2.5
Quality3.8
Difficulty16%
Would Retake83
Reviews16%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
11
4
10
3
22
2
15
1
25
What Students Say
“Extremely disrespectful to students and has anger problems”
MATH140 - 1.0 rating“Actually, just avoid math classes at svsu all together”
MATH140 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
41%
Textbook Required
80%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.32 avg changeRatings by Course
DISCRMS
5.0
(1)MTH222
5.0
(1)MATH120B
4.0
(10)MATHB
4.0
(1)MATH132B
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
DISMA1
5.0
MATH162
4.8
MATH420
4.5
MATH120A
4.5
MATH103
4.5
Reviews (83)
Very easy to understand, and not very hard. Tests are sorta hard, but he grades fair. Whole class is getting A or B.
Lectures are understandable but the problem is the lack of points possible. All he had was tests. If you're not good at tests you will not to well in his class. Over all he's not too bad. Just wish he would of counted the HW or something!
There were 300 points possible on the tests and 4 bonus quizes worth 10 points each. Extremely easy, but he made you feel like an idiot for correcting his mistakes when he did a problem on the board.
I didn't care for him. The grade was entirely based on tests, I lost my A in the class on the very last day because of a test that was very poorly written.
Gave us small amounts of homework that was due each class period, so attendance was pretty much mandatory. It did help to make sure that you kept up with the material at least. Homework constituted a larger portion of the class grades than tests did. I felt he graded tough but the level of difficulty of the h/w and tests was fair.
Not bad for the first 2/3 of the class...however towards the end the tests got very hard and I ended up doing ever poorly...would not recommend for people who are not great at math to begin before day one!
Pretty good. Fair grader. mskes a lot of sense. i like the bonus points, but there could be more! His review sets are really good.
He is a smart teacher knows his stuff but a little to demanding of his students knowledge. He gives homework assignments that require 2-4 hours to complete due each class period. The homework is worth most of your grade.
This Professor taught very well. He was very clear and gives you a lot of examples so you understand what you are doing. The tests were pretty easy and he gives you 10 point bonus quizzes before every test to help boost up your grade. Overall a pretty good teacher.
Dr. Vautaw is a good math prof...gives good notes and plenty of examples to go along with them, gives plenty of opportunities for extra credit...a 10 point bonus quiz between each exam (four exams total and then a final exam), and gives practice exams that help out a lot when it comes to studying for them. I would take him again if I could.
Good teacher, gives good examples and notes. Cracks some corny jokes that aren't funny at 8:30. Gives 4 or 5 unannounced bonus quizzes worth 10 points each. Four exams. Not tough if you have had Algebra II or above. I went in with Calculus, so the class was really easy.
good teacher
Really good math prof, especially for SVSU. Gives good notes and examples. Got out of class early a few times too. His bonus quizzes are a cake walk too. Only beef with him was his strict nature. Things have to be done very specifically and done his way on tests and quizzes or you won't get credit. Good prof though all and all
Vautaw is a good professor, in the way that he teaches. But if you answer a question and get it wrong, he makes you feel stupid and ridicules you. Also, if no one knows the answer to one of his questions, he just stands there expecting someone to try, but again, if you are wrong, you will know it from him. I would not recommend him.
One of the better Math teachers at SVSU (doesn't take much). This class is simply a systematic approach by the college to make more money (considering most have to take it twice...ridiculous) Generally wouldn't recommend, but realistically would considering all the math teachers are none too good.
He is an excellent math teacher, but you must go in with an open mind. He will NOT teach the simplified form of math you learned in high school. He will teach you the theorems and language behind the formula before giving any example problems. He transformed the way I learned math and actually got me back interested in the subject, somehow.
Mustve completely revamped his math classes. Only 3 exams and one final. Over 50% of grade is determined in the last 2 class periods. Felt to me like he graded way to harsh
Gives extra credit quizzes for those that attend class. Goes over plenty of examples to make sure students understand. Good professor.
Could only explain things in one way, and talked down to students. If you are already a strong math student you will be fine, but if you aren't you are going to struggle.
He was awesome, no homework there was only suggested problems. and he gave out a total of 4 extra credit quizzes throughout the semester. and there was only 4 exams. (3 midterms and 1 final) I got an A+ in the semester. It was easy. I wish i could take him again.
Great teacher- he explained concepts well and didn't teach unnecessary information. If something was impractical, stat wise, he would teach us how to use the calc. 4 tests, 1 exam, 4 bonus quizzes. Didn't use the book much, except to assign optional homework. At the beginning of each class we could ask questions- sometimes belittles you.
He made DifEq easy. He did a wonderful job
His notes are very clear, however, explanations are not. Grades way to hard. Assigns massive amounts of homework EVERY class. Tests are not similar to tests contrary to what he tell you.
