Instructor comments added in red

Rate the 12 questions below
Average rank
 ⇓

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Does Not Apply

1. What was taught agreed with the objectives stated in the catalog or course outline. 1.3 
2. The instructor exhibited an enthusiasm and interest in the subject. 1.1 
3. The instructor was knowledgeable in the subject. 1.1 
4. The instructor used class time effectively. 1.2 
5. The instructor respected people including those of different genders, religions, ethnic backgrounds, class status, abilities, and lifestyles. 1.1 
6. The instructor encouraged students to think. 1.2 
7. The instructor’s teaching methods were effective in helping me learn the material. 1.6 
8. The instructor made an effort to be available to students. 1.4 
9. The instructor helped students understand the course material and find answers to relevant questions. 1.4 
10. The instructor treated students fairly and reasonably. 1.2 
11. The instructor encouraged students. 1.3 
12. Overall, the instructor was effective. Consider both the limitations and possibilities inherent in the subject matter and course. 1.4 
Responses Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Does Not Apply Total
1. What was taught agreed with the objectives stated in the catalog or course outline. 34 (72%) 13 (28%) 0 0 0 47
2. The instructor exhibited an enthusiasm and interest in the subject. 43 (91%) 4 (9%) 0 0 0 47
3. The instructor was knowledgeable in the subject. 43 (91%) 4 (9%) 0 0 0 47
4. The instructor used class time effectively. 41 (87%) 5 (11%) 0 1 (2%) 0 47
5. The instructor respected people including those of different genders, religions, ethnic backgrounds, class status, abilities, and lifestyles. 41 (87%) 5 (11%) 1 (2%) 0 0 47
6. The instructor encouraged students to think. 36 (77%) 11 (23%) 0 0 0 47
7. The instructor’s teaching methods were effective in helping me learn the material. 28 (60%) 13 (28%) 3 (6%) 3 (6%) 0 47
8. The instructor made an effort to be available to students. 32 (68%) 12 (26%) 1 (2%) 1 (2%) 1 (2%) 47
9. The instructor helped students understand the course material and find answers to relevant questions. 32 (68%) 13 (28%) 2 (4%) 0 0 47
10. The instructor treated students fairly and reasonably. 39 (83%) 7 (15%) 1 (2%) 0 0 47
11. The instructor encouraged students. 34 (72%) 11 (23%) 2 (4%) 0 0 47
12. Overall, the instructor was effective. Consider both the limitations and possibilities inherent in the subject matter and course. 34 (72%) 10 (21%) 2 (4%) 1 (2%) 0 47

