Western Kentucky University / M / Michael May
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
True/False: 7
Multiple Choice: 13
Matching: 3
Fill in the Blank: 5
Essays: 15
Problem Solving: 11
Mandatory Final: 20
Cumulative Final: 3
Textbook Required: 16
Extra Credit: 10
Attendance Required: 5
21 Total Evaluations
GEOL-102 : Intro Geology - Posted 5/3/2009
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. May definitely knows what he's talking about, but sometimes makes things overly complicated when he's really wanting just a simple answer. His tests are all from the notes, so unless you want to study extra hard to try to get what he covers in class from the book, I suggest going to every class. His tests are multiple choice with some sketching or explaining diagrams. He gives pop quizzes, but if you've been in class, you'll do ok. He can be very arrogant and condescending, but if you take him with a grain of salt, you should be fine.
GEOL- : Environmental Geology - Posted 12/12/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. May is sharp as a tack and always demanding of his students, and that is the trademark of a good teacher. I think the only drawback he has is that he is hard to follow in his lessons sometimes, especially when he is in a hurry. The material is tough to digest, but a little work to try to understand it is all that is required. His tests are hard, but well-constructed to make sure that you read and understand what he feels is important that you know for a successful career. My college experience has definitely been enhanced by his instruction. Good job, Dr. May!
GEOL-102 : Intro To Geo - Posted 5/7/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. May is very difficult to follow during his lectures. His notes are all over the place. His tests are a joke and even if you think you know the material U dont!!!! avoid this class!
GEOL-113 : Intro To Physical Geology - Posted 4/8/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. May is the biggest jerk of a teacher I've ever had. He won't give his students the time of day and thinks he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Study guide is useless, tests are impossible his lab is a joke and he makes absolutely no effort to help you. Scared me out of the geology department. Dr. May = baaaad teacher. If you ever see him jogging around campus in his gay little shorts, say something mean to him. and tell him it's from me!
GEOL-102 : Intro Geology - Posted 3/28/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. May is a FABULOUS professor. Hes a great guy that really cares about what he is teaching. The notes are moderate and as long as you study some for the tests you'll be alright--They are all multiple choice. He is a pretty funny guy that relates the topics to the real world and is always welcoming questions. I wasn't interested in Geology at all before this class but now I may make a minor out of it. I strongly suggest taking May whenever you can!
GEOL-111 : The Earth - Posted 12/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was the hardest class I've ever taken in college. He's not a bad teacher, but his notes are confusing. The tests are multiple choice and you'd think that'd be easy. WRONG. Half of the questions consist of information you'd couldn't study for if you tried. If this class isn't required for your major, STAY AWAY.
GEOL-445 : Aqueous Geochemistry - Posted 5/6/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. May is a very good teacher, although you have to get used to his teaching style. He can be a bit intimidating at times, but it seems he believes that, if he scares you a little, you'll study more and do well in his class. That said, aqueous geochemistry is the hardest course I've taken, and can be quite boring at times (how exciting can ion exchange rates be?) There are 2 exams and a final. The first test was open book/open note. A paper was expected, approximately seven pages on a topic of your choice. There were 2 simple homework assignments and 2 easy quizzes.
GEOL- : The Earth! Geol 111 - Posted 1/25/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Okay so this guy is very intelligent and very passionate about what he does. If you are going to be a geology major then it would probably be beneficial to take the class with him. Okay so Dr. May is also very cool to talk to outside of class but it is clear that this man is insane. I cannot stress to you how horrible this class was for me. I did have one extra credit paper and that was the only way I got a B. And the extra credit is insane and so long to do. I hate his teaching method, he teaches as if everyone knows the fundamentals of geology and that is what we are there to learn. He teaches only to understanding learners and is not sequential at all. He is very unclear and is not helpful outside of class. I went to him on several occasions and he told me the wrong things to emphasize for the exams. WOW I could go on for days. I got all A's in all my other classes and a B and C in his lab. Save your time and take dr. siewers.
GEOL-111 : The Earth - Posted 1/3/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is way to hard to be a 100 level course. There were half civil engineering majors in my class, so he was hard on us. I would not recomend taking this class with him because his tests are so hard and knitpicking. Everything that comes out of his mouth in lecture is fair game. He give reviews (review sheets), but they are vague and do not list all the material that will be on the test. If you have other hard classes during the semester like calc and physics do not take this class. This class takes up way too much time.
