open-note/open-text, and he allows group collaboration on some projects. He is a superb instructor.

Great Teacher. Cares about what he teaches. On note/book tests/quizes. Will take for GEO106. He is very helpful and will go out of his way to help students.

Mandatory comment.

He was great! Loved his class..sad that i had to leave already! Take all of his classes..it is worth it and you learn alot of fun and interesting things!!

Awesome teacher, doc Straight knows his stuff. Good sense of humor too.

If you have to take a Geology class at NVCC, go out of your way to get this guy. He really knows his stuff, is extremely helpful, and has a good sense of humor. You are guaranteed an "A" as long as you take notes in class and stay on top of lab assignments. Highly recommended.

He is the best teacher i've ever had. he is extremely helpful and funny. you'll never be bored in his class and his class is very easy just take notes and u'll be fine. midterm final and quizzes are open notes and book.

Definately a great professor! He does everything he can to help you succeed. Class is always fun and interesting and goes by really quickly! This class will definately help your GPA!

HE is one of the best teachers ive EVER had.. he is passionate about what he does (palentology, btw). He is pretty easy, but doesnt want you to just BS the class just because its geology. he exactly fits the stereotype of a geeky science teacher.. but is funny and really nice. Youll really enjoy being in class.

I took Mr.Straight for both 105 & 106...he is by far my favorite teacher I have EVER had.He is funny,sweet,helpful and interesting! All his tests and quizzes are OPEN NOTE and sometimes he lets you have a partner!He is very helpful on ALL labs,and knows his stuff.Take notes since you can use them.His powerpoints are awesome and very useful! :) #1!!

The best teacher I have had thus far in college.

One of the best teachers that I ever had. He's really fun, helpful and keeps you interested in what he's teaching.

Excellent professor! I had no interest in geology prior to this class, but the professor makes the class interesting. I actually enjoyed going to his class. In addition, I learned a lot about geology.

Great guy! very fun class , very easy, keep the attention level high, very passionate about the subject, make you wanna learn more too, highly recommend

This dude is legit, he's really laid back, and cruises through lectures smoothly. One thing I'll say is to make sure you have VERY comprehensive notes for the mid term and final, he uses a...unique test format, and its a lot harder than you'd expect open note tests to be. Overall tho, its a fairly painless and enjoyable class.

I had no interest in Geology before I took his test, but he completely changed my attitude about the subject. His class is so much fun. He takes the subject and literally turns the whole history of the world into one big board game. The lectures are about the "game of earth". The final exams are open note, but they are very hard. Best teacher!

Professor Straight was by far my favorite professor this semester. Prof. Straight is very helpful funny and laid back yet he is probably thecoolest most down to earth proffesor u will ever meet. He allows for open note quizzes and tests and labs are always fairly easy. TAKE THIS CLASS WITH DR. STRAIGHT YOU WONT REGRET IT

Awesome guy. He's funny and his lectures are actually interesting. Lots of lab work which can be difficult at times. He offers a lot of extra credit. 2 exams, both open note and open book. Definitely one of the best teachers I've ever had.

great professor, extremely passionate about his field of study. you are missing out if you dont take this class, it makes going to NOVA worth it!!!

Best teacher I've taken so far in NVCC. Devotes his time to the subject he's teaching, extremely helpful, cracks jokes here and there, A LOT of notes but seriously, it's worth it cause you can use it on the the 2 exams he gives. If you are reading this message, just go ahead and take this guy because you will not regret listening to me. Have fun :)

He is one of the best college professors I have had by far! He is very knowledgeable and presents a lot of information about the subject. Tests are extremely difficult though they are open note; however, if you go to class and pay attention you should do well. I definitely recommend this professor.

Great teacher. Lots of enthusiasm, clearly enjoys teaching. Attendance is not mandatory but necessary to do well. Tests are open note but hardest Ive taken. Professor has an evil streak but its all in good fun. Generally respects THE BOB DOLE and dinosaur lovers in general. All thats required is curiosity and hard work

Amazing teacher! He really makes you want to learn Geology. He is engaging and a real pleasure to learn from, guarantee you to have some serious fun!

