Western Kentucky University / B / James Barksdale
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
True/False: 8
Multiple Choice: 23
Matching: 1
Fill in the Blank: 2
Problem Solving: 18
Mandatory Final: 25
Cumulative Final: 20
Textbook Required: 16
Extra Credit: 1
Attendance Required: 23
28 Total Evaluations
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 9/16/2012
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
He is the biggest dumbass I know. This is the beginning of the year and we've only had one assignment (our first test is this next week) and I got a 17/25 because I didn't "draw a model" with the proof for the law of cosines or explain what I did, when there is a gigantic triangle that is labeled at the top of the damn paper and the question right before that asked to explain each step of the proof in detail. What he did was he gave us the proof for cos(b) and then asked for the explanation for each step, then had us do the proof for cos(a) and cos(c). Apparently he wanted the exact same explanation for each of the three things. Also, I learned all of this he's teaching in seventh grade pre-algebra, so this class is a complete waste of three hours of each week I have to sit through his lectures. He tells people they are making stuff up and won't answer questions in class in order to keep students from "getting confused." He basically tells us the history of math with the occasional pythagorean theorem reference. DO NOT take him.
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 5/31/2012
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Barksdale made this class much harder than it needed to be. If you take notes and understand math well then you will do fine, but he does not answer questions in class and most class time is spent explaining the background of the equations and symbols rather than actually teaching how to use them. It's possible to pass but you may not have to put in as much work with another teacher.
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 5/3/2012
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was the worst math class i have ever had and i am a math major. The grade is only based on tests, and it could possibly be only three. He is rude in class and teaches a lot of misconceptions. He also makes a lot of mistakes in examples during class. I found him very hard to learn from.
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 4/12/2012
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
STAY AWAY. I have NEVER had a teacher as bad as this man. If you want to learn the history of math and why we have the number zero and why the Greeks loved the number 12, then take this class. If you want to learn math like a normal student and be taught the applications of typical trig-like stuff, then don't take him. He teaches in a way that gives you the fundamentals of trig but omits the part on how to USE what he is teaching. So no problem right? You can just ask him to further elaborate. No his response will go something like this, "What you can't see it up here on the board?! PLAIN as day! Clear as crystal! [a brief-crappy paraphrase of what he just said] Can anyone else not see this?!" Poor teacher. Makes an easy subject way too difficult. Luckily I have a good math background or else I would have been in trouble.
MATH-117 : - Posted 10/25/2011
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
WORST MATH TEACHER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STAY AWAY!!!!!! I couldn't even stay in this man's class for more than 3 weeks. I asked him if I could meet outside of class for help with him and when he FINALLY answered me he didn't help and instead embarrassed me in front of the whole class. He said that math is for lecturing not for examples. So if you learn by listening to an old man talk nonsense about the history of math instead of actually showing you how to work a math problem then this is your guy. I personally do not learn math that way and did not appreciate his rude comments because I do not have a PhD in math.
MATH-227 : Calculus Ii - Posted 1/11/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I got an 89 in the class, but believe if I had worked a LITTLE bit harder, could've got an A. He's one of those teachers you don't mind at some points but at other times you wish you were dead. There are only 4 exams as your grade. NO extra credit or ANYTHING like it. He's willing to help you out though. DO THE ISSUES!! They will help you, otherwise you will fail! Not bad, as long as you DO THE WORK
MATH-227 : Calculus/analytical Geometry Ii - Posted 11/11/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I am good at math so it was a breeze for me. For some people it will be hard because they just don't get it. Grades in my class on tests ranged from 100 to 30's. Now about Barksdale. This man is old, really old. He says the same thing over and over again every day. His jokes aren't funny. I don't think they were funny 100 years ago when he was young. His class and lectures are very very very boring. It's hard to stay awake. He takes attendance every single day. There is no possible way he will give you a day off. The worst part is if he gets done with his lecture and their are 10-15 minutes left he doesn't let you leave. He keeps you in there and talks about pointless stuff that the class already knows. But his tests are easy, usually 20 problems. It doesn't make up for how boring the class is.
