Teaching Evaluations - Representative Student Comments
Here is a collection of recent student evaluations (2010-2012) organized by topic and level.
1. What are the strengths of this course?
Elementary French 1
* Every lesson is to the point. The easiest way to learn the material is to attend class. All the information you could possibly need is contained in neat, fun, interactive
slides accompanied by an explanation. The slides merely guided the lesson, they were not the focus. The interactive semi-competitive games encouraged participation.
* The course is very interactive, which makes learning the subject matter easier and more interesting.
* The teacher was very knowledgeable with the material and made french very easy to understand. He was also very understanding and approachable.
* This course is successfully designed in a way that promotes a keen understanding of the material at hand.
* Matt did a great job making everything clear in the course. His powerpoints and class lessons were amazing. He always keeps students engaged and interesting, Overall my favorite course this semester!
* Paced very well for students with no past french classes.
* cool powerpoint slides has really helped me to understand numerous grammar rules. Talking each day in french has improved my pronunciation also.
* I thought the class was well organized, and was broken up well so it was always different and not boring.
Elementary French 2
* It's advanced technological approach is incredibly helpful to keeping track of grades and getting help online
* Matt was a great and helpful teacher, who was understanding and did a great job of explaining things in more than one way for those who didn't understand.
* Matt is a great teacher for Elementary French because, being a native of France, he keeps things contemporary and fun. The three exams are very reasonable and the lowest grade is dropped, and the homework, discussion and culture assignments are very realistic and fair.
* As someone who is typically uncomfortable speaking other languages, the class had a comfortable atmosphere that made it extremely easy to learn and improve my language skills. The professor also included really interesting assignments and presentations.
* The instructor kept the class interesting which normally would be an easy class to not pay attention in.
* The course was interesting and Matt is a good teacher who treats students with a lot of respect. The classes were great fun and we learnt the material. The integration of class materials with the film, Quia exercises and cinematiques was helpful
* Knowledgeable and enthusiastic professor who's always willing to help. Also lectures are never boring with exciting activities, jeopardies, group works andpowerpoint presentations.
* The way he connected with us made me want to do work far more so than if he had been tough.
* He was entertaining and allowed for open discussion about the topic. Also, he made sure the material was clear to everyone in the class.
Intermediate French 1
* Matt is a very patient teacher and tries to explain things in multiple ways to make sure everyone understands. He's funny and engaging.
* Very good lectures, fair grader, fair assignments
* The teacher was very knowledgable about the subject. It was nice to learn a little bit about French culture throughout the course.
* Matt is a great teacher and good at keeping the student captivated.
* Matt was a great teacher, his powerpoints were always really helpful with the lesson and he always made french fun! He always had fun little activities that helped us learn the material as well as enjoy class. Great way to learn french at an intermediate level!
* Matt is a wonderful teacher. He is very funny and makes class entertaining. There is a good mix of group work, lecturing, and activities so you are not constantly listening to him speak.
* Students are presented with French from a variety of different mediums: discussions, CDs, movies, power points, music, etc. Importance is placed on not simply being able to write in French, but also being able to speak it. The professor also adds humor to lighten the atmosphere.
* It doesn't move too fast and allows the material to really soak in.
* Great course. Language courses can really be up in the air in terms of whether or not they're enjoyable. It really depends on the professor. Luckily this professor made
every class fun and engaging. He obviously enjoys teaching and really cares about his students.
* I think Matt's enthusiasm and charisma make this class what it is. If I had a lesser teacher I would be a little bored in class. The teaching methods are varied and the course material touches not just on French language and culture, but sometimes the human condition as well.
* Prof Destruel has found a great strategy in teaching foreign language. He engaged every member of the class.
* Professor Destruel was very enthusiastic and made French much easier to understand by using synonyms and actions while conversing with us in French.
* Very interesting class and teacher has a lot of enthusiasm. It proves to be an enjoyable and relaxing class. Teacher explains things clearly and is sufficiently demanding.
