Ducanes, Geoffrey

Ateneo de Manila · 21 comments

3.8

based on 21 comments

positive 12
neutral 8
mixed 1
negative 0

Clarity3.9

Helpfulness4.0

Grading fairness2.8

Workload3.8

neutral

why is everyone reacting with the laugh emoji? 😅

positive

from what i know, my coursemates who took ducanes learned more but the rest of us that took saplala got easy b's with no effort 😹 both profs are nice naman!

positive

Update: I took him and 10/10 would take again 👌

neutral

Bump! how is his workload and grading standards? thank you!

positive

Update! Took him first semester of 2021-22. Solid 8.5/10. While this was definitely one of my more stressful classes this semester, I learned a lot and got a good grade! He explains concepts well and is really open to questions whether it be in class or as a message (and he replies back really fast even if it was late at night). Work is done in pairs so make sure you have good communication with your partner. The most stressful part about his class is that he didn't give much feedback so it was hard to tell our class standings. It also made it really scary because we got feedback from the first assignment the day the second assignment was due and a lot of us were surprised we got low and had to adjust the second assignment last minute. But we did. Workload is doable but we did need deadline extensions (which he gave). I have a pretty short attention span and he talks a little slow for my pace (though in all fairness I've been told I talk too fast) so I tended to zone out a lot in his synchronous class no matter how hard I tried, but I just rewatched the recordings at ×2 speed and was fine. Overall I would take again!

positiveMATH 31.1

I haven’t been under him for any Ateneo classes yet, but he has handled us for contest trainings before, and I think that he’s one of the best profs you could wish for. Count yourself lucky! By the way, Math 31.1 LTs are departmental, so you’ll be taking the same LT regardless of prof.more

positive

You are in good hands! Hard problem sets but LTs are average difficulty. Good lecturer and funny

mixed

One of the nicest profs ever!!!! In terms of teaching, he’s rly good and takes time teaching the lesson. If u ask him to repeat something he’ll ask what u don’t understand and make sure u get it talaga!! He occasionally gives quizzes (maybe 1 per topic or so?) and i really suggest doing ur best in them cos they rly pull up (or down) your grade. The quizzes are easy naman basically just like the examples he gives in class. His LTs are generally more difficult though since he rly tests if you get the lesson or not. Do the old LTs and the stuff in the book and i think you’ll be fine naman. Oh and one thing he hates is when students write down solutions and box a wrong final answer even though they know it’s wrong. NEVER do that! He’ll really write a comment on your paper LOL but trust me he doesn’t take it against u i guess he’s just challenging u to be more critical. If you’re unsure of a question, just write down a solution u think is right and if he thinks you’re on the right track, he’ll give partial. Lastly, good luck!!!more

positive

Hidden gem!! Take him :>> very lenient

positive

For Dr. Ducanes, I would say he’s nice and approachable. That is probably the biggest upside to his class because the class is really a “learn by doing” type of class, so its best you are able to ask him about your work. He does return your work pretty late. Some say he’s nitpicky with the Problem Sets (and in general), and I can agree with that. But honestly, I think it’s because people are used to writing a bit too flowery. Read the research papers posted on his Canvas; generally thats how he wants you to write. Lastly, this is a class where “creative” risks aren’t rewarded. Be precise, complete, and CORRECT, nothing else. This is something you will have to understand. His workload isn’t too heavy, although his recitation are done through presentations, (you are picked randomly, but like most requirements it is by partner) which require some degree of preparation to do well in.more

positive

Light workload, explains the lecture well. Most if not all requirements are by group or by pair. Makes metrics easier to understand. Ez B+/A 🙂

positive

Very understanding and good at teaching. Had him for applied calculus. He thoroughly understands what he’s teaching and is open to questions from the students. He also adjusts the LT difficulties based on how his classes are performing. His humour is corny but in the entertaining dad/tito joke way. 8/10 proffmore

positiveMATH 31.1

Had him for Math 31.1/31.2! He has been my favorite Math teacher (so far) in my entire academic life! Pros: - Knows his stuff! Super good at the topic (Calculus and more, probably every Math) - Funny and engaging! Makes hilarious comments sometimes. I’d look forward to going to his class. - Quizzes and personal LTs are related to the lesson; not the type to give that many curveballs. He usually just gives a challenging version of what you’ve done but nothing you won’t see coming! - Usually the most comprehensive professor when it comes to departmental topics! - (Not sure if for everyone) Allots a session for “Open forum” where you can ask any question and he’ll demonstrate how to answer Cons (only one): - He gives the opposite of partial points. He is super strict with solutions, and gives deductions for the smallest of errors. Therefore, he grades kinda low. I’d say it’s good training though! It practices you towrite elegant and solid solutions. BUUUT, honestly, can’t blame him for grading that way! After every test, if you mess up, you know it’s because of personal carelessness or lack of studying because he’s that good and organized in teaching! Tip: - He’ll probably say something like this in the first few sessions but write your solutions like you’re writing an essay! Don’t have stray equations and make sure to use the right “punctuation marks” (only put the = when necessary, be careful with too many arrows, etc.) - Do old exams (!!!) He repeats questions sometimes and if you’re lucky. - Do ALL of his practice exercises! They’re really good and comprehensive. I’d say you’re lucky for getting him this sem! You’re in good hands. Good luck!!!more

positiveMA 21

Had Sir Eden for MA 21, MA 22, and MA 195.1. He is very methodical in teaching, gives a context to the lesson, always presents the postulates before the formal proof of each theorem. He also tells you whether you should copy something or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. He gives lots of examples, of varying difficulty and for each kind of problem. He is very helpful when you have questions or if you don’t understand the lecture. He usually gives tips and strategies on how to answer the LTs. He has a sense of humor and always tries to make the lectures interesting with a few jokes every now and then. He is strict, however, when it comes to classroom decorum (phones, noise, etc.). In terms of grading, he is pretty strict but I would say to a fair degree. You basically can’t fake your way into partial points if you have no idea what you’re doing, but if you’re on the right track, you’ll get credit. If you give an answer that is obviously wrong, he’ll usually put a comment which can sometimes be humorous. A-able with consistent effort. Overall, he’s a great prof who encouraged me to think and act more critically as a student.nmore

positiveCOMM 25

Hi! I’m currently taking him for COMM 25. Our online class has fewer than 10 students, so it’s quite easy. We usually have presentations every session, but they are light and manageable. He gives a light workload and assigns asynchronous days for tasks. I’m not sure how he will be in the second semester. His instructions can be a bit confusing, but you can always clarify with him. He usually replies through Google Chat (but always in a voice message) HAHAHAHAmore

Ducanes, Geoffrey

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