Best teacher at NVCC. If you do the work, you will do well in the class. He is so nice, and cracks jokes here and there. A lot of note taking, but worth it in the end because you have only 2 exams and they are open note. He is a devoted and wonderful teacher to take. I recommend him strongly!

Wonderful teacher. We had a textbook but I never touched it. His lectures and powerpoints give you everything you need to know. He'll even let you use your notes on tests, but only your notes. So take good notes. But that is really easy to do. He'll always go over things if people are having a hard time. He's also just really personable.

Dr. Straight is one of the most brilliant teachers I have seen in my life. He is very helpful, he cares about his students, and his lectures and explanations are very clear. He allows you to use your notes on the exams and gives you opportunities for extra credit. He is also very funny and easy going, which makes you feel welcomed.TAKE HIS CLASS

He's well organized with his teaching materials, and extremely helpful and funny. The most importantly, he teaches the way you can understand easily by using his comical method. Also, before each exam, he gives you a review by playing games. Although, it's a open notebook exams, it's not easy. I highly recommend him for everyone.

Prof. Straight is an awesome Geology professor! His lectures are always very interesting and engaging. Staight invests a lot of time into his teaching and students. He is also very knowledgeable in the area of Geology. His tests aren't easy but its ok cause you can use your notes. Highly recommended!

He's a great teacher and very funny in a self-depreciating kind of way. His class was very interesting even for non-science majors with plenty of interesting factoids. Tons of notes (I filled 2 notebooks) but nothing was too complicated. Group work for labs but not required for the final project. Overall, I would have taken another of his classes if I could.

I've heard about the teacher around campus before and I guessed I was glad I signed up for his class. In the end...he was amazing! He teaches everything very well and makes sure you know everything and will slow down/speed up accordingly. His 106 is set up like a game and it's super fun! Recommended for anyone that likes to have a good time!

If you're looking for an easy A, he's not your guy. If you're looking for a professor who wants to keep you interested while trying to get you to think, and gives you plenty of chances to get hands-on, then sign up early. I wish I'd known about him earlier; he made me LIKE Geology, which I didn't think could happen.

Professor Straight is great! He has a weird sense of humor and lectures a lot but it helps when you do labs. There are labs every week so don't get behind. ALL of his tests are open notes!! He give extra credit opportunities too. Class isn't an easy A but it isn't hard either. Taking him for 106 in the Fall!

Professor Straight is so awesome! He's brilliant, and he makes his lectures by telling interesting stories and cracking funny jokes. His exams are open note, but be sure to take excellent notes, they will come in handy. Do yourself a favor and take either GOL 105 or GOL 106-- you won't be sorry. He's excellent!

Dr. Straight was the best professor I have had at NOVA. He doesn't rely on a textbook as a roadmap for the class, instead using it primarily as reference. He made the subject matter interesting & kept the class fast-paced & challenging. Tests are open note, but you need good, organized notes. Highly recommended, would take a class w/him again.

I had Dr. Straight my first semester for GOL 106 and loved his class -- I decided to sign up for his GOL 105 course. I'm happy I did so because I was already used to his style of teaching and I knew what to expect out of the class. It ain't easy, but it ain't difficult. He's there to help. Very knowledgeable. Purely awesome! Take his classes!

Came into this class without much interest in the subject; left looking forward to taking 106. Prof. Straight is goofy, but totally lovable, & an incredible teacher. Pay attention, take really good notes, & it helps to be really organized because his tests are open note, but it only helps if your notes are good!!!

Straight is a GREAT professor. He separates classes for lectures/labs, and he tries his best to keep you engaged in the lecture. Helpful and direct, he's a great funny teacher. The work/tests may not be the easiest, but if you at least put some effort into keeping up with the labs/some notes, you'll do great

Straight is awesome! He interchanges labs and lectures so always go to class! He has a witty sense of humor to keep your attention and creative powerpoints to match. He only has two tests, midterm/final. Both are open note but be warned, they are difficult. He can be a picky grader when it comes to labs, so really do well on them! TAKE HIM!

