Professor profile for Kenneth Gentle
Student reviews of Kenneth Gentle
Review from a student who took PHY 302K
I have a hard time imagining a more boring class to sit through. I took the class on TTH at 8am. It didn't take too long before I stopped going to class completely. (I probably went 3 times the whole semester, other than tests.) To do well, you must not only work the homeworks, (BY YOURSELF! so you actually understand the material, and not just plug in numbers) but you must also study from the textbook and be sure you understand the example problems. Too many people just studied specific homework problems... but that isn't the essence of physics, you must be able to apply knowledge to new problems. I thought getting an A wasn't too difficult. The weekly homework took like 3 hours to do. Each test study session took the form of an all-nighter -- I just thoroughly went through the textbook, until I felt I understood all the topics.
I have a hard time imagining a more boring class to sit through. I took the class on TTH at 8am. It didn't take too long before I stopped going to class completely. (I probably went 3 times the whole semester, other than tests.) To do well, you must not only work the homeworks, (BY YOURSELF! so you actually understand the material, and not just plug in numbers) but you must also study from the textbook and be sure you understand the example problems. Too many people just studied specific homework problems... but that isn't the essence of physics, you must be able to apply knowledge to new problems. I thought getting an A wasn't too difficult. The weekly homework took like 3 hours to do. Each test study session took the form of an all-nighter -- I just thoroughly went through the textbook, until I felt I understood all the topics.
Review from a student who took PHY 302L
Professor Gentle employs an antiquated style of teaching. An ode to his first lectures in 1966, he relies on TA's to handle the minuscule technological services such as grading. If his teaching in lectures work for people, I have not met them. To be successful in this class, you should set aside time to read the textbook, work on textbook practice problems and consult other learning avenues. Go to lecture at your own risk of simultaneous boredom and confusion. Material from lectures and homework - in a diabolical twist - is almost assuredly not going to be present on the exams. Best of luck to all how enter, you are better than I.
Professor Gentle employs an antiquated style of teaching. An ode to his first lectures in 1966, he relies on TA's to handle the minuscule technological services such as grading. If his teaching in lectures work for people, I have not met them. To be successful in this class, you should set aside time to read the textbook, work on textbook practice problems and consult other learning avenues. Go to lecture at your own risk of simultaneous boredom and confusion. Material from lectures and homework - in a diabolical twist - is almost assuredly not going to be present on the exams. Best of luck to all how enter, you are better than I.
Review from a student who took