Professor profile for John Scalo
Student reviews of John Scalo
Review from a student who took AST 309L
Took this course a year ago. Didn't do too well despite frequent attendance. I listened to the advice of friends who took astronomy classes in the past to "take an astronomy class, it's easy science credit". They lied. Memorize everything you can in the book -- especially charts and formulas. The tests were somewhat obscure with multiple choice questions that were not necessarily covered in the lecture. No attendance policy -- but I would recommend it. Also, attend the help sessions with the TA and talk to him if you need any help understanding anything. Like a typical science professor, Scalo is eager to teach about the wonderful world of astronomy. He also answers questions about the upcoming exams via email, so if you can't make it to office hours, don't freak.
Took this course a year ago. Didn't do too well despite frequent attendance. I listened to the advice of friends who took astronomy classes in the past to "take an astronomy class, it's easy science credit". They lied. Memorize everything you can in the book -- especially charts and formulas. The tests were somewhat obscure with multiple choice questions that were not necessarily covered in the lecture. No attendance policy -- but I would recommend it. Also, attend the help sessions with the TA and talk to him if you need any help understanding anything. Like a typical science professor, Scalo is eager to teach about the wonderful world of astronomy. He also answers questions about the upcoming exams via email, so if you can't make it to office hours, don't freak.
Review from a student who took ast301
Scalo has fun lectures, great personality if you like his sarcastic humor. Keeps you entertained. Although I studied my ass off to get a B in this class. Sometimes, he doesn't have time to cover the material in the book, and it will still show up in the test. Everything in the book goes. Tests are multiple choice and one voluntary comprehensive final
Scalo has fun lectures, great personality if you like his sarcastic humor. Keeps you entertained. Although I studied my ass off to get a B in this class. Sometimes, he doesn't have time to cover the material in the book, and it will still show up in the test. Everything in the book goes. Tests are multiple choice and one voluntary comprehensive final
Review from a student who took AST301
Lectures are very unorganized and unfocused. They often tend to lead to more confusion than providing clarity on the readings from the textbook. He rambles on and goes off on so many tangents that it is impossible to keep up with what he is saying. I wouldn't recommend his class unless you are good with teaching yourself from the book. He is good about giving a curve on the test, though. And his grading policy is nice, a 77 is a B and an 87 is an A.
Lectures are very unorganized and unfocused. They often tend to lead to more confusion than providing clarity on the readings from the textbook. He rambles on and goes off on so many tangents that it is impossible to keep up with what he is saying. I wouldn't recommend his class unless you are good with teaching yourself from the book. He is good about giving a curve on the test, though. And his grading policy is nice, a 77 is a B and an 87 is an A.