Good in the respect that he does numerous examples, so many that I usually got sick of them, so you're sure to grasp the concept. However, all the points in the class were based on 3 difficult exams so it was almost impossible to get an A. I'm good at math and wound up with a C+. Also, he acts like you're an idiot if you ask a question.
He goes through the material really fast and makes you feel stupid if you ask any questions. He didn't give my class any reviews prior to the exams and expects you to do A LOT of homework and only gives an hour to finish the exam and then starts the next chapter. AVOID! I passed with a 70 and that was with lots of help from the math center.
Don't even get me started on this guy. He repeats himself CONSTANTLY and grades SO tough. Don't plan on getting an A if you take this professor. BORING class.
Oh my gosh. This guy. I dont even know where to start. It's like he makes things seem somewhat clear in class and makes the test mind puzzling. This my second time taking this course and i did worse this time around. Makes me regret not taking it somewhere else the second time.
I thought he was pretty good. He gives to a ex credit quiz before each exam
What a horrible professor! Very insecure. When you attempt to ask a question in class, he makes you feel like you're stupid, no matter what the question is. Try not to ask him any questions. After the first week of the course, about 10 students dropped the course. After a month, I dropped it. I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU TAKE THIS PROFESSOR!
I absolutely disliked this course and the instructor, because he was inconsiderate, stubborn and very difficult to compromise with. You don't get any points for attendance or homework, so it wouldn't matter if you came to class or did any work.Only four quizzes worth 10 points out of the whole course.The course is based only on quizzes/test. BEWARE
I really disliked this professor. He was not helpful at all, its a good thing I had stats in high school or I would've really struggled. Also, he yelled at a deaf girl and her interpreter because they were signing right before a quiz, it was VERY RUDE AND DISGRACEFUL. He could've simply asked the interpreter if they needed help.
Rude, disrespectful, couldn't care less about student's success, ridicules you when you ask questions, completely unapproachable, gives 4 bonus quizzes but only other points are from extremely hard exams. Avoid this professor at all costs. The majority of the students failed and the ones that passed got mostly C's. It was horrible.
This guy... If you want a teacher that makes you feel stupid, constantly yells at you, makes simple things more difficult than they need to be then he is the teacher for you. He is rude and could careless about a students well being. Tests are nothing like the homework. Oh and did I mention that you can't use calculators. It's pre calc!
This professor is HORRIBLE! He is very rude and disrespects the students by making them feel stupid. He doesnt let you use calculators at all either and his tests are obnoxious.
Very hard class to do good in. only have four exam grades that makes up the class. Makes you feel slightly dumb if you ask questions. I barely passed. Strongly suggest that you do not take this class you wont get an A or maybe even a B.
You think you understand what's going on during class but tests are impossible, & that's the only grades in the class. Plus he makes you feel stupid if you ask a question. If you have him on your schedule, DROP IT ASAP if you want to get a good grade. Honestly the worst & rudest teacher I have ever had in my entire life.
Do not spend your money attempting this subject. Teacher is unnecessarily negatively verbal. I paid good money for the course and I feel that this guy did not truly deliver. I would not recommend him.
His tests have questions that are worth 8 points each so if you even miss one or two things your screwed. He talks to fast to take notes with and goes over so much stuff at once its easy to get lost. I dropped the class without a grade because I failed the first test and knew I couldn't improve.
Some people don't like his class. Personally I thought he was a great teacher. Very clear, gives plenty of examples. Tests are always similar to things he goes over in class. If you go to class and take notes you won't have to worry about his tests. Great class!
Random angry outbursts and threats. Mocks any who answers incorectly. Writes deffinitions down wrong. Verry confusing skip this instructor if possable
Vautaw was one my favorite professors of all time. However, he was the toughest I have had in a while. His handwriting on the board is PERFECT, but you have to follow it and he goes lightning fast through his material. He does have random outbursts that seem verbally abusive and does not allow calculators. Was a very hard class to pass (I didn't).
Would not recommend in any way shape or form. Test are very hard and each question is worth a ton of points. Your not going to pass this class so don't even think about trying. The tests are very hard, most of the time harder than the homework and examples. The grade is determined by three tests and the exam, point based system. Good luck
The tests are extremely difficult. Everything is covered in class, but the tests are the HARDEST version of every type of problem. His "verbal abuse" is just him saying "if you do this, you're basically an idiot," it was never targeted at anyone. His writing and speaking are extremely clear, and he responds well to corrections.
Absloutley terrible. Extremely disrespectful to students and has anger problems. Stay away at all costs
He prides himself on failing students, just look at the average grade for all of his classes. He will give a one step problem on the exam, and make it worth 20 points and you could possibly fail an exam because of two questions like that. Do not take him. Actually, just avoid math classes at svsu all together.
