David Pauling - Tufts University, Medford, MA

Professor: David Pauling

Department: French

College: Tufts University, Medford, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: FR004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He really cares about french grammar, so if thats not your strong-suit you might want to avoid his class. He generally thinks he's being clearer than he actually is. When you ask a question in his class he will assure you that you aren't stupid for asking it, but if you don't understand his convoluted answer he will look at you like you are.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: FR004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The worst professor I've had in three years in any subject at Tufts. He was disorganized, spoke frequently in English, tore down my responses and ideas, and nitpicked instead of teaching the material. I left every class feeling humiliated and discouraged. There are so many great french professors here; don't waste your time with this one.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: FR004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Best french teacher ever! Knows so much and teaches stuff other teachers won't mention because it's not in the textbook. Also so nice, helpful, funny, reasonable and wants everyone to succeed!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: FR0021
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

An outstanding professor. Cares deeply about all his students and wants everyone to succeed.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: FR004
• 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:

Great teacher really improved my french.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: FR0021
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Pauling is so intense he makes you terrified in class sometimes. However, that teaching style was effective for me and I learned a ton in this class. He really makes you want to learn French grammar which is something I've never cared much about.. He's great and extremely knowledgeable but can be scary.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• 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:

He is a fabulous professor, loves grammar, and I second all the comments that praise him. My only problem with him is that he speaks English way too much. It seems like he gets so excited about literature discussion that he forgets he is teaching a French class. I have now gone back to just translating everything in my head...

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: FR004
• 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:

I've taken 2 classes with Professor Pauling now and enjoyed each immensely. He is extraordinarily good at teaching, and he brings an enormous amount of energy to the class which rubs off on the students. He really does put on a show each period and that makes it worth coming back

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: FR021
• 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:

Pauling is a great language teacher. He really wants you to understand the grammar and concepts of French. He is very encouraging and always available outside class. Also, watch out, he's occasionally hilarious.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• 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:

Pauling is a fantastic professor. He really cares about teaching, and makes himself available outside class hours if you need extra help. I've never met someone quite as passionate as he is about grammar! There's a constant and reasonable amount of homework. He doesn't make it easy, but you will learn a lot. Definitely take his class if you can.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Pauling was great! I'd heard before the class that he yelled at students and was mean, but that was really not the case. He's older (I'd estimate 65+) so his yelling comes across as grandfatherly. Grading was fair on tests, but slightly confusing on essays. He's understanding of late work. He was very helpful in understanding grammar.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• 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:

Prof Pauling loves french, and anyone who thinks he is rude or mean is being overly sensitive because he only wants his students to improve, and the yelling is funny and makes everyone remember grammar rules. tests are SUPER fair and have literally no surprises if you pay attention and do readings. Incredibly helpful in office hours. def recommend.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: FR4
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Pauling likes to use grammar exercises a lot. He can be pretty excitable in class and while for the first week I was really intimidated because he shouted at people, I soon came to realize he shouts everything at everyone. I think it was less he yells at people for making mistakes but to emphasize how to say things correctly.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: FR4
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great teacher! I learned so much from just 1 semester with Pauling! He is extremely enthusiastic about the subject, and his excitement will keep students interested and motivated. Don't be intimidated by him - he really wants to help you become a better speaker!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: FRENC0021
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Hi is very intense and excited about French! Although he could be a little intimidating at first, he really encourages his students. You will learn a lot in his class and stay interested.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Pauling is by far the rudest teacher I have ever had. He made students feel inadequate when they tried to answer questions, and he was very insulting if a student did not understand something when he felt like they should. He swore at a student during office hours when she tried to turn something in late when he had given her an extension.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

M. Pauling is absolutely insane. Sometimes it's really fun to take class with a professor who jumps up and down, makes funny noises and jokes around, but I was too scared to talk much in class because he often screams at people who make grammar mistakes. He also made someone in my class cry when she tried to turn something in late.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: FR21
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Before taking his class, I was ready to give up on French, but he understands that most Americans are not taught grammar so he takes the time to explain in both english and french. i'm much more comfortable and able to speak/write french now. beware:class is a challenge and he is quite loud and energetic for such a tiny person, but you will improve

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: FR4
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Though energetic and sometimes funny, he was rude and insulting. There was almost total emphasis on textbook exercises, while class was spent going over them. I know grammar better, but my speaking has not improved and he has made me hate the language after many many years of studying it. I did not need him. I could have taught myself the material

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: FRNJ
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Enthuastic, intelligent guy, knows his French grammar and culture so well. You'll learn a lot, but you have to work hard and pay attention to detail. Yes, does snap sometimes, but just take it with a grain of salt, he's hyper