CS180: Problem Solving and Object-Oriented Programming

Positive Comments

• Varun is a very good instructor. I found that he teaches concepts very clearly, makes sure the students understand them, and provides practice to reinforce concepts we learned. He teaches at a level where students have an easy time understanding what he is explaining, and also he shows concern that the students actually learn and do the work. In this way he was the most helpful TA and allowed me to perform better than I would have without his help. One thing I hope Varun will continue doing in the future is giving practice problems in lab that are not related to the lab but will help in projects/future exams. I do not believe all lab sections did this and I feel that our lab section was more well prepared for projects/exams with this additional practice. Also, I found that the Friday lecture sessions guided by Varun were the most helpful for exams, and is another thing I hope he will continue in this course.
• Good explanations for materials, and was overall a very important factor in helping me make the transition towards being the programmer I am now. Practice tests were of great help, as well as the general sets of tips and tricks provided — without those I probably would not have done anywhere near as well as I did. Your office hours were among the most helpful.
• He wants us all to succeed not only in CS180 but in our entire undergraduate career and beyond. Even with his responsibilities as a grad student, he still makes extra effort to find time to help students whether its during his office hours, extra help sessions, or any other time that is convenient. Hands down one of the best TAs in any of my classes.
• Varun is a great guy that enjoys helping his students, which is a rarity among TA’s around here. He goes the extra mile to set up help sessions and always stays later during office hours if needed. He is a very nice person and cares about all of his students. I wish he could follow me through all of my CS classes and be my TA for all of them!
• Varun heavily inspired me and fellow students to strive and become the best CS majors we could be. Without his help as a TA in labs and on Friday sessions, my grade in the class and understanding of CS would undoubtedly have been decreased. Our future from here on out won’t have as much hand-holding or helpful people. Varun made this reality very clear and leads others to strive to achieve higher understanding independently and through collective collaboration.
• Varun works hard and does more than the minimum TA requirement as far as helping his students. Nothing should be changed for future semesters.
• He is really awesome. We are like friends and he would really care about you as a friend. He is that kind is GTA that you just pray to have.
• That he takes the time to sit down and help you with any topic you are struggling to understand. Mostly the one-on-one talking about projects, labs, or exams was very helpful as well.
• Attentive and understanding personality, willingness to put in free time to help students, overall positive role model for current and future students.
• Varun obviously knows what he’s talking about 100 percent of the time. He provides excellent help and feedback without giving the solution. He allows you to learn by pointing you in the right direction and leaving the rest up to you. What I like most about Varun is that he provides great assistance for struggling students.
• He’s passionate, inspiring, and very responsive (email-wise).
• Extremely clear in communicating his idea.
• His enthusiasm and positive attitude.
• He really prepared well before teaching.
• He tries to get everyone involved in discussions and answering questions.
• His sarcasm to my answers.
• His explanations about how to understand computer science and how to study for computer science tests.
• He is funny and patient.
• He’s understanding when a student doesn’t get a certain topic. He will go over a topic until students understand completely.
• Varun was by far my favorite GTA. He is very knowledgeable and able to explain topics so that they make sense. Even the most difficult of topics he is able to explain fully and completely. He makes it a point to help you out when you are having trouble and he doesn’t think that any question is stupid or dumb. During lab he is always walking around and helping students who are having difficulties and is more than ready to provide helpful hints and pointers. Thanks for your help this semester Varun. I have definitely gained a much greater appreciation for CS this semester and you have much to do with my increased interest in the field. Thank you!
• He clearly explained and made sure we understood important concepts that ultimately led to my success in the course.
• Continue the high energy, love for teaching and making sure students learn through help sessions and extra time.
• It is clear that he genuinely cares about his students and their success in CS180.
• Helped me a lot during class and outside of class during TA hours when I got stuck on labs and projects by thoroughly explaining concepts. Also seemed extremely enthusiastic about CS. Thanks Varun!
• Teaching supplemental topics helps a lot when doing labs. Being friendly to students is encouraging.
• thanks for the help and suggestions you’ve given me this summer. You are definitely one of the best GTA I have ever had at Purdue.
• Very friendly and helpful. Puts in a lot of effort to simplify the concepts and to encourage class participation.
• He helped students with fully understandable explanation. I think he did great job on his teaching in this semester.
• He is enthusiastic, confident, and knowledgable. He always has something prepared and his material is well structured.
• Great online presence to complement his availability at his lectures/office hours; even though I bugged him with numerous e-mail throughout the semester he answered any problem with exceptional celerity.
• Varun is friendly and knowledgeable. He understands his material clearly and made sure the students understand the materials while teaching.
• He was always willing to explain something we have trouble with.
• Really knows the subject matter well.

What I need to focus on 🙂

• Sometimes it feels that you are practicing some forms of favoritism, even if it is fairly mild. Try not to do that.
• I can tell that you sincerely want all of us to succeed, but sometimes you end up coming off with nearly an opposite tone when you get worked up about it.
• Be open to student’s feedback and suggestions. I feel Varun was a little rough around the edges and came off as judgmental at times. Overall, Varun is a very good TA, and genuinely cares about his student’s success.
• Varun should be more friendly and should respect his students. He once responded to a question I asked by telling me “you’re a computer science major, you should know how to do this.” His tone during lecture was very patronizing as well, I felt as if he was talking down to the class. Varun knows what he’s talking about, but he’s a terrible instructor because it doesn’t seem like he enjoys teaching or helping his students.