Dr. Brian Haile

Classes taught

• Calculus I (17-120)

Style & personality

Dr. Haile teaches Calculus 1. His class has lots of opportunities for points. He assigns homework regularly worth 10 points an assignment. Each assignment contains only one question, but this question is generally difficult. There are also 8 problems that he assigns. These problems are highly difficult and are also worth 10 points each. But here's the kicker: Problems have NO due date, except for the end of the year right before finals. That way, you can take your time. Also, he has 4 tests and one final exam. These tests are NOT multiple choice and you have no equation cards or notes allowed. The questions are generally difficult, but if you do the unassigned bookwork and the pre-test you'll be okay. The best strategy is to NOT freak out...like I did. The final exam is probably the easiest test--as long as you kept all your old homework and old tests. All the questions come exclusively from those two sources. So, if you remember the old material, you'll do fine. There is also a large math project due near the end of the semester which will comprise a large portion of your grade. It is most adviasbale to form a group quickly and work on it from the beginning, rather than waiting until the last day, as it will be long and fairly complex.

As a person: Haile is a really good guy. He'll help you out with homework, problems, and review tests with you. He really cares about your grades and will take the time to make you understand the material. So, GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS! He tends NOT to take personal class time if only one person is drawing a blank. Also, he has an odd way of explaining things sometimes. So, sometimes extra time is needed to understand some material.

Student Opinions

I thought he was the best math teacher at Northwest. I really liked all the opportunities for points--since I tend to choke on tests. And he took the time to work with me when I had problems with the material. - Ashley Banaszek