Can't please everyone

RonErez

Hello,

I've created a pretty massive iOS course and a decent Python and Data Science course. Both of these courses have a little math. It only takes up 1-2% of each course if not less. I get reviews or messages from students who love the math. At the same time I get reviews of students that hate it.

For example I received the following 2.5 and 3.5 star reviews:

"I think the lecture is more towards the interest and background of the instructor. He is more mathematical."

and

"I mean overall it's ok if not a bit drawn out in some parts. Sorry, but why complicate the foundational understanding of an already complex topic such as programming with unnecessarily complex maths examples? We don't all have PhD's in mathematics and it is assumed by the course creator that complex math examples is going to make each and every single topic in Python magically more understandable. Why are we doing square roots of anything when trying to understand what a command does when we can use our human language or simple numbers, maybe 4 most basic"

vs responses in the Q&A such as

"Aha thought so!

I like the maths content of your course."

and

"Nice to see this math related series."

I try to respond as much as I can. In programming, some math is useful, but I promised to add examples that are less math-heavy, and students are always welcome to ask questions if anything is unclear.

I don’t want to be rude, but if someone wants to learn programming without any willingness to learn a little math, it might not be the right field for them. At the same time, I understand the students’ perspective, what seems easy or basic to me (I have a PhD in math) might be harder for others. I could add optional “math” markers for those sections or just ignore the contradictory feedback, since it’s impossible to please everyone.

The iOS course has over 5,000 students so it's pretty difficult to please everyone. The Python course is much smaller.

Bottom line: How do you respond to contradictory student interests.

Thanks!

Oneness

I understand what you're going through, I found a solution myself.

BTW, this has helped in my courses and reduced the negative reviews, tried and tested.

Add a short video or lecture note right after the introduction titled “Important Note (Please Read): This Course Includes a Little Math ”

In that video or note, explain that about 1 to 2% of the course includes math because it helps clarify programming concepts, and that these sections are optional.

This small change has really helped in my own courses, it sets clear expectations, reduces complaints, and shows students you understand both sides.

Example note:
“Before we start, I want to mention that this course includes a little math, about 1–2% of the content. It helps make some programming ideas clearer.”

Something like that. change it if you have to. Add a few lines on the importance of math in this course, add motivational line, etc.