Deborah Torkko - Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC

Professor: Deborah Torkko

Department: English

College: Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ENG115
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Tough grader, either her way or no way. When late to class, she would glare at you with her crusty eyes until you sit down. She teaches basic grammar for 3 hours and gives easy handouts for each lecture. Don't waste your time.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ENG125
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Deb is a wonderful professor who truly cares about English and her students. Even now, I pass by her in the hall and she'll ask me how I'm doing. She is quite fond of discussion, and takes everyone's opinion into account. If you're looking for an easy going prof, take Deb.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ENG125
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

should not a university professor. Deborah is late almost every class, yet makes the class stay late everyday. If your opinion is not the same as hers it is wrong. If you take her class, be prepared for group work every class. $400 to teach yourself how to write essays. can not read her feedback on papers due to her terribly messy writing.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ENG115
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I found myself a little confused by what she wanted from me exactly, but overall it was fine

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ENG115
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class really helped ease my nervousness about university. I was able to interact with fellow classmates and the readings were interesting and covered a broad context. She is approachable and encourages easy discussion.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ENGL115
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Very good instructor who gives a lot of feedback for assignments. Could have had better choices for assignments though.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ENG204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Deborah is nice and friendly. I've never seen her not smiling. The assignments and projects are easy and clear. She responds to e-mails very fast. Very great prof overall!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ENG115
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

She should not be teaching this class. It's called essay writing and research, and we have learned NOTHING about essay writing or research. The classes consist of taking quizes on readings and talking in our groups about how insane this whole thing is. To pass the tests you have to agree with her opinion and destroy all your basic reasoning skills.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ENG115
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I was really intimidated by her but if you respect her and take this class seriously you won't have any issues with her ! Deb is really helpful , English isn't my first language and I feel like she took it in consideration! She gives really good feedback and and analysis research papers and essays really well !! She is really friendly and fair !

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ENGL115
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Don't take her courses unless you like group talking and talking in front of people. She only likes those who raise their hands and answer questions. Very tough grader. Most importantly, I literally learned nothing from her. All I did in class was writing and group discussion. I spent $400 to learn nothing. She always comes late to the class too.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ENG115
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Great teacher! She's very informative about work assigned and totally fair with grades administered. It's not difficult to get a good grade in her class if you are willingly to put in the effort.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ENG204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Unprofessional teaching style made attending class uncomfortable. She answered questions condescendingly and shamed/scolded students for arriving late. I was on time but observing this was very awkward. Semester started well but went down hill the more frustrated she become. She made me feel dumb and small and wasnt patient. I Won't go again.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ENG204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Very clear, concise and kind instructor. She tried really hard to engage us in this subject even though it was dry (business writing). She is very helpful during her office hours and even offers us tea if we come in for help on papers. Picked her b/c I had her last yr. and loved her teaching style.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ENG208
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The least helpful professor I've ever had during my entire academic career. She sucked her teeth when she was asked questions, sighed, and would tell you to "read your textbook." In a public speaking course, she gave instruction for only the first 2 classes. Criticized the class when un-taught rules not followed. Grades suffered. Was always Cranky.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ENG125
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Supper prof! I enjoyed attending class and the assigned readings were good too. If you have a choice, take her class.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ENGL438
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Deb is a brilliant teacher with a heart of gold. She consistently goes the extra mile to assist her students. Her feedback on assignments is astute. Visit her in her office and she will work with you to improve your writing.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ENGL401
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Such a kind, helpful, supportive professor. She has become my favourite professor out of my entire undergrad. You must keep up with the readings, attend class, and engage in discussion, but she makes it worth it to do so. Highly recommend. It would be difficult to fail because she wants everyone to succeed.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ENGF12N
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She's was an incredible instructor who provided exceptional support and patience, while delivering clear, concise teachings.She demonstrated exceptional composure and professionalism despite experiencing a tragic loss earlier this summer. Her primary focus is her students,and assuring their comprehension of the material for university level writing

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ENG125
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Wonderful lady, strict but excellent professor. Attendance is mandatory, but follwing that and doing all required assignments you will do well. Deborah will take the time to make sure you understand the materials.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ENG125
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She is very helpful if you're willing to ask. She spent almost an hour with me one day going over my term paper before handing it in. She's not the easiest marker, but is fair. She always is encouraging for you to see her outside of class time to let you know how you can improve.