* I really liked the instructor. As a French native, he offered explanations that were interesting and that helped with learning the material.
Intermediate French 2
* It was fun, clear, organized. Matt was an amazing instructor. Class wasn't dull. there were fun things to do.
* MATT. Incredible French Teacher - I have been in his class for two years now and I have learned more from him than I ever did in my 5 years of French in High School.
* The class is very straightforward with daily assignments, exercises and lessons. The repetition and pattern of learning helped build my French foundation.
* Very organized, assignments were helpful for learning the material
* Matt was awesome. he made things interesting with his powerpoints and games. helpful as well, didnt make anyone feel bad for not knowing everything
* French is a fun language to learn. The Professor always had fun games and projects for us to do. He even brought some French foods for us to try.
* The teacher demonstrated a contagious enthusiasm about the subject material. He also pulled from outside resources (articles, pictures from other books, Youtube videos, etc.) to enrich the class and show the practical use of the subject material.
* the teacher was very fair and always available for help.
* the strengths of the course is the professor who made the course interesting. it is great to learn a new language, but it can be boring, but he made it interesting
* Matt is great at making the content accessible and relevant.
* Very understanding and fair professor, class taught primarily in French, regular homework assignments to maintain practice without being too overwhelming.
* Learned a lot, super engaging, fun, and youthful; easy to relate to, brings in a lot of current events to make class more engaging.
2. How could the instructor improve the course?
Elementary French 1
* The instructor could have assigned more frequent quizzes instead of simply three tests a semester.
* I thought the book was confusing and hard to follow. I had to learn everything from notes or from the power points. Consider switching books with a more organized format.
* He could not! Matt did a great job, Cannot wait to take his course next semester!
* The instructor could have had more office hours.
Elementary French 2
* Continue to provide exercises in class that require verbal communication.
* Do more examples on the chalkboard.
* More games
* The textbook was not great for explanations on grammatical rules, especially when it jumped into 100% written in French. The instructor helped with a smoother transition between English and French as the 'teaching language' but the book was too difficult.
* He could not, we all loved him and had a great time in his class.
* The instructor could improve the class by giving more optional exercises to do outside of class
Intermediate French 1
* Quia does nothing for learning french.
* Do not do the Mixxer anymore. It is kind of awkward to have a conversation in a different language with a complete stranger.
* There could be more emphasis on vocabulary and less on culture.
* N/A. Matt did everything possible to make the course as great as it could be!
* Obviously learning grammar and rules in a different language can sometimes be dry but I found everything to be completely manageable and even interesting in this course.
* Grammar was not covered as intensely as I would have liked.
* I hate those notecards with our names on them. I understand that they're supposed to force everyone to participate, but I still don't enjoy them.
Intermediate French 2
* Matt did a great job and I really loved his class - I am sad to say I am finished with French class but because of Matt am considering keeping up with French on my own time.
* I feel as if very few people got perfect scores on homework assignments. This is intermediate French, not native speakers, so everything we do I feel should not be so harshly nitpicked.
3. Would you recommend this course to other students, majors etc.? Why or why not?
Elementary French 1
* Yes. Even though Matt Destruel is a grad student, he handles the class and teaches the material like a professor. He is a great teacher to have. Take this class!
* I would because Matt is a great teacher and incredibly helpful, truly wanting his students to do the best.
* No, because some people do not need French
* yes. the instructor breaks the chapters down well and keeps the lesson plan organized on blackboard
* yes, most definitely, Matt is very good instructor and relates to his students very well.
* Yes I would recommend this course because I feel as if I gained good knowledge of the French language.
* Yes, I really enjoyed this course. I thought it was a fun, appealing way to learn French.
* Yes, this course is very entertaining as well as challenging.
* YES, Matt was a great teacher and he made the class that much more interesting and enjoyable. He was always available for help and always answered questions well,
overall a great teacher!
* This is a core course. A lot of students will take it anyway.
Elementary French 2
* Yes, The course content and teaching is structured very well.
