<p>I'll try to be as unbiased as possible when describing this clown. First of all, he has the math skills of a first grader. I couldn't help but laugh at him when I asked him if I could solve all the problems algebraically on the exam, to which he responded by asking me if I could do that. Anyway, my main issue with this guy is that he creates the exams by putting poorly-written questions. The questions BARELY test the student's understanding of the material. He makes the questions as tricky as possible -- going against what was covered in class. To make matters worse, he is the most stringent grader I've come across. Oh, and the exam comprises seven questions. </p>
<p>At this point, I can't stand this guy. I think he's a total idiot. I don't want to be in his presence. I am probably on pace to get a B, maybe a B+ in this class. I know that such a grade would lower my GPA, but it's not even so much about that, now. The dilemma stems from the fact that I would have to waste money retaking this course AND I have to put up with a guy whom I hate with every ounce of my body. </p>
<p>If you’re getting a B, I wouldn’t retake the class. That isn’t a bad grade by most people’s standards. And it is very normal for people to end up with a few Bs and Cs because of difficult situations with professors. </p>
<p>I’d say stick with it, a B is not a bad grade. It sounds like you’re getting by okay, even if the professor is awful.</p>
<p>I’ve had a professor who was bad at math before (he would get about one problem wrong on the board each class), and it can be stressful to learn like that. But it sounds like you’re still learning the material okay, given that you know when he messes up.</p>
<p>If you don’t feel like you’re learning the material, and the class is important to your major, then it’s a problem. If you’re in that situation, either drop and retake with someone else next semester, or stick out the rest of this class and audit/sit in on another professor later.</p>
<p>Exams: Putting hard questions tests whether or not you’re really understanding the material. Can you apply the concepts and apply them to new problems, or just regurgitate what was taught in class? If the questions are easy, or look just like homework/example problems, it’s hard to see how much you’re really learning. Maybe you can ask your professor for old exams or practice questions to help prepare for the next one?</p>
<p>If he has the math skills of a first grader, and the class is so far below your level–why are you struggling with the course. Do a lot of practice problems, teach yourself or get tutoring if you need to, and ace the course.</p>