Web site helps students pick and choose professors
Chase Johnson
“Worst teacher ever! If you want to teach yourself then go ahead and take his class. If not then get out quick! He knows nothing.”
“Great teacher, gives lots of challenges and work, I had a good experience. I would recommend him to anybody.”
These comments were made by two separate students, however both were referring to the same teacher. How can this be?
A Web site called ratemyprofessor.com reviews professors at colleges around the nation, including Mesa Community College.
The site was created to help students have an idea of a certain professor before they take the class. Answering questions about how much homework one would expect or difficulty level.
Imagine movie reviews; now imagine that same idea for professors.
A person can go to the site, type in the last name of their professor and then narrow the search by the department. Then one can read all the reviews of their future professor.
In a simpler way to explain, it is consumer reports for professors.
And the reviews can range from pleasant emotions to a very strong dislike.
There is also a rating system to find out if a teacher is hot or not. For some, this might be an important feature.
Some students love the site and use the reviews to help them better understand what they will be jumping into once classes start.
“I used ratemyprofesor.com to check all of my teachers before school started to see if they give out a lot of homework and what not. I read good reviews on all of them so I felt pretty good. The reviews were true, and I will definitely be using it again,” said MCC student David Hunt.
However not all students agree with reviewing teachers. Some think that one should just take the hand they are dealt.
“I don’t think it’s all that credible. I think you should just take what you get, and if you have to actually work in your class then so what, deal with it. I think the site is dumb,” said MCC student Ray Rascon.
Some teachers have voiced opinions regarding the site and it’s negativity toward teachers.
However, does the site actually change student decisions? According to MCC student Loretta Morris it does.
“I looked up the reviews on one of my professors and read bad things about him so I quickly switched to a new professor. I am glad I did and would do it again.”
Like it or not ratemyprofessor.com is not going anywhere. With more than five years running, it’s bound to stay.