* Yes, it's a great way to learn French for the first time, or review.
* yes, easy way to get ready for intermediate french
* French, no. Matt, yes. Easily the best French teacher I've had in my 5 years of French/
* Yes I would. I would not want to take any other teacher for a French course.
* Yes, because it was a fun, informative class and I am getting much better at speaking French.
* I would definitely recommend this course to other students. They'll learn a lot about french language and culture through this course.
* YES, it was the best class I have taken so far
* Matt is really passionate about French and he tries to make it as entertaining as possible. He jokes with us and tries to get us more into French.
Intermediate French 1
* Yes, it's well organized and well-taught.
* Anyone who is serious about learning French should take this course.
* Absolutely. It required a decent amount of work and studying but it really helps you to learn French well.
* This course is highly recommended for other students taking French. If they are truly serious about learning French, a serious attitude while taking this class will bring them closer to their goal.
* Yes, a perfect course to continue the pursuit of learning French.
* Yes, good course for the language core. Interesting, but also helpful with French skills.
* Yes I would recommend this course because it is not stressful yet one learns a lot.
* Yes, the syllabus was clear and the course followed it well.
Intermediate French 2
* I would it is very challenging.
* Yes I would because it is fun but you still do work and learn.
* YES - he is an incredible teacher who makes learning fun and really knows his stuff - BEST FRENCH TEACHER EVER!
* Yes. I have loved every class with Matt for the past two years.
* Yes I would. The teacher is great and makes class enjoyable. It is a very relaxed setting and you actually learn French.
* Definitely, Destruel is a greast person to learn french from and he made learning french for the past 2 years very enjoyable.
* Yes. Matt was a great teacher, he made the class so much fun!
* Yes, because it was my favorite class/teacher. Prof. Destruel makes learning french fun!
* I would recommend this class to anyone with interest in learning basic French. Class is very fair and able to work for any major.
* Absolutely, Matt is a great teacher and wants all of his students to do well.
* Yes. The teacher was fantastic; great model for speaking french and extremely fair. Wish I could have him as a teacher again.
1. What are the strengths of this course?
Elementary French 1
* Every lesson is to the point. The easiest way to learn the material is to attend class. All the information you could possibly need is contained in neat, fun, interactive
slides accompanied by an explanation. The slides merely guided the lesson, they were not the focus. The interactive semi-competitive games encouraged participation.
* The course is very interactive, which makes learning the subject matter easier and more interesting.
* The teacher was very knowledgeable with the material and made french very easy to understand. He was also very understanding and approachable.
* This course is successfully designed in a way that promotes a keen understanding of the material at hand.
* Matt did a great job making everything clear in the course. His powerpoints and class lessons were amazing. He always keeps students engaged and interesting, Overall my favorite course this semester!
* Paced very well for students with no past french classes.
* cool powerpoint slides has really helped me to understand numerous grammar rules. Talking each day in french has improved my pronunciation also.
* I thought the class was well organized, and was broken up well so it was always different and not boring.
Elementary French 2
* It's advanced technological approach is incredibly helpful to keeping track of grades and getting help online
* Matt was a great and helpful teacher, who was understanding and did a great job of explaining things in more than one way for those who didn't understand.
* Matt is a great teacher for Elementary French because, being a native of France, he keeps things contemporary and fun. The three exams are very reasonable and the lowest grade is dropped, and the homework, discussion and culture assignments are very realistic and fair.
* As someone who is typically uncomfortable speaking other languages, the class had a comfortable atmosphere that made it extremely easy to learn and improve my language skills. The professor also included really interesting assignments and presentations.
* The instructor kept the class interesting which normally would be an easy class to not pay attention in.
* The course was interesting and Matt is a good teacher who treats students with a lot of respect. The classes were great fun and we learnt the material. The integration of class materials with the film, Quia exercises and cinematiques was helpful
* Knowledgeable and enthusiastic professor who's always willing to help. Also lectures are never boring with exciting activities, jeopardies, group works andpowerpoint presentations.
