Reviews of professor Matthew Gruwell

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Grades consist of labs and tests so you really need to do well on the tests. Gruwell is such a dad and is just as lazy as the typical college student (but not in a bad way). He may end class 5 minutes early and is willing to talk to students if needed. Seems like a nice happy dad just trying to teach a subject he enjoys to care for his kids

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
It is easy to tell that Dr. Gruwell loves his job. His lectures are really entertaining, especially when he goes off about insects. His exams aren't too bad, as taking notes goes a long way. The quizzes and textbook questions are very helpful for studying. This course is an awesome introduction to the biology major at Penn State Behrend.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Super nice guy. He teaches like a dad- kinda awkward and makes mistakes, but fixes them at the moment. He's funny, but only because he's a little awkward (literally like a dad). If I'm not comparing him to a dad, then he's like a teddy bear. Put in the effort and you'll get a good grade.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Great lectures, the grades are based on a lot of easy quizzes and the exams. He offers tons of extra credit. The material can be somewhat tough, but he explains it well and tests are fairly easy if you study enough.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
Super nice guy, but had no idea what was supposed to be going on in this class. This was a freshman seminar and it was clear he usually didn't teach it. Any time you asked him a question he said he would have to check with the other professor who taught this class. Overall the class was easy and he was chill, but it was a little frustrating.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Even though I took honors for this class, which was taking different exams from the rest of the people, I still passed the class with flying colors. I would recommend taking him. Also, he posted all his slides on canvas. He also posts study guides before each exam. I think that helps a lot.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
He's really passionate about his classes and imparting knowledge onto his students, and he makes sure the material in class is understandable as well as interesting. His tests are simple and easy to understand and complete. Has a lot of interesting anecdotes that make you really interested in the subject.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Loved this class. Professor makes biology much more entertaining and engaging than most others I've had. He doesn't try to make the class harder than it needs to be, so it's easy to do well. Definitely recommend.

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Discouraged students and did not allow students to reach their potential

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
Lectures seem kind of pointless, everything can be learned from the power points and the textbook. Class isn't mandatory, but he does give tips on what to look out for on tests. Tests are very easy if you study well and there isn't much homework. Very lenient grader, he allows you to drop 1 exam and 1 quiz. Very easy class if you put in the work.