Western Kentucky University / H / Debra Hays
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Moderatev
Quantity of Notes
Moderatev
Tag Summary:
True/False: 11
Multiple Choice: 15
Matching: 24
Fill in the Blank: 20
Essays: 38
Problem Solving: 1
Mandatory Final: 32
Cumulative Final: 4
Textbook Required: 45
Extra Credit: 44
Attendance Required: 37
49 Total Evaluations
ENG-300 : - Posted 4/20/2015
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I took ENG 300 with Debra Hays because I came to Profeval to find reviews on her, and they were good; however, I'm also realizing these evaluations were from 2004-2007. I don't know what has happened to Professor Hays in the last 11 years, but she does NOT match the description people speak of. She has been one of the worst professors I have ever had and her class was not at all enjoyable. Not only is she very unclear with a lot of her assignments, but she has also said inappropriate things in class, like a time she basically made fun of the shoes of a Chinese student in my class and embarrassed him in front of the whole class. Also, I think the course load is overkill and too much for a Gen Ed for non-English majors. Let this be an up-to-date warning for anyone who is thinking about taking her.
ENG-300 : - Posted 10/21/2013
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Definitely take her if you have the chance. She has fun and is incredibly entertaining. Although she expects you to work for the grade you deserve. It isn't an easy A. Although I don't think any English 300 class is.
ENG-200 : - Posted 9/26/2011
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Simply put Debra Hays is the worst English teacher I've ever had. I don't understand how she has received so many good reviews. Choose somebody else.
ENG-100 : College Writing - Posted 1/25/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Greatest English Teacher I ever had! All through high school I made low C's and when taking Mrs. Hays Class I found it fun and enjoyable to write the assigned papers! One thing I love is you choose what you want to write about and the other thing is that she really cares about you and the subject! She is passionate about what she does and make the class a bright side to every day!
ENG-100 : Intro To College Writing (eng100) - Posted 10/13/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
This class was great.. Mrs. Hays is a great teacher and helps her students with their work.. if you dont understand something ask her! She is willing to work with you!
ENG-300 : English 300 - Posted 6/30/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I was so excited after reading Ms. Hays reviews, and talking about her with other people, but by the second day of class I was HIGHLY disappointed. At first she seems like a really nice/sweet old lady who cares, but then she just gets down right rude. If you ask a question in class she makes you feel like a retard and you never want to raise your hand again. I will have to say that she does know her stuff and I believe that she has the potential to be a good teacher, but she doesn't have good people skills. If somebody were to knock her off of her high horse she could probably be the best teacher ever.
ENG- : - Posted 6/15/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This lady is crazy & SHE HATES MEN. Everything about her class is men versus women. she loves to put others down and hurt others feeling... seriously wku should look into her classroom behavior. ALSO the positive posts on here are written by her and she talks about profeval in class. she really has issues... all she talks about is her hate for men and her personal life... we learned nothing.
MOST IMPORTANT SHE GRADES LIKE SHE'S DRUNK. AND SHE ENDS EVERY SENTENCE WITH THE PHRASE " ON THAT ONE". I GUESS IT LIKE A NERVOUS HABIT.
RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN... ON THAT ONE
ENG-300 : - Posted 5/10/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Mrs. Hays is one of the RUDEST teachers I have ever had. She assigns way too much writing assignments and is a tough grader. She is very hard to please and not to mention a huge smart ass. When I began this class I thought I was a decent writer ( I have recieved an A in both Eng 100 and Eng 200), until she destroyed every paper I ever turned in. If you are willing to write a paper and express ideas about the work that your teacher agrees with, then you will receieve a good grade. She is annoying and likes to put people down, by making them feel stupid if they ask a simple question. RUN THE OTHER WAY!!!!
ENG-300 : English 300 - Posted 4/12/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
English 300, as everyone knows, is a challenging course composed of a lot of work. Mrs. Hays class is no different, but she makes the class fun, exciting, and manageable. She is absolutely hilarious and cares about her students to a great extent. She is willing to meet outside of class to assist with the research paper or any other questions about assignments or papers. I learned so much in her class, and my writing improved also. At times the work was stressful but Mrs. Hays remains optimistic and is always encouraging her class. English 300 is required - take it with Mrs. Hays. Her classes fill up fast for a reason.
ENG-200 : - Posted 3/30/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I took Professor Hays' class last year, and I liked it quite a bit. A lot of people didn't like her, but if you just come to class, don't come in late, and do the work, you're fine. She doesn't grade too hard. She will pick on you a bit if she doesn't like you, but just don't do anything stupid and you're fine. .