* The way he connected with us made me want to do work far more so than if he had been tough.
* He was entertaining and allowed for open discussion about the topic. Also, he made sure the material was clear to everyone in the class.
Intermediate French 1
* Matt is a very patient teacher and tries to explain things in multiple ways to make sure everyone understands. He's funny and engaging.
* Very good lectures, fair grader, fair assignments
* The teacher was very knowledgable about the subject. It was nice to learn a little bit about French culture throughout the course.
* Matt is a great teacher and good at keeping the student captivated.
* Matt was a great teacher, his powerpoints were always really helpful with the lesson and he always made french fun! He always had fun little activities that helped us learn the material as well as enjoy class. Great way to learn french at an intermediate level!
* Matt is a wonderful teacher. He is very funny and makes class entertaining. There is a good mix of group work, lecturing, and activities so you are not constantly listening to him speak.
* Students are presented with French from a variety of different mediums: discussions, CDs, movies, power points, music, etc. Importance is placed on not simply being able to write in French, but also being able to speak it. The professor also adds humor to lighten the atmosphere.
* It doesn't move too fast and allows the material to really soak in.
* Great course. Language courses can really be up in the air in terms of whether or not they're enjoyable. It really depends on the professor. Luckily this professor made
every class fun and engaging. He obviously enjoys teaching and really cares about his students.
* I think Matt's enthusiasm and charisma make this class what it is. If I had a lesser teacher I would be a little bored in class. The teaching methods are varied and the course material touches not just on French language and culture, but sometimes the human condition as well.
* Prof Destruel has found a great strategy in teaching foreign language. He engaged every member of the class.
* Professor Destruel was very enthusiastic and made French much easier to understand by using synonyms and actions while conversing with us in French.
* Very interesting class and teacher has a lot of enthusiasm. It proves to be an enjoyable and relaxing class. Teacher explains things clearly and is sufficiently demanding.
* I really liked the instructor. As a French native, he offered explanations that were interesting and that helped with learning the material.
Intermediate French 2
* It was fun, clear, organized. Matt was an amazing instructor. Class wasn't dull. there were fun things to do.
* MATT. Incredible French Teacher - I have been in his class for two years now and I have learned more from him than I ever did in my 5 years of French in High School.
* The class is very straightforward with daily assignments, exercises and lessons. The repetition and pattern of learning helped build my French foundation.
* Very organized, assignments were helpful for learning the material
* Matt was awesome. he made things interesting with his powerpoints and games. helpful as well, didnt make anyone feel bad for not knowing everything
* French is a fun language to learn. The Professor always had fun games and projects for us to do. He even brought some French foods for us to try.
* The teacher demonstrated a contagious enthusiasm about the subject material. He also pulled from outside resources (articles, pictures from other books, Youtube videos, etc.) to enrich the class and show the practical use of the subject material.
* the teacher was very fair and always available for help.
* the strengths of the course is the professor who made the course interesting. it is great to learn a new language, but it can be boring, but he made it interesting
* Matt is great at making the content accessible and relevant.
* Very understanding and fair professor, class taught primarily in French, regular homework assignments to maintain practice without being too overwhelming.
* Learned a lot, super engaging, fun, and youthful; easy to relate to, brings in a lot of current events to make class more engaging.
2. How could the instructor improve the course?
Elementary French 1
* The instructor could have assigned more frequent quizzes instead of simply three tests a semester.
* I thought the book was confusing and hard to follow. I had to learn everything from notes or from the power points. Consider switching books with a more organized format.
* He could not! Matt did a great job, Cannot wait to take his course next semester!
* The instructor could have had more office hours.
Elementary French 2
* Continue to provide exercises in class that require verbal communication.
* Do more examples on the chalkboard.
* More games
* The textbook was not great for explanations on grammatical rules, especially when it jumped into 100% written in French. The instructor helped with a smoother transition between English and French as the 'teaching language' but the book was too difficult.
* He could not, we all loved him and had a great time in his class.
