Gordan MacDuff
Data based on 4 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
Study the whole text book chapter not just the notes.
Class of 2020
His APES class is rough - he rarely updates the gradebook, is behind on grading, and is disorganized. Not all the test material is reviewed in class - you're expected to read the book in its entirety (and you might as well, his lectures can be hard to follow). He posts his lectures online, but most of the test stuff is what he says in class, so they're more of a reference than a study guide. He treats his marine bio/oceanography class like an AP class, and expects all the kids to be thoroughly invested in it. You're expected to read the textbook also. His lectures are like the APES ones, where they're mostly for reference and not for studying.
Additional Comments
Class of 2020
Both of his classes are rough. He's disorganized, doesn't explain things well, and isn't the best at answering questions. It's hard work to be in his classes, which I wasn't expecting considering they're both easy courses. For his APES classes, the test average is usually 69%-75%, which he considers "great. " For his marine classes, the test average is typically 75-78%, again considering this good (even though it's an elective course). If not having a frequently updated gradebook makes you nervous, you're in for a ride - he grades slowly, and doesn't update it often, despite the amount of work he gives and expects of both classes.