MATH-227 : Calc/anal Geom. Ii - Posted 12/20/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
No Homework, but this meant that there was only 4 grades. you have 4 tests including the final each worth 100 points so you have everything to lose on each test. He is a great teacher and explains everything in great detail. He has some pretty lame jokes but some of them are actually kind of funny, i'd definitly reccommend him if you want to learn and aren't overly concerned with making an A.
MATH-227 : Calculus Ii - Posted 8/15/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Barksdale was a very good and thorough teacher. He made a lot of jokes, as corny as they may have been, but it helped make the time go by. He gave a lot of help when it came to study guides and study sessions. There is no doubt about it that this is a difficult class, but as long as you pay attention, keep up, and do the study guides, you will do fine.
MATH-227 : Calculus 2 - Posted 8/27/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I survived the summer class that was 8 weeks long. He makes really dumb jokes, but if you're willing to help yourself then he'll be more than happy to help you. He kind of expects you to get it the first time around and if you don't, just stop and ask him. His tests are pretty easy but the final is mostly multiple choice and there's really no way to study for it. If you can take the semester class with him instead of summer, I would do that. He expects a lot from his students, but you will learn too.
MATH-127 : Calculus 1 - Posted 1/10/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Barksdale is a real quack. He is the worst math teacher that I have ever had. There are 4 tests in his class, no homework, quizzes, or extra credit. So if you totally bomb one test you have to make almost perfect scores on the rest to get a decent grade. If you have copies of his old tests then you have nothing to worry about, that is until final time. His final was horrible. To give some idea of how bad a teacher he is: on the first test the class average was an F. He said that it wasn't his fault. The other three tests didn't average much better either. Don't take him if all possible.
MATH-117 : Trigonometry - Posted 12/17/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Dr. Barksdale is hilarious, in his own goofy way. His tests are all multiple choice and overall very easy. If you know the fundamentals of algebra and go to class, you'll do great.
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 11/17/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Barksdale is one of the more eccentric profs i have had. He likes to tell corny jokes and he talks about the same topics until he has run it in the ground. However, the tests are all multiple choice and if you pay attention then they shouldn't be too hard. He gives no extra credit and he doesn't like to answer questions in class but otherwise he isn't bad.
MATH-227 : Calculus Ii - Posted 5/9/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Where do I begin? I am sorry to say, but this professor was the single worst math teacher I have ever had. He only has 4 grades in his entire class, including the final, he offers no extra credit, and he really doesn't teach you that much. His stupid jokes eat on you, because he says the same thing every day... and no, they don't serve chilli dogs at garret!! Anyway, after bombing the first two tests, I decided to not listen to a word he had to say, and I actually ended up doing pretty well on the last two tests... I basically taught myself calc II, but since he only has four grades, there was no way for me to still pass the class with a c. He likes to ramble on about everything but math, and when he is trying to lecture he just goes over and over and over and.. did I say over.. proofs which he spends way too much time on. The examples that he works in class (if he gets to them) are entirely way too simple, so when you get to the complicated stuff you have no idea what is going on. If you want to actually understand calc II after taking it, do not take this professor. I honestly don't have anything against this guy; if I knew him, I would bet he is a good guy, but the fact is he just cannot teach. Take him if you want, but I warned you.
MATH-227 : Calculus 2 - Posted 5/6/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
If you enjoy sticking a hot iron spike through your eye, then this course is right up your alley. Let me make one thing very very clear. BARKSDALE IS A FRIGGIN' LUNATIC! He is soooooooooo hard. You have 4 tests and no HW. In a Math class, that is suicidal because you have no way to raise your grade at all if you mess up just one error. It is a certainty that this will occur because Barksdale teaches different than the book, so it's utterly useless. Also, you must do details in his fashion, otherwise it's wrong! I missed 9 points out of a 10 point problem for not putting brackets around what can only be called a "make-shift table" in my work Honest to God, I don't know how I even passed. If possible, take Binko. Seriously, I'd sell my organs to have had him instead of Barksdale.