2

What did you like about the class?
Response
I liked how part of the class was online and the class times were shorter, I also really enjoyed the lectures because they were shorter than 2 hours and I feel like I learned a lot more because I paid more attention.
I really like how Joe related todays times to the beginning of america. It helps to understand history better if you can compare it to what we are experiencing today.
Joe was enthusiastic about the course material and a great teacher overall
the enthusiasm displayed about the history taught.
This class was absolutely brilliant. Joe Escobar has quickly become one of my favorite teachers in a matter of weeks thanks to his ability to engage an entire class in the subject he's teaching, form the structure of the class to encourage different perspectives to brew in the minds of the students. Overall, a fantastic teacher.
alot o history and learning
I liked that Joe was always challenging the facts and fact checking. It made it reliable information that he was teaching.
Teaching style, really appreciated the reminder emails as well
I like the fact that the instructor was very serious in teaching us about history, not playing around with the class time but still remained a sense of humor.
Joe was always enthusiastic about the material, and was always real with us. He did not tiptoe around subjects like relative slavery or the harshness of the colonies, but rather was up front and honest.
the enthusiasm of the instructor made the class enjoyable and aided in learning the material. Also the way the subject material was compared to modern issues was helpful in understanding why people of the times felt and acted the way they did.
I liked the connections to current world issues by showing their historical precedent.
The teacher was very enthusiastic about what he taught us and it showed. I have never been a 'history' person, but found myself excited to come to class and listen to what he had to say.
Joe's enthusiam about history, and his story's about dragging his family to historical sites.
joe was cool but the class sucked
My favorite part about the class was that the instructor was very enthusiastic about what he was teaching and made class fun with humor.
The class was very professional. Better than any lower level classes I have taken at UO. I think most of it can be attributed to Professor Joe Escobar's talent at giving lectures. Really good with technology and kept me pretty entertained. For how the testing was set up, I think he instructed the class very well.
Joe's enthusiasm for history was fun. Even I always did the reading, there were times that some of the info got past me. Joe's class lectures were very helpful in filling in the details.
I liked how the class had many options to earn points and improve your grade, with videos, polls, and forums.
I really enjoyed his lecture. I literally put on my Facebook to brag to my friends how I had a Slide Show Wizard for a professor. His power point presentations were very fluid and engaging. He is very fair, and if you don't put in the effort he won't give you points for nothing. Lots of easy points to earn, easy to understand lecture and power points, and interesting comparisons of bias. Very highly recommended.
Escobar was both passionate and knowledgeable on all aspects of subject material. The modern day tie-ins to historical events were also extremely valuable in understanding the psyche of individuals involved at the time. All in all i was very pleased with the course and will be taking 202 under the same instructor.
I enjoyed the instructor as a person as well as his enthusiasm about the subject he was teaching. Thanks, but it now looks like you are adding negative comments, which belonged below. Although, he went way too fast throughout the class on what he was teaching. The notes were pretty ridiculous, considering I spent most of the class trying to scratch down everything to make sure I had all the notes for that day. In return, it was really hard for me to pay attention to what he was saying and pay attention to what I was writing. With all of that going on, I had a hard time remembering what he had talked about and it was just really inefficient for me to actually remember and learn what was taught that day. The book was extremely difficult for me to grasp and take in, so I was hoping that the lectures and notes would help, but because of me having to write everything down and also listen to the instructor at the same time, it didn't really help any more than the book. This was the most frustrating class for me throughout the term, which really disappoints me because I was looking forward to actually learning and remembering what I learned.
The instructor was very entertaining, and seemed to have a real interest in what he was teaching.
Professor was very enthusiastic about the subject, made the lessons much more enjoyable to sit through. Class wasn't dull, videos and other aids were used very effectively.
Joe Escobar is a great instructor. He stays on topic, stays on time, and encourages us to keep up with all the reading. There's a lot to cover, and its a challenging class, but it's a "good" challenging.
I enjoyed all the different materials you used to teach us. Having graphs, pictures, and videos really help break up the normal lecture only type of class.
I really enjoyed the structure of this class during his lectures. He was always very organized and used our in-class time very effectively. He is by far the most organized teacher i have ever had and that made it very easy to follow along throughout the whole quarter.
I really liked the structure of this class. At first I was intimidated by the expectations laid out by my instructor, but as i saw he give us everything we needed to succeed.
I liked that the instructor showed many examples to include with the textbook reading.
I absolutely loved Joe's unbiased teaching. I truly believe 98% of what I was taught was completely factual. To see his passion for the subject was refreshing. I never had to "drag" myself to class.I was always excited to be in class on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
I liked the lectures during class time and how they came after the reading and weekly quizzes. It helped learn the chapters again and get a different perspective instead of material being straight out of the book.
I liked how Joe ran the class. He is a very efficient instructor.
I liked the overall atmosphere of the class. I enjoyed learning more about early US history from someone who obviously new a great deal about the subject. I also felt that professor Escobar was able to convey, through his enthusiasm, that the material is interesting and a worthwhile subject to study.
I liked how passionate the teacher was about his class, and how willing he is to help students.
How passionate Joe Escobar is about history. It helped me follow along instead of looking at the clock.
the true hard evidence and digging for facts.
I enjoyed the way it was taught and the use of the forums to get us to really think and understand what we were learning in class.
Escobar is great. One of the few professors who cares more about Truth (with a capital T) than being politically correct. He gives you history without all the bias, pandering, and tip-toeing around the hard issues that so often comes with many other college history classes I've taken. He also uses technology well. A good mix of slides, videos, interviews, and personal photos.
Joe was knowledgeable and very open to giving help, the online portion kept the classes shorter which is nice
This class was very informative. Joe really seems to love and respect the subject which really adds to the overall effectiveness of his lectures. the online forums were the only thing that i didn't really like.
I liked everything about the class kinda a repeat of what i learned in high school
The teaching style was effective, and interesting. I would have never thought this would be one of my favorite classes. It just goes to show what an enthusiastic educated instructor brings to the class room. I would recommend Mr. Escobar's class to anyone.
I enjoyed how the class was laid out with the in class vs. online. I definitely like the way Joe taught. Easy to understand and he makes sure to press in really important concepts as well as no dates to remember!
Mr. Escobar taught in a really interesting way and taught me the material that I needed to be taught.