Straight is awesome! He interchanges labs/lectures, so attendance is mandatory! The tests (midterm/final) are open note, but be warned, they are difficult. The labs are challenging but not impossible, and he can be picky when it comes to grading. He is a witty professor who can actually maintain your attention! TAKE HIS CLASS!!!!

Professor Straight is possibly one of the best teachers I've ever had. He really knows what he is talking about and is very passionate. Granted, the course isn't like an easy A but midterm and final are both open note. Take notes, copy his powerpoints to word and you're good. TAKE HIM!

You have to keep very good notes if you want to pass the class. If you miss a class he posts all the notes online so you can easily catch up. Your notes have to be very organized, I had all the information but it was not organized and I ended up getting a D on my first exam. Exams are open note.

BEST PROFESSOR PLEASE TAKE HIM . IF U PUT THE EFORT U WILL PASS THAT CLASS WITH GOOD GRADE.

Best geology professor i ever had. Even though i am not a geology major i really wanted to be one after taking his class :) Lectures are long but interesting, tests are hard but its all open notes, so take really good notes. And do the extra credit it will help you a lot.

Dr. Straight's class is enjoyable. Be sure to take good notes because you can use them on exams. The bulk of assignments is completed through group lab-work, so be sure to form a group that is willing to evenly divide up the work. Only one research project assigned throughout the semester. Highly recommend him.

EXTREMELY passionate about geology. I find geology to be dull, but he makes it interesting, and he is very good at teaching the subject. His class made me search stuff about geology outside class because he sparked an interest in it. Only complaint is that grades are not posted often, but he is by far the best science prof i've ever had.

Professor Straight is an amazing geology professor. He is insanely intelligent when it comes to geology and if you ask him a question he explains it very well. His class can seem hard and be a lot of work at the beginning but it's not, just take good notes and listen in class.

He makes the lectures interesting. It is obvious he is an expert in his subject. Labs are fun and he gives plenty of opportunity for extra credit. Sets a very high standard for other professors to try and live up to. The way he teaches makes it easy to learn.

Amazing. Incredibly intelligent and loves what he is doing. Some great lectures(they can get long sometimes as I took the 3 hour class), labs are super awesome. He makes it very interesting and easy to learn. Class is easy if you show up and complete the work. Tests are open note(so take notes during lectures). Would recommend for sure!

Best Geology Teacher Hands down I'm a finance major and science is the death of me but Prof. Straight is hands down the best science teacher i've ever had. Do the work and reading which feels like something from the magic school bus and you'll get an A, its not an easy A but he's the Ms. Frizzle of NOVA

Labs are done in groups this helps a lot. Makes everyone very interested in geology. All tests are open notes and books so take notes and do the labs.

Professor Straight is one incredible guy. He really cares about his students and will do almost anything to make sure he is there to help you succeed. The class can be challenging but put in your best effort and show him you care and he will give you the grade you deserve. He has a great personality and is overall an amazing guy! 10/10 rating!

Straight is amazing. He genuinely LOVES his subject. He's extremely funny and very knowledgeable. He is kind and will help you. Couple terms each week, one project, and 2 exams. The exams are extremely hard, but they are open note! So take notes, kids. He genuinely made me enjoy the history of boring dead animals. His labs are like games, so fun!

Dr. Straight is a great professor who is knowledgeable about the subject he teaches. His lectures are fun and very visual (a plus for visual learners). Labs and lectures are mixed together. Most weeks, you can expect to do 6-7 terms (called Index Card Reports). Exams are open note. Poster project occurs towards the end of the term. Would take again

Dr. Straight is amazing, you can really tell he LOVES what he teaches, which makes it fun to listen to his lectures. His tests are hard, but they're open note (you can only use handwritten notes so take good ones) He's a fair grader and will help you with anything.

Best Prof. at NOVA!! I took this class only for the credit, didn't care much for geology But Dr. Straight makes the class very interesting. the grading comprises of 2 exams a few quizzes which are all open notes!!, flashcards for HW, and group Labs.I got a B simply because of my laziness to do the HW. Its a super easy but you still learn so much

Really fun class! Dr. Straight really loves what he teaches and he will always make sure to help you out. There is never a dull moment in his classroom. Always make sure you do the ICR's and make sure you organize your notes on exams that you can take with you.