GEOL-111 : The Earth - Posted 12/28/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I had Dr. May for both Geology 111 and 113. Lab (113) was not that bad because it was hands on and the TA would help you out anytime you needed him to. Dr. May didn't explain things very well. I had a hard time understanding him but when I did understand him I got something out of the class
GEOL-102 : Intro To Geology - Posted 5/4/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Dr. May has really impressed me. He made the class interesting and worthwhile even if now it will not contribute to my major. His tests are challenging and they make sure that the non-hackers are weeded out. I couldn't believe the low grades on his rather easy tests; it was a testament to the laziness of the people in the class. If you want to learn - which is why you are at college in the first place - take Dr. May's classes, if not then go home and find a factory job.
GEOL-445 : Aqueous Geochemistry - Posted 8/6/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
this is the toughest class i have ever experienced as an undergrad. the material is difficult to digest and complex. the textbook does a poor job of explaining things, so you will have to re-read much of it to gain an understanding of the material. my complaint in this class is that dr. may teaches from the text too much, when he would be much better off if he just explained it in his own terms. he is a knowledgeable guy on the subject, so listen to what he says and you can learn a lot. the first test especially is the devil, but perservere and you should pass. put in long hours and you might even receive a good grade.
GEOL-460 : Sedimentology - Posted 8/6/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
dr. may is a tough teacher, but also fair. he demands a lot from students in this course, so be prepared to put in some long hours if you want to receive a good grade. the project at the end can get extensive, but again, he will reward good work and good effort. his tests are tough as well, but are usually good indicators of your ability level. the material is more difficult than 370, but it can still be interesting because it goes to greater depth. pay attention and put in the effort, and you will pass the class.
GEOL-370 : Stratigraphy - Posted 8/6/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
dr. may knows his stuff. he demands effort from his students, and if you are willing to work you will be ok. read and take good notes. put in some effort and you will be rewarded. this is a very important class and for the most part it is enjoyable and interesting.
SOCL-100 : Intro To Sociology - Posted 4/12/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Professor May was such an awesome soc teacher. Most people in the class never missed a class even though attendance wasn't mandatory. He will give everyone a good grade as long as they TRY to do their best. I had 3 easy assignments, which I got As on. I'm sure most of the people in the class had As. You know that professor that is sooo laid back and everyone wishes they had him? Well, this is the most laid back cool professor in college...I'm glad I took him. I learned a lot and raised up my GPA! =D
GEOL-113 : - Posted 3/18/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
on his test you just have to remember minerals in rocks which is fairly easy, but he has a smug arrogant factor about him that you probably wont like. if you can stand him this is a pretty easy class
GEOL-111 : Historical Geology - Posted 11/21/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
DR. May is not very good at explaining things. He knows what he's talking about but doesn't do a good job of teaching it. He's a little pompous also, and tries to use unfamiliar words on his exams.
GEOL-415 : Environmental Geology - Posted 2/1/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr.May demands that you use your brain. He mainly lectures about real life problems that he has encountered in his profession. He gets very excited about his subject matter which makes the class interesting and enjoyable. I recommend taking him for whatever classes you can.
GEOG-102 : INTRO TO GEOLOGY - Posted 3/29/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really enjoyed this class, Dr.May makes it interesting. He is very helpful and enthusiastic about what he teaches. I recommend this class to fill general ed.
GEOG-102 : �Intro Geology - Posted 1/21/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I didn't enjoy this class at all. Dr. May seems like a good instructor at first, but when it comes to his test, the only people that did well were the Geography or Geology majors. I DON'T recommend taking this class at all, (or any classes that he may teach). Avoid it at all cost (unless you enjoy working your fingers to the bone to only get a
GEOL-415 : ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
THERE IS A LOT OF WORK IN THIS CLASS, BUT THE MATERIAL IS VERY INTERESTING (DR. MAY KNOWS HIS STUFF). OVERALL, THIS COURSE IS WELL WORTH THE TIME YOU PUT INTO IT!!