Some Sample Student Evaluation Comments
From English 1320 -- Introduction to Literature"He was an encouraging and understanding teacher. He makes one think more independently."
"(I liked) that we got to read some good writing and are better writers now."
"He is young, energetic and has a deep love and interest, and knowledge of English."
"The instructor's knowledge and interest in literature showed in and out of class, frequently I received advice on what was good and interesting reading."
"I feel my writing skills have greatly improved. I am much more relaxed, and I feel much more confident about writing about works of writing (poems, short stories, etc.)."
"He's very relaxed -- a quality necessary for young college students. He is very knowledgeable, but he is not intimidating. He helps students whenever they need it, and encourages questions."
"The class was very thought provoking. It made me want to learn and correct my problems. He got to know all of us one on one which increases the will to do better. He's always willing to help."
"I took his class last semester (1310), and he is the reason I took 1320 at 8:00 a.m. this semester!"
"He is very down to earth and can relate to the students."
"If you had any questions or needed help with your essays he was willing to help. He is a great teacher. Mr. DeFrain is understanding about the student and their situations. He is willing to help you out and this makes the class a lot better than others."
"He made the class interesting, and at 8:00 in the morning that is hard. He was helpful and understanding toward the students. This made the class enjoyable and worth coming to. Great instructor! Great class!"
"Mr. DeFrain is pleasant to work with and understanding. He always has time to explain any questions a student might have."
"He's patient, mild-tempered, but assertive. The literature itself is wonderful. I enjoyed the reading and discussions. Prof. DeFrain showed an enthusiasm for the subject and teaching."
"Prof. DeFrain did an outstanding job of teaching!"
From English 266 -- Introduction to Creative Writing
"His willingness to listen and accept different interpretations of literature, the scheduling of the class in terms of assignments & reading, classroom atmosphere & his sense of humor. There wasn't anything I disliked."
"We had a shy class and he encouraged interaction and participation. I think he does a good job and is a good teacher."
"He knows the subject very well and he's very personable and easy to talk to."
"He makes it a comfortable situation for asking questions and making comments. He makes it clear to the students what is to be expected. He makes and effort for everybody to participate and learn. I cannot find anything least favorable."
"He has a good sense of humor and is very understanding of his students. I felt he was easy to talk to and relate to."
"Prof. DeFrain has a terrific sense of humor and a great knowledge of the subject. He always had recommendations for us to read outside of class. He made himself available for additional help on our stories and poems and was always very encouraging! My favorite class!"
"He's so knowledgable about the subject. But I always felt I could talk to him and that he would help me find ways to better my writing. I didn't like what we had to read at first, but he made it interesting."
"We had a tough class. People didn't want to talk, but Darren made sure everyone was comfortable and he encouraged everyone. By the end of the semester everyone seemed involved."
"I really appreciated how he spent a lot of time with me on my poems and stories outside of class. He was willing to meet me before and after his office hours. His comments were very encouraging, but very straight-forward. Great class!"
Sample Works: Big Mike | Going on 99 | Swallow | Dear A.J. Rathbun
Professional: Vita | Courses | Teaching Statement | References | Student Evaluations | Links
Home | E-Mail