3

How could this class be improved? Add any comments about the class and/or instructor that you feel might be helpful or useful.
Response
I can't think of a particular way the class could be improved. I really enjoyed it.
Better enforcement of the forums in regards to false information and uninformed ideas
the forum questions were difficult for me. maybe discussing the forum questions in class would give students a better idea on how to contribute.  I am always available and willing to help students during office hours or appointments any day of the week.
No improvements needed, the weekly quizzes, forums, and videos were all an added bonus to the lectures given in class. Students should really take advantage of the well thought out PowerPoints that Escobar developed for each of his lectures. Also, SHOW UP TO CLASS.
it is perfect
This class could be improved by more class time on the subject. It is a very interesting class.
Does not need improvement the instructor was great.
N/A
I would have found it helpful if the forums would have ended on sunday instead of saturday because i work full time and didn't have much time during the week to participate.
I don't know. I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this class and think it is done well.
Maybe a handout the first week about religions that was part of the the first couple chapters, I didn't have a lot of knowledge about the religions that were referenced in the text, so maybe a small cheat sheet listing the religions being covered.
remove it from the school
I can't think of anything that can be improved.
The style in which students are tested is too one dimensional. There is no short answer, and it covers a ton of material. 100 multiply choice questions on a test for this much information packed into one term is asking a lot out of most students.
The forum is a little intimidating at first. I think Joe should offer extra credit for forum 1 only....at least to those who consistently participated in all the other forums. smile
I would have liked to have more group discussions in class, because sometimes I felt like it was hard to listen to the instructor talk the entire period without any other interaction.  Just remember, I tell all students in this hybrid class that our discussions will be online, in forums.  We have 1 less hour per week in class in our hybrid class.  Also, in-class discussions usually involve 3 to 5 of the more outgoing and talkative.  Our online discussions allow (force?) ALL students to participate.  In forums, students also get time to formulate their thoughts before sharing them.  In class, students must be able to immediately think of what to say.  In my experience, very few students are good at that.
Love the way it is!
The class could improve by using a different book entirely. The book was way too long and detailed and did not get to the main points that we were actually learning about very clearly. Although I disagree with you, I'd be willing to consider this criticism if it were echoed by other students.  As you can see in these criticisms (and in a majority of the other evaluations I've provided online), few students agree with you. As well as a new book, I think that the instructor taking his notes off Moodle was a huge disadvantage to the students that actually went to class. If I didn't have to write down all of the notes for the entire hour and 20 minutes of my class, I probably would have learned way more effectively since I could have focused my entire attention on what the instructor was saying. The midterm was extremely hard for me, the paragraph length questions is a little ridiculous and close to impossible unless you know every single detail about what the instructor is asking. I think if you are going to have a "midterm quiz" or even a "final exam quiz," you should include most of the questions you will be using on the actual exam. I do not really see the point if you are going to include less than 20%. Again, this class was extremely frustrating to me. I believe that the instructor expects a little too much out of all of his students, especially with the forum posts scoring, and it seems like maybe he didn't realize that students are taking other classes too, not just his. The instructor is a really nice person, but should really reconsider his teaching methods. Easier book, give you my notes, give you the exam questions in advance, score forum posts easier, and lower expectations?  This is a college class.
The instructor continually claimed that dates, numbers, or specific battles would never be on tests. However these things were always on the test, and I found myself drastically unprepared for this information. I don't understand this criticism at all.  Students were never asked to provide dates or numbers for exam answers, and haven't been for my entire career teaching U.S. History classes at Lane.
