The University of Iowa

Graduate Teaching Instructor

• "I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. It is obvious that you spend hours preparing for your lectures—the lecture has a nice flow. Ken gives adequate time for questions and is actually interested in teaching and helping us learn. I would take a course from this instructor again."
• "The instructor is very educated & when asked question[s] he almost always has an answer. I think he is very good at giving a lot of feedback on tests & papers that seem very helpful. Thanks!"
• "Thanks for all the additional help."
• "Heavy on theory at beginning which was difficult because 1/week night class—more time for discussion as course progressed improved the class."
• "Excellent use of class time. Mr. Hobson explains concepts thoroughly and in multiple ways to ensure it is well understood. He is ALWAYS willing to make himself available if students need it. By far the best class experience here so far."
• "Approachable & communicated ideas thoroughly and accurately. Course paced appropriately for most students enrolled."
• "I really enjoyed being in this class. I didn’t always understand things but Ken was always available & enthusiastic about teaching. Thanks for a good semester!"
• "I really enjoyed this course. I was a bit skeptical towards the beginning but then found the course material and the instructor’s lectures to be very engaging. Ken did a great job teaching this course, wouldn’t change anything."
• "Ken is a good teacher. He breaks down tough text, very well. He gives good usable notes on the board. My only issue was I wish he would have embodied the philosophers more. He knows what they’re all about, but if he could get into character a little more it would be easier to understand."

• “Teacher very willing to offer help.”
• “Wow! Great job Ken! This is the first perfect score I have given! You're very insightful & well mannered. You are kind & open. . . . ”

• “I thought the professor was great! He went above & beyond what was expected. He left huge amts. [amounts] of critique which is awesome & I know must’ve spent a lot of time. You can tell he enjoys what he does.”
• “I really enjoyed how Ken taught this class. He was helpful and energetic each day.”
• “Ken was very enthusiastic, genuinely seemed as thought he cared if we understood the current topics. He had a good knowledge of the course. Overall a quality TA.”
• “I thought Ken did a good job teaching the course. He understood the material and explained it very well. He was very flexible with his office hours and willing to help students understand material better.”

• “The instructor made this course both interesting and understandable.”
• “Ken was available to help me outside of class & took the time to make sure that I understood clearly before I left. He was understanding & gave great insight into ways of improvement in his class.”
• “The feedback on papers was GREAT—it really help to provoke new ideas & further exploration/understanding. All in all, it was a good class.”
• “Mr. Hobson is an excellent teacher who grades fairly. I have a hard time understanding the material until Mr. Hobson explains it. He explains things extremely well which definitely reflects in my grade.”

• “Ken made this class fun and exciting. He used humor to lighten the dry material. I really enjoyed this course and would recommend him to anyone.”
• “Ken was very accommodating when I needed to see him outside of class. I also like the emphasis he placed on doing problems in class.”

• “I liked this course. My teacher was always available outside of class. This was very important to me.”
• “Ken is an excellent instructor. He has created a comfortable atmosphere where ideas can be exchanged freely, and he is clear and gives good examples about new concepts. Great TA.”
• “Ken is a great TA and is always willing to help us all out. Keep up the good work!”
• “A good class that was well taught and assigned helpful problems.”
• “Ken seemed like he enjoyed teaching the class, which is always helpful and encouraging.”
• “Good teacher, made it fun to learn. Felt I gained a lot from the class.”

Graduate Teaching Assistant

• “I thought overall Ken did a pretty good job clarifying concepts and ideas. He was very helpful during the review sessions.”
• "The instructor was exceedingly talented in engaging class discussion and mediating debate. He was skillful in summarizing arguments, elucidating their premises, and in challenging us to determine whether the conclusions validly follow. He permitted members of the class to guide discussion so that we could address topics that perplexed or interested us. Altogether an excellent T.A."
• "Good job, I really enjoyed the course."

• “Did great job presenting material that needed to be emphasized from lecture. Used great examples, thoroughly well taught.”
• “Ken was a great TA. He was engage[d] in teaching us and making such [as] we understood and participated in discussion. Probably one of the best TAs I’ve had.”
• “ . . . You were very helpful outside of class through e-mail and that was greatly appreciated. . . .”
• “ . . . I would recommend Ken to anyone else interested in this course.”
• “Very good at answering questions and providing feedback. . . .”