Student Opinions: Fall 1999

STUDENT OPINIONS FROM PROFESSOR KEELING'S

FALL 1999 GEOGRAPHY COURSES

GEOGRAPHY OF WORLD MUSIC - GEOG436

This is a loud, music-based learning experience-type class.
This was a great course. I did not know what to expect because I'm not a senior or geography major. I had a wonderful experience and enjoyed it very much.
Dr. Keeling is a great lecturer and he knows his stuff. His exams, however, will kick your ass!
I would recommend this course be taught at another time, even though this is an interesting class, almost 3 hours of class is too long for anything.
It was a cool class.
The textbook is basically the only negative aspect of the class.

Grade Distribution: A = 6; B = 4; C = 2; D = 1; F = 0.

Quantitative Responses:
"Overall, my instructor is effective" = 100% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.
"My instructor displays enthusiasm" = 100% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.
"My Instructor is well prepared" = 100% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.

WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY - GEOG110

Professor Keeling is an extremely effective teacher. You can tell he loves the subject of geography and he loves teaching. Every class I look forward to him waking me up with his "Good Morning Geographers." Because Keeling is so into the subject, it makes me enthusiastic about learning. I would definately recommend taking his course because it has opened my eyes to varying world cultures and views.
The instructions for the research paper should be modified. It is difficult to include all the required information, while still maintaining the exact margins and including all the necessary citations. [Professor's response: I don't understand your complaint. These are basic mechanical requirements that you either follow or not. What's the problem. The paper requires a 1" margin. What's so difficult about that??] It would be better if there were more opportunities for extra credit.
The class was a change from the norm in that I could not just memorize everything. It required that I think and apply the concepts. What a concept. This class also makes my other geog class a lot easier. At this point I can't think of any changes, it was a lot of work but I learned a great deal.
Dr. Keeling's enthusiasm makes this class very enjoyable. However, I feel that overall this class requires too much to be a 100-level. Rather than having a paper, exams that measure text, readings, maps, and lectures, and daily attendance, it should be scaled back a bit. There were several instances in which I needed to miss class but I knew I couldn't because of attendance points, even though I could have picked up what we went over by reading on my own. [Professor's response: Yes, this class is difficult, but it brings out the best in students! I do not lecture from the text and I cover issues and concepts in lecture that you will not know unless you attend. So it's not as easy as just reading the assigned material if you miss class.]
It is good that you try and lighten the mood by jokes while teaching us a lot of information.
Keeling is the most energetic teacher I have had at Western. He is always well prepared for class and his knowledge base amazes me. He should be on Jeopardy. The class was a 100 level and I found it very difficult and time consuming. The class should be labeled more as an upper-level course.
I was playing Jeopardy the other night and, because of this course, I knew a lot of them! Dr. Keeling has been a wonderful teacher, he has made me want to learn more about geography. I would love to take another course that he teaches.
Dr. Keeling is a motivated, enthusiastic teacher, one that I wouldn't mind having again. However, I feel that he may be too advanced for the level we are in. Although I struggle I know there are plenty more behind me that are in the same predicament.
Dr. Keeling is the most enthusiastic professor I have had at WKU. He truly loves geography and it shows. This class would be somewhat boring without his dynamic personality.
Dr. Keeling is a brilliant man. He knows all about geography, but I feel he expects too much from us. There is too much material to memorize for the tests.
I'll admit this class isn't easy, but the teacher is at no fault. He does a very good job and knows what he is talking about.
I feel that this class seems to be taught harder than a 100-level general education class should.
Dr. Keeling, thank you for the opportunity to be in your classroom. You have shown me the value of a truly wonderful college experience.
Instructor is refreshingly dynamic.
The slides are really interesting.
I believe Dr. Keeling is very biased and snobby. [Professor's response: Were you in the same class as these other students? I don't have a snobbish bone in my body!!] If you do not do as well as others he makes jokes and sarcastic comments. I think he should be strictly evaluated and scrutinized. To put it bluntly he has zero people skills and comes off very rude. [Professor's response: I'm sorry you feel that way. How many times did you come to my office hours? Probably none! I may have been rude when students walked in late to class, disturbing everyone, or read a newspaper while I tried to lecture, or disturbed other students by filling out their diary or writing a letter to a friend during class. Now that's rude!! I get the feeling that you didn't perform well in this class and thus are looking to blame anyone but yourself. If you had a problem with me or my "people skills," how come you didn't come and talk to me about the problem and express your discomfort? Good luck in your college career.]

Grade Distribution: A = 8; B = 17; C = 19; D = 8; F = 4;.

Quantitative Responses:
"Overall, my instructor is effective" = 80% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.
"My instructor displays enthusiasm" = 96% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.
"My Instructor is well prepared" = 96% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.

DATA ANALYSIS -- GEOG491

I appreciate Dr. Keeling's helpfulness when he is asked for help. He is eager to help you even if it is not a convenient time for him to do so. I intend to take as many classes from him as possible.
I have enjoyed this class immensely. This class gave me tools needed to do statistical analysis effectively.
Although Dr. Keeling seems to fly through the material, his understanding and ability to teach data is exceptional. I would definately recommend his class to any geography major.
Dr. Keeling shows an enthusiasm that is great. If he could package it and sell it to others, he'd be rich. Western needs more instructors like him.
Good job. Your humor and enthusiasm is a real motivator for all of the class.
Dr. Keeling is very helpful outside of class.
** One of my favorite professors; I have him for three classes this semester alone.

Grade Distribution: A = 5; B = 3; C = 3; D = 1; F = 2 (withdrew).

Quantitative Responses:
"Overall, my instructor is effective" = 92.3% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.
"My instructor displays enthusiasm" = 92.3% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.
"My Instructor is well prepared" = 100% Strongly Agreed or Agreed.

If you have any comments, you can email the professor directly at: david.keeling@wku.edu

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Last updated on 2/7/00