* The instructor could improve the class by giving more optional exercises to do outside of class
Intermediate French 1
* Quia does nothing for learning french.
* Do not do the Mixxer anymore. It is kind of awkward to have a conversation in a different language with a complete stranger.
* There could be more emphasis on vocabulary and less on culture.
* N/A. Matt did everything possible to make the course as great as it could be!
* Obviously learning grammar and rules in a different language can sometimes be dry but I found everything to be completely manageable and even interesting in this course.
* Grammar was not covered as intensely as I would have liked.
* I hate those notecards with our names on them. I understand that they're supposed to force everyone to participate, but I still don't enjoy them.
Intermediate French 2
* Matt did a great job and I really loved his class - I am sad to say I am finished with French class but because of Matt am considering keeping up with French on my own time.
* I feel as if very few people got perfect scores on homework assignments. This is intermediate French, not native speakers, so everything we do I feel should not be so harshly nitpicked.
3. Would you recommend this course to other students, majors etc.? Why or why not?
Elementary French 1
* Yes. Even though Matt Destruel is a grad student, he handles the class and teaches the material like a professor. He is a great teacher to have. Take this class!
* I would because Matt is a great teacher and incredibly helpful, truly wanting his students to do the best.
* No, because some people do not need French
* yes. the instructor breaks the chapters down well and keeps the lesson plan organized on blackboard
* yes, most definitely, Matt is very good instructor and relates to his students very well.
* Yes I would recommend this course because I feel as if I gained good knowledge of the French language.
* Yes, I really enjoyed this course. I thought it was a fun, appealing way to learn French.
* Yes, this course is very entertaining as well as challenging.
* YES, Matt was a great teacher and he made the class that much more interesting and enjoyable. He was always available for help and always answered questions well,
overall a great teacher!
* This is a core course. A lot of students will take it anyway.
Elementary French 2
* Yes, The course content and teaching is structured very well.
* Yes, it's a great way to learn French for the first time, or review.
* yes, easy way to get ready for intermediate french
* French, no. Matt, yes. Easily the best French teacher I've had in my 5 years of French/
* Yes I would. I would not want to take any other teacher for a French course.
* Yes, because it was a fun, informative class and I am getting much better at speaking French.
* I would definitely recommend this course to other students. They'll learn a lot about french language and culture through this course.
* YES, it was the best class I have taken so far
* Matt is really passionate about French and he tries to make it as entertaining as possible. He jokes with us and tries to get us more into French.
Intermediate French 1
* Yes, it's well organized and well-taught.
* Anyone who is serious about learning French should take this course.
* Absolutely. It required a decent amount of work and studying but it really helps you to learn French well.
* This course is highly recommended for other students taking French. If they are truly serious about learning French, a serious attitude while taking this class will bring them closer to their goal.
* Yes, a perfect course to continue the pursuit of learning French.
* Yes, good course for the language core. Interesting, but also helpful with French skills.
* Yes I would recommend this course because it is not stressful yet one learns a lot.
* Yes, the syllabus was clear and the course followed it well.
Intermediate French 2
* I would it is very challenging.
* Yes I would because it is fun but you still do work and learn.
* YES - he is an incredible teacher who makes learning fun and really knows his stuff - BEST FRENCH TEACHER EVER!
* Yes. I have loved every class with Matt for the past two years.
* Yes I would. The teacher is great and makes class enjoyable. It is a very relaxed setting and you actually learn French.
* Definitely, Destruel is a greast person to learn french from and he made learning french for the past 2 years very enjoyable.
* Yes. Matt was a great teacher, he made the class so much fun!
* Yes, because it was my favorite class/teacher. Prof. Destruel makes learning french fun!
* I would recommend this class to anyone with interest in learning basic French. Class is very fair and able to work for any major.
* Absolutely, Matt is a great teacher and wants all of his students to do well.
* Yes. The teacher was fantastic; great model for speaking french and extremely fair. Wish I could have him as a teacher again.