Evaluation Comments
Course:Data Structures in Java I
            (CSC-300-402)

Quarter:Autumn 14/15
Time: TuTh 10:10 - 11:40
Location: Loop Campus
James Riely PhD

Associate Professor
jriely@cs.depaul.edu
Instructor homepage

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What are the major strengths and weaknesses of the instructor?


1.   Prof. Riely has an exceptionally high level of understanding of the material for this course. His knowledge of Java is also very high. Combined with this knowledge is a distinct desire for his students to succeed. For example, after the first 3-4 weeks, he adjusted the syllabus for the remainder of the course to meet the needs of the students. We were able to spend more time in areas many students were having trouble in.
2.   It is difficult to pay attention to him because he skips a lot of the information that I need to understand these concepts.
3.   N/A
4.   teaches programming HIS way because HE is clearly the best at it
5.   A strength of the teacher was how he was able to teach the subject through visuals. A weakness is that the quizzes might be easier to complete if he waited until everything was taught.
6.   Explaining the material and giving direction on the homework. There also was a class wide discussion forum were students could ask question and for advice on how to solve certain homeworks.
7.   Horrible teaching. I didnt understand anything. I had to teach myself outside the class to learn the contents
8.   presented too fast for me
9.   Strengths: Related topics to all the homework given, no curve balls, effective notes and very helpful during office hoursWeaknesses: Sometimes pace was a little too fast, and even discouraging at moments
10.   
11.   He's perfect. Super organized, so knowledgeable, a great speaker, a great coder, HE'S PERFECT. Zero weaknesses. If I could have him as a professor every quarter, I would. Did I mention he's a great professor?

What aspects of this course were most beneficial to you?


1.   The two most beneficial aspects of this course to me are:-working with Java (this is my first experience with the language)-understanding how code can me structured more efficiently (both the importance of efficiency and how to structure the code to improve its speed)
2.   His examples, only when I understood what was going on.
3.   N/A
4.   Learning more about the fundamentals of algorithms, data types and Java
5.   The visuals
6.   The professor's outside help.
7.   Nothing. I gained more experience on how to learn by myself
8.   nothing
9.   The programming.
10.   
11.   Everything... I know this comment isn't super helpful, but honestly every part of his course is extremely helpful. The book is great, his little explanation videos for homework are great, his homeworks are great, the quizzes are great, the midterm was great, re-watching his lectures on COL is hugely helpful. I LOVE THIS COURSE. Give the man a raise, he's the best.

What do you suggest to improve this course?


1.   
2.   
3.   N/A
4.   Doesn't need to change
5.   To sometimes not go off topic
6.   
7.   Actually teach the content and help the students
8.   slow down. stop overwhelming
9.   
10.   New book, or supplemental coding refrence.
11.   There are no possible improvements in this course, it is perfect.

Comment on the grading procedures and exams


1.   Although the prof. may have tuned down areas of the course in order to focus on problem areas, the assignments themselves were not "tuned down." The midterm, homework, and quizzes remained very challenging.
2.   
3.   N/A
4.   Labs can be rough sometimes. Keep the quizzes to 10+ questions. If a quiz has 3 questions and you miss one thats a D.
5.   
6.   
7.   Grading was fair but it was hard to do since i didnt underestand tge content fully
8.   nothing
9.   
10.   
11.   They seem fine to me.

Other comments?


1.   
2.   
3.   N/A
4.   
5.   
6.   
7.   I want to have different instructures available to me
8.   nothing
9.   
10.   
11.   James Riely is my hero.