Hes a very thoughtful professor who is an absolute genius with a sense of humor. Show up to classes so you dont fall behind on labs. You get a midterm and a final which are both open notes. Home works are ICRs which are basically extra credit the more you do them the better your grade will be. Theres also one project which is easy too do.

Dr. Straight is a great professor that teaches what can be considered to be a boring subject to some and paints it in a good light and sense that would make it appealing. Hes very flexible and has extremely interesting lectures and labs. Class is challenging but if you do the work youll do well. Tests are thought provoking but are open note.

Dr. Straight is a great option for GOL 106. The only "textbook" is the lab packet which all labs are in so it is necessary to purchase it to pass the course. I selected a once a week course so lectures were longer but not too intense. Tests are open note so TAKE NOTES. There is no reason not to pass. Overall I learned a lot and enjoyed the course.

Dr. Straight is the best! Easily one of my favorite professors at NOVA. His lectures are extremely detailed and you can tell he loves the material he is teaching. Attend the lectures, take good notes, complete the labs throughly, & fully prepare for the exams! I would highly recommend him to anyone who is searching for Geology course.

I have taken 2 of Doctor Straights classes and so far have loved both of them. He encourages teamwork and he creates fun games that go with his labs that actually engage the student.

I don't give 5's very often but Professor Straight deserves it! Amazing professor that makes a potentially boring class interesting. Class itself is challenging with a lot of information but not impossible. The 3 hr lecture is long but enjoyable with Straight. Learned a lot and recommend his class for anyone looking to fill a science requirement.

Absolute legend of a teacher. Teacher of the decade, the man is hilarious and knows everything there is about geology. Lectures are VERY engaging, labs are a challenge but fun. Midterm and final are on the harder side, but they are open book which is HUGE! No reason to not take this professor. He emails back fast, he goes the extra mile to help.

Excellent professor and is very passionate about geology. The homework is minimal and you are always working as a group in labs. His instructions are clear and he even offers some extra credit. He shows up to class in a great attitude and has PowerPoint slides online in case you missed anything.

I wish I was able to pick more tags. If you get the chance to have this professor, TAKE IT. His lectures are engaging and his labs really help you understand the concepts. The homework is easy and you can use your notes during the exams. Show up, pay attention, take notes when you need to. You'll have fun and do good.

Tries to make his lectures more enjoyable by giving real life experiences of different things, takes time to ask if there are any questions about anything, throughout his lectures he includes games to keep the class focused. Beware for Qwik-quizzes though they can be challenging and confusing at first.

Simply the best. Hes over qualified to be at NOVA. The guy has THREE PHD. He is too humble or else he could be at Harvard leading their science department. His class is hard to understand but he will help you if you show that you care. He wont let you fail.

Dr. Straight makes the class a game! Seriously, he has modified every possible aspect of the course curriculum to create a fun, gaming experience for his students. Games are a major hobby of his and he has applied his considerable creativity to transforming the course into that modality, without sacrificing any of the science. I learned alot!

This guy is the goat, he is way too smart to be at northern Virginia he can easily be on the board of Harvard but he is too humble to do so.

Dr. Straight was an incredible teacher and if I didn't have a huge workload from all classes during the semester I would have undoubtedly passed the class. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject to the point where he made me fall in love with science, something I never thought possible. He does give out a lot of work, however.

Fall 2021 semester. Homework (index card reports) and quizzes are focused and teach note taking and research skills applicable to all classes. Lectures are enjoyable and practical, extra work is clearly put into the slides and Lab Manual to make it easily approachable. Put in 4cr worth of time and you'll have an enjoyable class!

Great professor, open note test taking but beware you still need to study.

Dude is an amazing professor! All the lectures are interesting and most of the labs are actually entertaining. Really manageable homework just writing down definitions or a few multiple choice questions. The only reason I didn't get an A is because I got lazy and didn't turn them in at the end of the semester. Also the tests are open note! Take him

A great professor who is very unique in how he approaches the class content - he uses games as a metaphor for concepts a lot. This makes the class very unique and interesting, especially the labs! Be warned, however - lectures can tend to be long, but they are very interesting.