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 4/20/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Barksdale is a goofy little fellow. He thinks he is funny, but he is not. As for teaching, he teaches about 4 things all semester long, but he repeats the same thing for like a week. Tests are fairly hard, but if yopu don't wait until test time to try to learn trig (like I have done) you will do fine. Don't laeugh at his jokes, this encourages him, you probably won't anyway.
MATH-117 : Trigonometry - Posted 4/14/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This guy is really excentric, but if you pay attention and takes the notes, you should do really well. He's an overall effective teacher.
MATH-227 : Calculus 2 - Posted 8/6/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
dr. barksdale is a funny guy, so the class was usually entertaining. he is an ok teacher, so pay attention all the time. he will usually go over material more than once. dr. barksdale is not especially helpful, so he may not be the best person to ask for help. however, at least try him first. the material is difficult but not overly so; if i would have done my homework and studied, i would have gotten an A. just go to class and do your homework and you will be fine.
MATH-117 : Trigonometry - Posted 5/3/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Barksdale is a funny guy. I have never been good at math, but I made two 100's on his test without having the old ones. Since the tests are multiple choice, you can check your answers even if you dont know how to work the problem. Good teacher as long as you know some fundamentals of math, but the tests are the only grades.
MATH-307 : Intro To Linear Algebra - Posted 12/14/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Barksdale himself is a good prof. However, he bases your grade on 3 hourly tests and final with no mandatory homework or chance for extra credit. This is a course which should be an easy A, but if you mess up one of your tests, your A is gone. Take Dr. Barksdale with tongue in cheek; He is very funny and intertaining, but don't look for an easy A.
MATH-227 : Calculus 2 - Posted 12/12/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He can be goofy at times, but it's better than having someone who is very stoic. He really explains things in detail. He wants you to know exactly how things work in his class, so be careful on tests to show every step in detail.
MATH-307 : Intro To Linear Algebra - Posted 2/11/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Not the most interesting teacher. He attempts to make class fun, by making jokes, and many times he succeeds. Overall it was rather boring, but it was very easy. He gave no homework, only tests. And his tests were rather easy themselves
MATH-117 : Trig - Posted 1/31/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
A total joke of a teacher. On several occasions he would put the wrong steps in a problem on the board on purpose just to make some corny joke. The lecture is boring, it has little to do with the tests. The tests are about 25-30 questions and are all multiple choice. No partial credit, which is insane for a Math course.
If you want a lazy, possible emotionally unstalbe professor, Barksdale is your man.
MATH-227 : Calculus Ii With Analytic Geometry - Posted 1/31/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Barksdale made this class more difficult than was necessary. His tests would have been fair had the lecture material covered the topics presented on the exams. His classes were boring, and notes were extensive. I made an "A" in Calc I, but found Calc II impossible with this professor. The only time that I would recommend taking this prof. would be when you have found copies of his old tests. As far as I know he doesn't change anything about his tests.
MATH-117 : Trigonometry - Posted 12/14/2001
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Barksdale is probably one of the easier teachers in the math department, However your grade consists solely on the four tests you take. he will tell corny jokes, and he loves chili dogs. Some stuff he can teach the stuff well, and other stuff he can't. All of his tests are multiple choice, which is a bonus.
MATH-117 : Trigonometry - Posted 10/15/2000
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
�He teaches different things than he gives for homework. Goes off topic a lot but his tests are almost all multiple choice. If you know someone with some old tests it will be so easy. Makes ALOT of jokes in class.
MATH- : � - Posted 8/16/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This teacher gets very defensive when you ask questions about your test and does not take comments well. He is a fun teacher but classes are for grades, and it will suffer if you take this teacher.
MATH-118 : College Algebra/Trig - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
HE IS CRAZY, but he is cool. A easy Math class. I was supposed to have his class 5 times a week all the time, but he gave us a Friday off every other week. He is cool!