Would rather have in class discussions instead of online forums.
The forum instructions are a little unclear about what is expected to get full credit. I found myself thinking I was posting enough and then underwhelmed on my overall score.
The only complaint I have is the pace of the class, which I’m aware you can not change. It is just a lot of material to cover in an 11 week class.
The only improvement I could say would be to maybe add more assignments? Our grade in this class was only one a few forums, quizzes and a couple tests. I think a few extra assignments being added in would help students out. If you could give a few suggestions, I'd appreciate it.  A number of students think I ask too much of students already.
I can't really see a way to improve this class. I think our instructor did a fantastic job of relaying all relevant information in a very informative and fun way.
No improvement
One thing that I did not like was the teaching that Baptists came from the Protestants. The term Protestant is someone who protested the Catholic Church. Baptist were never affiliated with the Catholic church. Therefore we cannot be Protestants. Now this is just my word against the modern religious view but I would like to quote some prominent men and show you that it is in fact not just my word. Sir Isaac Newton was quoted saying "The Baptist are the only body of known Christians that have never symbolized with Rome." Cardinal Hosius ,a Catholic in 1524, was the President of the Council of Trent said "Were it not that the Baptists have been grievously tormented and cut off with a knife during the past 1200 years, they would swarm in greater number than all Reformers." The '1200 years' were the years before the Reformation when Rome was persecuting the Baptist. My last quote is from a Presbyterian named Edinburg Cyclopedia he says, "It must be have already occurred to our readers that the Baptist are the same sect of Christians that were formerly described as Ana-Baptists. Indeed this seems to have been their leading principle from the time of Tertullian to the present time." Tertullian was born in about 150 A.D. Baptist trace their lineage back through churches with different names but with the same Doctrine and Practice back to A.D 30 when Christ called out His church on the Sea Shores of Galilee. Catholics truly date back to A.D 325 when King Constantine decreed its beginnings.  This would have been a wonderful discussion to have during office hours.
Being less weighted on the midterm and final.
I think the online forums might be improved, and easier to engage in, if professor Escobar was able to respond to a few of the posts directly with feedback and maybe question about the post for the student to answer. I do understand however, that there are probably time constraint issues with this idea. Great suggestion.  The larger issue for me is that in the past, once I have interjected a correction or clarification, the discussion had often "shut down" as students became fearful of making mistakes themselves and wanting to avoid public humiliation.  My comments were not belittling, but that perception was difficult to overcome.
The study guide was difficult. I didnt feel as prepared with the way the guide was laid out (in terms rather than what to expect).
More clarification of what information should have been taken from the text. Certain things that seemed very monumental and important were left off of tests. A lot of small random facts that seemed not very significant when reading were put on the tests. This just made taking notes much more difficult. I would only take this class if you are a history major or it is a requirement. I took this as an elective and struggled immensely due to the fact I am more science oriented. The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Dont change a thing
to not be held in the center building during construction and to have a notecard allowed on midterms and finals. They are hard tests.
The slides aren't provided on Moodle. I don't mind that so much (if you skip class you shouldn't be able to rip the slides off online in my opinion), but Escobar could probably slow down on the slides that contain more info. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up and you miss some of the info. Also, there can be a lot of reading. The textbook alone isn't so bad, but some of the forums included 9-10 pages of reading as well. On top of the textbook, that can really add up. I fell behind on the reading a number of times. Some weeks the reading was simply too much on top of my other classes and classwork.
not really any noticeable flaws
ask if people are done taking notes before changing the slide
You really have a ton of opportunities for students. I think if you did anything more you might as well just give out A's.
the online material that was required was good but the forums are definitely not needed. See "why forums are required" above