MATH 34A
GARFIELD P M
Peter Garfield
191 reviews

MATH4B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

(TAKEN REMOTELY SPRNG 2020) Good teacher, I liked his explanations and although his slides had mistakes, they were clear and easy to understand. As long as you go through his lectures its an easy A. Never had to read the textbook. Biggest problem is he didn't publish 2 weeks of lectures... so that might hurt in my future math studies...

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MATH4B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Literally an embarrassment to the math department, even though the UCSB math department is an embarrassment in itself. This man had not finished the lectures for week 5, when we were literally going into week 9, so he had to skip a few. Does not know how to teach. He always has multiple mistakes on his slides every lecture, which is annoying. Lazy

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MATH4B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Many mistakes in slides, never posted office hourse, was 8 lectures behind most of the time. Overall terrible teacher, but I got an A so whatever

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MATH4B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Garfield is pretty clear and focused, but he is super disorganized and forgets to upload lectures. I find myself having to play catch up when he uploads 3-4 lectures a couple days before exams. Class is pretty homework heavy too. I honestly learned best through CLAS and by reading the textbook

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MATH4B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Clear lectures. A lot of homework (one for each lecture) but they're not too bad and he explains things pretty well overall.

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MATH2AB . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

if you need math for GE, this is your guy. did not take ap calc and still got an A- for both 2a and 2b. class is straight forward, prob the best math prof at least for lower div math. if you go to lecture and understand hw, as well as do practice exams, you will at least pass guaranteed. he is ur best friend and is a light of hope for freshmans

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MATH4B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

I didn't get the chance to see how he actually teaches in person. I have in as an online professor. His videos are fast and unclear. He talks straight through it and sometimes switches the screen to show himself, I dont get the point of that. He uses pure slides, so if you need to see how things are done or are a visual learner, he aint the one.

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2B . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Not going to lie, for people who don't have any calculus experience, this class is not easier than 3B, it is equivalent. However, this class was not so hard for me because I had taken AP Calc AB in high school.

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Class hard if you don't have prior calc experience. Lectures often confusing, so online hw can be difficult (but he often extends hw deadlines). Very nice curve this quarter. Peter is approachable & holds many OHs, though he's not the most efficient during them. Section attendance not mandatory but would recommend bc TA's solve hard hw problems.

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

differential calculus (so derivatives, limits, and their applications), but be warned- although this course is seen as the dumb math, is is the same as math 3A except more work due to the 5 units. There is 3 lectures a week and 2 NIGHT sections and annoying mastery quizzes since this course is trig and precalc too. Peter is nice, takes years to gr

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

he gives a 10 problems homework assignment EVERY lecture. if majority of class sends emails to extend homework... he for Sure will. Allows quiz retakes. gives practice Exams. is very friendly. Knows what he is talking about. Helps you pass the class. Sessions are taught by the TA.

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

If your are not good at teaching yourself material with little or no help, don't take this class. Also, he takes forever to give grades back or post them, so you will basically not ever know how you are actually doing in the class

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 4 Years Ago

Peter is a decent professor. His lectures are not the best. He does not explain the content clearly. It is almost as if he expects you to already know the material. Lectures are mandatory since iclickerb points are counted for. Personally, he doesnt explain the content well enough for me but everyone has a different learning style.

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MATH6A . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

One of the worst professors I've ever had the misfortune of having. He barely prepares for lectures, and it shows. He tried to be "funny" and just started having conversations in a 50 min lecture. He "teaches" with examples that aren't helpful, cancels offices hours often, and tests on material not covered by lecture or hw and expects expertise.

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MATH6A . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

He doesnt teach, almost. He always ask you to do the iclicker. He hopes that you will learn it yourself. Hes class is overcrowded with lots of crashers. He said Math class is a social occasion, which is pretty ridiculous. He wants us to learn from each other instead of himself. Office hour has too many people, its hard to ask a single question

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MATH6A . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

Peter is one of the best professors I have had. His lectures are very clear and he focuses more on ensuring that students understand the concepts than he does on proving them. His office hours are enjoyable and a great opportunity to get any questions answered.

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MATH2B . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

Very nice and funny guy. Sometimes applies a curve but won't tell you. Lot's of homework, but understandable. Provides practice exams, which are very similar to the exam which saved me. Would take this class again!

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

Best Professor I've had so far. He is so caring of his students and will listen to their requests such as extending homework. Although I did not attend office hours I always heard it was very helpful. As long as you pay attention and do the homework you should be good. Also make sure you know how to do practice tests.

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MATH2A . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

Peter is really sweet and truly cares about his students. He is very approachable and funny. The class is definitely no walk in the park and you certainly work for the 5 units. That being said, if you set up tutoring and keep on top of it, it's doable. Math is my weakest link and sitting at CLAS drop-ins made such a world of a difference for me.

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MATH8 . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

He's the man! Made the classroom very inviting and encouraged collaboration on the journey to proofs and higher math. Was always fair and helpful when I went in to office hours. There is 3 homeworks / week which is randomly graded for accuracy, but it's mostly fair. Definitely makes you think and work together but I learned the stuff well.

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MATH2AB . Garfield P M 5 Years Ago

Peter was an awesome professor, good at teaching, had helpful office hours, and his class was really easy to succeed in, which is much more than can be said about the other math professors here. The only thing that sucked was that theres homework due before every lecture which takes a ton of time.

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MATH108B . Garfield P M 6 Years Ago

Professor Garfield 's class is a very challenging. His hmwks are challenging and require a deep understanding of the material. He's a great teacher when he prepares and he gives his students a ton of help during his crucial office hours. I would give Peter a 5/5 if he returned tests before the last 2 weeks and didn't forget to prepare for class.

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MATH8 . Garfield P M 6 Years Ago

This class is extremely rigorous and demanding. There is a homework due every lecture. Notes were always on handouts given in class. Expect to go to office hours every week to get help on homework and topics. The class is very stressful, but if you put in the work and show you care, your overall grade will reflect it and the class was curved

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MATH8 . Garfield P M 6 Years Ago

Peter is a nice guy and good lecturer, and the material in the class is super interesting. I really wanted to like this class, but it ruined my quarter. Peter is lazy and doesn't give us midterm grades, homework solutions, or study guide solutions when he says he will, so I don't even know what I don't know. Definitely avoid.

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