Very hard professor. He's really nice to the students aND is helpful during g office hours, but the exams are the HARDEST type of problem.
Has a very strong personality and comes off rude, although i dont think this is intentional. Extremely hard class that is completely based on four exams. Received an A in previous math class and am currently failing this one despite doing homework problems and attending office hours. Exams unevenly cover material learned. Overall not a good class.
Overall grade is computed through three exams plus your final, with "bonus quizzes" as extra points. Sometimes hard to follow because of his difficult explanation of problems. If you take him just write down his example problems he does for notes . Tests are very hard and questions are 8-12 points each so it is easy to have low scores.
Ridiculously tough grading, lectures are too crammed. Rarely explains material properly if asked in class. Lots of homework. Overall my first bad experience with a math instructor, certainly would not take any of his classes again.
He's not the nicest person, but a good teacher. Goes through the material well in class and answers problems from homework if needed. The lectures are intense but effective. Grading criteria for tests is reasonable, might appear tough at first though. Overall, not the worst class but would take again only if absolutely necessary.
Vautaw's alright. You're graded on three exams, one final, and two "bonus quizzes." He writes extremely fast on the board with beautiful handwriting. Tests are similar to the homework but extremely difficult. Homework doesn't count for points but you better do it or you will fail the tests. GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Material gets increasingly harder.
Worst professor Ive ever experienced in general, wouldnt recommend at all, very rude, unhelpful, doesnt explain anything, overall a very ignorant professor that doesnt even respond to emails
He is the definition of a terrible professor. he doesn't have a clear grading technique and if you use any other method to do a problem, he will mark it wrong, even if you got the answer right. doesn't respect the students point of view and is in general very rude to everyone. do not take this class unless its your only option.
this man is the epitome of a professor you do not want to take. his lectures are crazy, he goes through topics so fast you cannot keep up and don't even dare to ask him a question. this man will go off on you!! his tests do not follow what is in lectures and you cannot use a calculator on problems meant for a calculator. Doesnt use canvas or email
You get homework every class period due the next class. Homework is due even on exam days. His lectures are fast and hes very intimidating. I asked if the final was cumulative and he said yes but nothing was cumulative so I failed because it was specifics from the final chapters. He is the reason I drink. He is the reason I live to forget. -MP
This guy is horrible. It is amazing how a prof sucks SO BAD at teaching. He not only teaches math the long, hard way, he also flies as well. Teaches one chapter, then gives a quiz on the previous chapter at the end of class. He also puts questions on the test he never went over in class. This guy is straight up psycho and weird. Dont take him.
This professor is very tough. He constantly yells and screams at the class when students do something incorrect. His test are nothing like his homework and he promises extra credit, but never gives any. You have to do math his way or you get it wrong. This professor is very difficult to get along with and this is a hard class to pass due to that.
This professor was awful; his grades are strictly based off of tests and quizzes and they were extremely hard to pass. For the tests if you don't do it his way even if you got the answer right, it would be wrong. He is also hard to reach out of class because he is rarely at his office hours. He also doesn't use canvas, so you don't know your grade.
Personally I liked Vautaw, he knows his stuff and often makes up problems in his head to do in class. He was always open to questions in my class and sometimes would double check with students who looked confused after we finished a problem. He was always nice to me and I had no problems with him. Exams were tough though. Do Homework, go to class.
Speaks way too fast and does not explain things very clearly. We were graded on 3 exams and one final, and nothing else. When asking questions he didnt seem like he really wanted to help and have as brief of answer as possible
The only grades were the three 150 pt exams and one 200 pt final exam. Regardless, there was not enough time to even finish the exams due to the difficulty of them. His grading method for his exams was very inconsistent. He was very rude and condescending during lecture. Was not willing to help you understand the topics better at all.
Dr. Vautaw is clearly very knowledgeable about what he is teaching and he speaks clearly. My problem with his class was that he presented new material at an extremely fast pace. Consequently, I felt like I didn't have time to actually absorb what he was saying. The tests are very hard, but not impossible. There are two pop quizzes for extra credit.
I took Vautaw for Diff. Eq. knowing everyone usually fails. You will spend the entire class taking notes. Good news learning from his notes is easy. Study the homework and youll do well on tests. Hes not impossible for Diff Eq. passed with a B+. However, be good in class. One time I blinked and he told me I could leave if I was bored.
DONT TAKE HIM! He gives way more lectures than digestible and moves incredibly fast. The average for our first quiz was a 54%. Office hours are shared by 2 classes and are not 1-on-1 to ask questions. He grades incredibly hard - if you don't answer problems exactly his way you lose a LOT of points. PreCalc is not this hard, he makes it that way.
