Derrick Farnham
Data based on 5 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of 2022
Make sure to take notes as the teacher speaks because he doesn't post the slides on LEA.
Class of 2020
Mr. Farnham is a great and enthusiastic teacher. Make sure to take notes as he does not post the slides. He explains topics well and is very kind so do not hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand.
Class of 2020
I'm not a fan of studying philosophy, though I like to listen to other analyzing it. The class is fun and interesting, even half of the time I don't understand much till the teacher explains what's going on. Textbook is required. A lot of reading, a lot of assignments and a lot of note-taking.
Class of 2021
Take notes, and listen. If you listen to the teacher's slides (Which is NOT hard to do -- considering the teacher's great speaker skills), you've got most of the homework done. Derrick lets you use your notes during every in-class assignment, so if you take good notes and are a decent critical thinker, you're good to go.
Additional Comments
Class of 2022
Farnham is simply one of the BEST teacher I've ever had. He's really understanding, funny, charismatic and patient. Trust him and don't hesitate to participate and ask him questions.
Class of 2020
Best teacher I have had at Dawson! He is very kind and enthusiastic, explains difficult concepts well and his course is one of the rare classes I have taken that teach things that are useful to daily life.
Class of 2020
DO TAKE A PICTURE of his presentation slides because he talks and leads the class waaaay to fast. TAKE NOTES AND LISTEN CAREFULLY. Derrick is a super easy-going and understanding guy and has great communication skills. He's not necessarily a strict grader but a FAIR grader (you can negotiate your grade but need a really good argument, which he will explain the whole process lol) He lets you use your notes during every in-class assignment, so if you take good notes and are a decent critical thinker, you're good to go. Being late and absent is ABSOLUTELY your responsibility so you can't come up with an excuse like "I was absent and missed that part of the class" because he will just deny that, though he will give you a second chance but you won't an A or A+. Last but not least HAVE FUN IN HIS CLASSES.
Class of 2021
Derrick Farnham is the most memorable teacher I've had, and I took two courses with him. He's loud, he's visual, he's funny, and you'll probably love him and want every class to be taught by this passionate man. If you're a slacker, who doesn't listen in class and doesn't want to learn, best not be in this class. It's not easy if you don't care, but it's easy to care thanks to his teaching skills. Take him!