ENG-200 : - Posted 4/25/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I loved being in her class. She knows soo much about english and is passionate. There are take home quizzes about every week. They are easy though. She is really funny and I have loved the discussion we have had about the stories. There are 3 test including the final.You can tell she know alot about english and she is passionate about. She cares alot about her students
ENG-300 : - Posted 4/21/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Day one she told us her grading scale and how she doesn't expect no any one to make A's, she is always making sure we know how stupid we are. I cannot say I didn't learn anything, but it doesn't matter how much you learn and follow her instructions she will ALWAYS find something wrong with your papers. (and you have to do a lot of papers, almost one a week, but that may be expected?) You can do everything you talk about in class but she'll find some completely random thing to take off a million points for, even if it is a small error it's a letter grade off. So even if you are a really hard worker and follow everything she tells you it's still REALLY difficult and pretty impossible to make an A.
ENG-200 : - Posted 11/10/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This women gets off to ruining your day and hates males. She ripped me everyday for asking questions and never answers them. I think she should be fined and will never recommend her to anyone.
ENG-200 : Literature - Posted 8/11/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I must say Mrs. Hays is a very unique teacher. Its all true, she does talk a lot about her son and gets off topic quite a bit, but hey, at least it takes up time. And trust me, you'll like that it takes up time because she will hold the class until the very last minute, sometimes even a few minutes later. All in all she is really nice and willing to help. I still got a B because she is the type of teacher that it just takes a special person to get an A. If she likes you, you'll get at least a B. If she doesn't, then you're screwed. You typically have to write a one to two page paper after every class for homework, and you have to write about exactly what she tells you to write about to get an A, so don't bullshit papers too much.
ENG-200 : - Posted 6/1/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I am not one to understand English, let alone literature. Her lectures were very helpful to understand the stories that you go over during the class. We had two essays, each were around 3 pages long. She doesn't grade to hard, she mainly seemed to grade on whether or not you actually interpreted the material. I would recommend that anyone who doesn't really understand how to interpret literature to take her, because she is very helpful, and understands that not everyone picks up on the class as easily as others.
ENGL-300 : - Posted 5/13/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Professor Hays is one of the best English professors I have ever had. She is not that tough and really makes writing papers fun. I never thought I would admit to that but she will do everything in her power to help her students. She really cares about everyone of her students and as long as you put forth the effort you will get an A. Take her!!
ENG- : Eng 200 - Posted 5/12/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
First of all, the people who wrote the bad reviews are absolutely nuts. Debra Hays is a good teacher who makes the class entertaining and easy. If you want an easy "A" then take Hays.
ENG-200 : Intro To Literature - Posted 5/8/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Mrs. Hays is the most passionate professor that I have ever had at WKU. Her tests were lengthy, but if you take notes over the readings then you should be fine. I had this as a night class so we had a quiz or a short paper over the reading due almost every week. The final was just discussing a poem and why you chose it! That's it! I highly recommend taking Mrs. Hays!
ENG-200 : - Posted 4/9/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I took this class last year and it was AWFUL!!! I am taking English 300 now and not only does the teacher not keep us the full time like Hays did EVERYTIME, but the class is actually interested and the teacher isn't crazy. Hays needs to teach the class on English, not on off topic subjects like her son and "the donor." The tests in this class are ridiculous. I know many people who took English 200 from another prof; I would recommend another class to everyone. Unless you like to hear about some washed up old broad talk about her life the whole time.
PS Hays herself wrote most of the green reviews.
ENG-200 : Literature - Posted 3/29/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Professor Hays is a great instructor. She does keep her students for the entire class period, but it's because she's extremely passionate about her work and her students. She doesn't want anyone to fail but she requires a lot of effort from everyone. Her grading is a little tough. Her excitement about the stories made the class fun. Also, our final was showing up to class to read a poem that we felt reflected the semester. It was great. I didn't do the extra credit but I would've gotten an A if I had.
ENG-200 : Literature - Posted 1/17/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I picked this class based on all the good reviews that were written about here, but dear god once I got into the class, I realized this was not the teacher for me. She keeps you in there til the LAST minute of class, EVERYTIME. She rambles on all the time about her personal life, none of which I care in the least bit about. Its okay to talk a little about what's going on in your life, but please don't take a combined 30min of each class going on about Sean Reid, and your ex-husband. Thats 30 min that we could be getting out of class early, or doing something else more productive.