Hes probably the worst professor I have ever encountered. Extremely tough grader. Doesnt help you with the work. Seems like he doesnt even want to help you at times. Presents new material extremely fast I couldnt even keep up after studying for hours per day.
Its tough trying to learn pre calc online and he wasnt very understanding about it
Possibly the worst professor I've ever had. The entire class is based on YouTube videos and he changed his office hours three times in one semester because so many students were failing his class. Good luck on the quizzes and tests, he'll nitpick every thing and deduct points for seemingly no reason. Avoid this professor at all costs. He sucks.
Very bad professor when it comes to helping out the students. I have never struggled so much in a single class in my life. Most of my free time is take up by watching the pre recording YouTube lectures. Do not take this class with this professor!
I would spend around 10-12 hours a week on this class and couldn't memorize everything. Also he tries to make his tests as difficult as possible. He even said that a type of problem that we did in class was too easy and we would never see it on his test. He went on to say that another type of problem was incredibly hard so we would see it on a test
Dr. Vautaw is the worst professor I've had at this school. The section I took was offered as an in person class, but instead I was met with hour after hour of pre-recorded lectures. We only had 4 quizzes and 4 exams, with no graded homework. He does not offer extra credit or a curve and he grades very harshly. Avoid him at all costs.
I loved Professor Vautaw. His notes from lecture made it easy to understand high level math courses. As long as you come to class and pay attention during his lectures it will be easy to get through the tests and quizzes. He is really old school, only grades tests and quizzes, no mandatory homework
If you stay on top of things this class is very easy. If not, it gets hard very fast as I have expired both. He only gives test grades(4) each worth 150 points and the last of the four worth 100 points for a 550 point class. He does give random extra credit worth 25 points but will only give one sometime before each test.
He moves very fast while teaching and is not helpful when you ask questions at all. Your grade is only based of 4 150pt exams and the final 200pt exam.
The dude can be pretty blunt, but you'll definitely know where the boundaries are. He knows his stuff, and be prepare to write. A. LOT. He's fast, but you can speak to him after class -- well....if he's available -- and he will break things down for better understanding. I don't know how I passed, but this is the last math course for me.
Only grades by tests, but there are no surprises. The material is exactly what he covered during class. He is probably my favorite professor so far, his lectures made the material easy to understand. He is not very forgiving on the grading though, for example, I factored a polynomial incorrectly and he docked me ten points on a 100 point quiz
To start off, he seems like a very nice and funny guy, but his teaching skills are severely lacking and he is very rude some days. His lectures are super theory heavy with few, very simple, examples. His tests are way harder than the HW, and content will be taught on Monday, then it will be on the exam Wednesday. If you have to take him, good luck.
Very difficult professor for DE. Grading scale is based on 4(150pt) tests, 4(20pt) quizzes, and 1(200pt) final exam. Very tough grader, takes off at least 4-6points for small algebra errors. Very disrespectful to students and makes belittling comments. You do not stop writing in lectures as they are fast paced and theory heavy.
Moves on fast. Fills entire class with lecture.
Even though Mr. Vautaw is very friendly and nice, he ONLY grades the semester on 4 exams. He does not do canvas, has "optional" homework, which I would recommend doing to do decent on tests. He also does not allow calculators for Math 138. I scored poorly on one test and now am failing the class.
He fully knows the subject which makes it easy to learn, although seems not to care about his students. Recommend to do homework and study every week to do well on the pop quizes, they help getting extra credit, which is helpful in this class because there are only 4 exams.
Do not take his class. The class was only lecture on whiteboard (no canvas), but never changes from the syllabus given for semester. He is very knowledgeable in the subject, but also expects you to understand everything as easily as he does. Can be harsh when talking to students and a very harsh grader. Only grades based off tests.
Assigns plenty of homework but none of that is graded. Great lectures but they do move fast. Pop quizzes sometime before each exam is taken. They are for extra credit but not enough to cover an exam if you bomb one. Exams are 150 points a piece, 200 point final. Good luck.
He is strict with his teaching and expects you to have a strong understanding of previous classes. If you forget things easily like I do expect to fail. Homework is mandatory. I would only recommend this teacher is particular if you are genuinely very smart and are able to remember the content on exams (no notes/calculators).
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
41%
Textbook Required
80%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.32 avg changeRatings by Course
DISCRMS
5.0
(1)MTH222
5.0
(1)MATH120B
4.0
(10)MATHB
4.0
(1)MATH132B
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
DISMA1
5.0
MATH162
4.8
MATH420
4.5
MATH120A
4.5
MATH103
4.5