Alessandro Grippo - Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA

Professor: Alessandro Grippo

Department: Earth Science

College: Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: GEOL4
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

If you're a serious student that does his/her assignments, actively engages in class, takes notes, and can study you will do great. Nonetheless, the professor cares about all his students and recognizes real effort as long as you don't quit. He will help you through anything you do not understand and has plenty of extra credit available to help you

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: GEO5
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Grippo is obviously really passionate about geology, and is very knowledgeable. But, because he is so knowledgeable he has trouble putting these difficult concepts into simple terms at times. It is not an easy class, but if you do the work and apply yourself you can do well. He really encourages students to ask questions. It is a test hevy course.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: GEOL4
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took Dr. Grippo over the winter semester, so the class was a bit more challenging than normal. I spent on average 3 hours per day studying and managed to do pretty well on tests. I had a personal issue that limited my attendance to class, but Dr. Grippo was incredibly understanding. That being said, he rewards hard work and recognizes real effort

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: GEO5
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Three assigned textbooks. Uses one for quizzes that you take every other class, never has covered the topics in class or on powerpoints, claims they are just to prove that you read but grades them extremely harshly. The 100 question exams are also usually on material that he didn't address in class. He goes on tangents about stuff we don't need

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: GEO5
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Grippo is such an amazing, knowledgeable geology instructor! He is also very caring, he helps his students as much as he can. Take professor Grippo, his lectures are interesting, he is passionate about his work, and you learn so much from him!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: GEO1
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class was very difficult. His lectures are straight forward but the exams are extremely detailed. If you enter this class, be prepared to read the textbook cover to end and then some. Not to mention he practically didn't have any office hours, they were at 9:30-10:30 PM. Your main study material should be the textbook and study guides.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: GEO4
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Grading Scale: 3 Exams 500pts about 100 questions each, Lab Work 400pts Just mineral and rock identifications and some worksheets here and there. He gave us full credit for most of the assignments. 100pts just for attendance and participation. All his exams had extra credit points as well. Just be prepared, study for exams and you should do well

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: GEO4
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took this class during the Winter. The lectures are long and dry, but Dr. Grippo is very nice and the labs are more than doable. I recommend reading the textbook and taking thorough notes from the book, since his lecture notes are very simplified and his exams are very detailed. This class is more about effort than being perfect.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: GEO4
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I LOVED his class. I took it in the winter and it was very fast-paced, but he stops to answers questions anytime there's one, and doesn't mind explaining over and over until you get it. You MUST read the book and make good notes. Participation counts, and he offers extra-credit with every text. I recommend his class! I got an A, and so can you!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: GEOL1
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Grippo is a good teacher. He's informative, incredibly intelligent, and very obviously passionate about his field. Now, be prepared to take notes, read texts, and study for his tests. He's a lecturer and you should NOT expect a questions and answers kind of class. Careful with his tests, he uses class lectures AND text for questions. Great class!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: 4254
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Hardest class ever. Tests are super challenging! "Labs" are just worksheets being filled out. His study guides are ridiculous! 5 pages the least for study guides. You need to memorize so much!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: GEOL5
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's a very nice man who wants to be helpful but an awful teacher. Unclear, disorganized, doesn't explain well even when students ask questions. "Lab" is filling in questions in an overpriced workbook. You never do actual experiments. Tests have material never covered in class. Don't do this to yourself.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: GEOLOGY5
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

There are weekly quizzes on a novel about fossils and geology. He wants SPECIFICS of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY & HOW. I got an answer wrong on an assignment. Same question, same wrong answer on another student, that person got full credit. HE DOESN'T HAVE OFFICE HOURS. Is that even allowed?

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: GEOL104
• 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: N/A

Comment:

I recommend taking it over the summer cuz he is more lenient. however, showing up to class is a must. really thought I was going to get a D but got a C, and was happy. over the summer, he gives a lot of extra credit, and that is what saved me. don't expect an A, study the textook like a bible, show up everyday, pay attention. class was 4 1/2 hrs

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: GEOL4
• 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:

If you go to class everyday on time and leave your personal life at the door (i.e. cell phones, attitude, drama) I am sure you will do fine. Must thoroughly read the book. Exams are clear and straightforward, as are his lectures. He is always willing to elaborate on any uncertainties, granted you listen in class.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: GEOL5
• 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: N/A

Comment:

Very nice man who is very passionate about geology, but has no idea how to teach. He can never stay on topic during lectures and is the most subjective grader at SMC. The amount of material you are expected to know for a test is absolutely ridiculous/unheard of. Do not take this class! Trust me!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: GEOL1339
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took the 6 week summer class and got an A. Just pay attention in class, and study the textbook; put effort in. You need to attend class because there are things he explains that you might not otherwise understand on your own. Professor Grippo is kind & helpful, I always stayed after class and asked him things; he was always willing to help :)

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: GEO2221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took his class for geo 31 (oceanography) and yes, he is a nice guy however he has no idea how to manage time. he would give up a test on 2 chapters then the next on 7. NOT AN EASY A. and he takes points if your absent.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: GEOL31
• 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:

Yes, he has an ACCENT but unlike some people with accents, he is very easy to understand. He enunciates and speaks loudly, explains materials in a simplistic manner, and is experienced. I like how he conducts class- very strict, no childish whispering or texting. Why some people can't understand him? maybe you just don't want to try?...

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: GEO31
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

very easy to get an A. the problem is he has an accent when he talks so its kind of hard to understand him but besides that i didnt have a hard time getting an A.