Prof Straight's class was my favorite! He was incredibly knowledgeable and enjoyable to talk to. Expects you to do your work and take responsibility for yourself. "Straight" face and tone but super funny jokes, loved hearing his crazy stories in the field. I'm taking another one of his classes next sem! All open note tests. He made the final fun :)

When someone is enthusiastic about what they're teaching it makes the class so much better for me and he LOVES what he does!! The lectures are easy to understand and tests/group projects are very easy! Labs can be a little hard but he will hold your hand through every step if you need it (god bless that lovely man). He gets a 1000/10 for me :))

Doc Straight is an amazing professor both labs and lectures are entertaining and he's always open for help. Homework is essentially nonexistent for how easy it is. His classes are very unique but in a good way. He is one of the few prof who truly cares about the subject they teach and wants to share this enjoyment with his students. Take his class!

Dr. Straight is the best professor I've had at NOVA so far. Lectures are long but he makes them super entertaining by relating it to his love of board games. I don't recommend skipping class because he only gives the ICRs & Qwikquizzes in person. Exams are open note. Labs are easy if you pay attention, and he helps you if you're stuck.

Dr. Straight is a fantastic professor. He cares about the subject he teaches and provides entertaining and engaging labs and lectures. The labs are all very hands-on, and he is always willing to help if you have any questions. The midterm and final are all open notes, so doing the homework and labs will definitely help.

There isn't enough space for me to rave about him, so unfortunately I'll keep it simple. If you care, you will do well. If you take notes, ask questions, and remain engaged, you will do well. This class is not an "easy A", but that just depends on you. I am so excited to take another class from him. He is incredibly knowledgeable and witty.

Presents the class in a unique format. Thankful to have had the opportunity to take him. If you want to score high then you must come to class. He'll use the entire time for lecture and he does his best to make it interesting. He does assign a bit of homework, but nothing a full time student couldn't handle. Definitely among my top 5 professors.

Dr. Straight is my favorite. If you're a student with a lab requirement but you've always been terrible with any kind of science, take his classes. As someone who has taken 105 & 106, I would say 106 is more interesting/fun if you're trying to decide between the two. He's not just wasting your time, he wants to teach you to make a difference.

one of the best professors i have ever had!

Dr. Straight is an amazing professor, and not just because he's an actual paleontologist. He is so passionate about teaching his students about the world around us, and his deep love and knowledge comes through with every lecture. He cares so much, and if you put in the work and do your best, there's no way you can't succeed.

Dr. Straight is a brilliant, caring professor who has very generous coursework policies, including opportunities for extra credit and open-note exams (you are allowed only your class notes, which incentivizes hard work—an equitable mindset). He's a very passionate lecturer and the labs themselves were some of the most fun I've had in NOVA! Take him

Dr. Straight has been one of my favorite professors. He made his class lectures interesting and is very willing to explain anything that is difficult to understand. His anecdotes were awesome as well and he's lived a very interesting life. He is not only passionate about geology, he's passionate about education and is such an inspiration!

Genuinely the best professor at NOVA hands down. Passionate, intelligent, and truly cares about his class and his students. He lectures every class and combines it with the lab, classes are lengthy, but the lectures are easy to follow and understand. He tells lots of fascinating stories and experiences throughout the class, 10/10 Geology professor.

prob best and most engaging prof ive had at nova. kind, helpful, passionate, patient, funny, puts a lot of effort into lectures and slides. attend class and take notes!! the two exams r all *open note*. labs and the project were a blast, and he doesn't give out much hw. highly recommend. i've never been sad to finish a class in my life bro

While a bit steadfast in some aspects, Dr. Straight is unequivocally the best professor I ever had. He has had some of the most engaging and wholly intuitive lectures ever. His assignments invoke critical thinking and creativity (which is dope), and his two exams are open-note. He rewards hard work and is genuinely the best prof I've ever had. TAKE