She has been teaching English for over 20+ years, using the same stories and same writing assignments. It gets very old, very quickly. The comparisons she had for these stories were rediculus and stretched the limit. Don't think you'll be able to study from other people's tests either because she keeps them, and changes them every semester.
This was probably my hardest class the semester I took it, and I definately spent the most time studying and working in this class, but I ended up with a C. Probably barley a C too, but somehow I managed to get it.
If you can't get enough of reading and drama and literture, then taker Debra Hays.
Otherwise for the rest of the normal population, I can't tell you how much torture it was to sit in class and listen to her yap for an hour and a half about nothing worthwhile every class. This was probably the craziest/most out of touch college professor I've had, and that's saying a lot right there.
ENG-200 : English 200 - Posted 12/3/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
She is the best english teacher I have had yet. She really loves the subject she is teaching and makes it easy to dissect short stories, drama, and poetry. Very easy class as long as you do all the take home writing quizzes.
ENG-300 : Introduction To Literature - Posted 9/27/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hays is a good teacher. She can be sarcastic sometimes but that was one of the things I liked about her. The final is a paper not a test and you come in on the final time and watch a movie. The class wasn't bad at all but u do have to come to dicuss whats going to be on the test. You have I think 3 tests and quite a bit of papers over the readings but they are fairly easy!
ENG-200 : Literature - Posted 5/10/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I would highly recommend taking Debra Hays for English 200. She cares about all of her students. She will learn your name within the first two weeks whereas other Professors never know who you are. She makes the class fun and likes to do a lot of discussions. Exams are fairly easy and do not require a lot of studying. You also have around 10 to 15 quizzes. She allows you to take some of the quizzes home. She offers some extra credit. Take Debra Hays if you want to have an enjoyable class.
ENG- : - Posted 4/25/2007
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
ENG-300 : - Posted 4/25/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Professor Hays is a great woman and she really cares about her students. This is a 300 level class and she grades accordingly. One really great thing is that you only meet for class about 50% of the time because she lets you work on your papers. I would recommend her, but be prepared to try hard.
ENGL-200 : Literature - Posted 1/22/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hays is a good teacher. I took her for a J term at nine and im not a morning person at all, but she made it fun to come to class. The class mostly consisted of in class discussion, and three test. Also there is a thesis paper that was required, that was the hardest part of the class. I reccomend taking her!
ENG-100 : - Posted 11/3/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Mrs. Hays is a wonderful teacher. She talks a lot but she really tries to work with her students. I love her teaching style, and every freshman should take her. She's the bomb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I world highly recommend her!!!!!!!!!
ENGL-200 : Intro To Lit - Posted 6/28/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
This was the second time that I have had Mrs. Hays as a teacher and I definately believe that she is the BEST teacher on Western's Campus. I mean, sometimes the dry humor can leave you baffled, but she really cares about her students and takes time out of class to get to know each and every one of them personally. What other teacher boast the same?
ENG-300 : - Posted 4/14/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Ms. Hays is a wonderful teacher. She seems very interested in her class and appears to truly enjoy teaching. She is very laid back, yet humorous at times. She also tries to get to know all of her students which is very important. I really dislike English and she has completely changed my attitude.
ENG-200 : - Posted 4/13/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hays in an amazing teacher she really makes the subject enjoyable. If you love reading take this class it is pretty easy as long as you put in the effort.
ENG-200 : Intro. To Lit. - Posted 3/31/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
I was told by another student that Mrs. Hayes suffers from emotional problems and I understood this once I started her class & she spent 15 minutes telling of her son's escapades. She talks so fast it is as if she is on amphetamines. She has you read the story, play, poem, then spends most of the class re-telling or reading what we already read, then gives little or no time for quizzes and expects you to do well. Keeps you until the very last minute, never lets you out one second early and if you pack up your backpack because you have to be at the bottom of the hill for your next class, she calls you out and treats you like a grade school kid. I believe she has some control issues for sure.
ENG-100 : Into To College Writing - Posted 1/25/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Dr. Hays is the best professor I have had so far -- mainly because she takes the time to get to know every one of her students. She will be critical of your papers, but if you take her advice then you will see great improvement in your writing. She is very honest which is very important in an English professor. I highly recommend her!
ENG-200 : Literature - Posted 12/9/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Wow! I loved this class. She is really nice and funny. She really cares about her students. The stories are interesting and the tests aren't hard if you pay attention in class.
ENGL-200 : - Posted 10/28/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hayes is an awesome teacher. I literally HATE English but she makes it so you can actually understand the material (especially the plays) and actually wanna read. She is so enthusiastic and seems to really care about her students. Her exams aren't easy but they aren't impossible. Take notes while you're going over the stories and pay attention...just paying attention and listening really really helps. I highly recommend her.
ENG-100 : Intro To College Writing - Posted 10/25/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hays is a great teacher, great personality, and a fun story teller, She knows how to teach the material and really help you when it's needed. This class is not hard with her as your teacher and she makes it personal and fun so you actually get to know other classmates. Take this class - I did and loved it so much I took her for 200 and am ready to take her for my 300 level as well!
ENG-100 : - Posted 5/18/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Mrs. Hays was a great English teacher. She is really laid back and just a kind person in general. If you keep up with things and do your work its pretty much an easy A, but if you miss class and fall behind, your grade will suffer. I missed a few days and was behind but i asked her if icould make it up and she let me turn in late work no problem. shes really understanding and it is overall a really good class. i would definitely recommend taking her.
ENG-100 : Freshman English - Posted 5/3/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hayes is a GREAT english teacher! She is always willing to help you. You write 4 papers and have some homework (its not hard at all). As long as you work hard on your papers then you should be fine.
ENG-200 : English 200 - Posted 4/28/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
I loved this class. Mrs. Hays really cares about her students and you can tell just by how she teaches.
ENG-3311 : Frosh Eng - Posted 4/22/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
ENG-200 : Introduction To Literature - Posted 1/12/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
I've had many great teachers, but Mrs. Hays is by far the greatest! She REALLY cares about her students, the class, and literature. Mrs. Hays chooses pieces of literature that are actually relevant and worth reading, and offers a lot of insight into each piece. She actually made me want to be an English major!
ENG-200 : Intro To Lit - Posted 1/11/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Mrs. Hays is wonderful. Even if you don't care too much about Lit, or just not wanting to take it- take her. She is such a great teacher and teaches you to enjoy it instead of hate it. Her test will be hard if you aren't prepared for them, but if you attend class regularly, you will be fine. Work hard, and pay attention in class- she deserves all of your attention- and you will see why she's great.
ENG-100 : Freshman English - Posted 1/10/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This teacher is awesome; don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If they didn't like her it was probably because they were lazy and didn't care to work for their grade. This class is easy, for a good grade all you have to do is the work and do your best. She is critical, but if you use her critical nature to your advantage you will be very rewarded when you are one of the select few with an A+ on your paper.
ENG-100 : Freshman English - Posted 1/7/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Unless you Know how to write than Try to get another teacher. She is very odd and believe me you dont want her to ramble on because she talks about stuff that cant be said.
ENG-200 : Intro To Literature - Posted 12/24/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
This class is easy if you just read the stories and develop an opinion about each one. The exams arent very hard because the class discussions prepare you well for them. Mrs. Hays is a wonderful professor and I really enjoyed going to her class because you could tell that she wanted to be there and wanted you there too! She is a very caring woman and I would highly recommend this class to anyone.
ENG-200 : Intro Lit - Posted 12/20/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Mrs Hays was an amazing professor. There were days, were we would be in lecture and it would bring a tear to my eye, bc you could tell she REALLY cares for her students, and really wants to help you be your best. Be prepared for the drama section. Thats when she gets emotional, and shows she cares about the students... ESPECIALLY during "Death of a Salesman". The final was AWESOME, it was comprehensive, but remember to Study Lit is to Study Life!, our final was believe it or not a movie. We watched "Renaissance Man". If possible take Mrs Hays. You will enjoy it!
ENG-200 : English 200 - Posted 12/17/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mrs. Hayes is a wonderful teacher! She tries really hard to make the class interesting and open to discussion about the various literature stories that are covered in class! The tests are kind of difficult but if you study the handouts that she gives you in class, you will do fine on the tests! Overrall, a very good teacher, who I would recommend to anyone! Also remember that to study literature is to study life!!
ENG-200 : Literature - Posted 11/9/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
I love Mrs. Hayes!!! She is so nice and I loved this class. I thought it was easy, even if english isn't your thing. The stories are interesting and she really helps you understand it in discussion.
ENG-200 : Intro To Literature - Posted 10/14/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
If you don't like people with outgoing personalities, don't take Mrs. Hayes! She's very animated and has a great personality. Her tests aren't easy, but you take quite a few quizzes and write responses that can pull your grade up. I had a lot of fun in that class!