Rondolo, Irvin teaches at Ateneo de Manila University. Across 27 comments from students, they hold a rating of 3.2 out of 5. Students score them 3.3 out of 5 on clarity, 4.3 out of 5 on helpfulness, 3.0 out of 5 on grading fairness, 2.8 out of 5 on workload and 3.2 out of 5 on willingness to retake. Of those comments, 8 read positive, 3 read mixed, 10 read neutral and 6 read negative. They are listed for 7 sections this term.
Rondolo, Irvin
Ateneo de Manila University · 27 comments
What students said
positive 8
neutral 10
mixed 3
negative 6
Rondolo, Irvin3.2
Background
Education · Career · Courses · PublicationsShowHide
-The other half of the class is in the online journal discussion. This group will discuss a SEPARATE paper online. You need to make comments and questions on the sections of the paper. Always make sure that your comments and questions will either trigger or continue discussions (DO NOT comment something shallow like "I find this part very interesting." DO NOT reply with "Hey! I agree with you!" USE YOUR CRITICAL THINKING AND CONCEPTUAL APPLICATION SKILLS WHEN COMMENTING!!!!)
-idk if i havent stressed this enough but MAKE SURE YOUR COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, AND REPLIES IN THE ONLINE DISCUSSION WILL KEEP THE DISCUSSION FLOWING. Do not make close-ended comments. Your comments and questions should be open for answers from the other ppl doing the discussion
-If you're answering a classmate's question in the online discussion, make sure you use the concepts in class. Justify your answers with thorough application. You may use the textbooks and journal articles to support your answer.
-DO NOT READ THE PAPERS FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE NIGHT BEFORE THE DISCUSSION. Make sure to read them ASAP when they get posted.
-Do not be late for the onsite discussion. Your attendance alone is graded.
-RECITE!!!!! Your participation in the onsite discussion accounts for almost all of the discussion component grade. IF YOU DONT RECITE, THE ONLY POINTS YOU WILL GET ARE THE ATTENDANCE POINTS
-The groups will switch in the next group discussion. The onsite group for exam 1 will be the online group for exam 2, and vice versa.
-BOTH onsite and online articles are included in the exams. Make sure to know how to interpret the results (and figures!) and connect them to the lessons. DO NOT START READING THE NIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM! Go through the papers ASAP when they get posted.
Figure Reviews
-Remember how I explained how the PPTs are mostly figures from the book? The figure review activity will involve each student selecting a figure of their choice and then explaining this concept in class.
-The person discussing will need to research abt the figure beforehand. It's ok if you just refer to the book but he appreciates (and gives higher scores) to figure reviews where you expound on the textbook's explanation using your own research.
-DO NOT READ FROM A SCRIPT WHILE PRESENTING! HE HATES IT WHEN YOU READ DURING PRESENTATIONS (sidenote: you're actually allowed to to read from a script but you will get a low score). A good habit would be practicing your discussion with cue cards (you may write important terms, the steps of a developmental process, etc). He doesnt rlly care abt what the cue cards contain basta dont spend the entire presentation reading from a script.
-You will need to find a partner who will ask you questions (ideally your bestie!). This person needs to know the figure as well as you do. Sir Rondolo allows scripted questions (as in your pair told you the questions beforehand so you can prepare) but dont make it too obvious bc he will ask you himself with a difficult question.
-Enunciate your words and project your voice.
-Make sure your presentation fits within the 10-minute time limit bc he will stop you when you overtime.
-Both you and your pair will be graded. You will be graded for your presentation and answers, your partner for their questions. When your partner becomes the presenter, you will be the one to ask questions.
-He will give you a list of figures that will be included in the figure review presentations at the start of the semester. PICK A FIGURE WISELY. Use figure titles to search for them in the textbooks. DO NOT BLINDLY CHOOSE A FIGURE.
-YOUR explanation for the figure will be the class's way of learning that figure. Most of the time, sir will not go through the figure himself bc thats what u already did. However, if he thinks the presenter didnt do a good job explaining, he will ask the class if he needs to re-explain the figure. He will explain again if the class asks him to
-Remember how you need 30 points to get 100% of the recitation component? By the latter half of the sem, students with <20 recitation pts. will be randomly given figures to present to get additional points (this is separate from their actual figure review).more
Lively Badger
Read the textbook before every lecture
neutral
DEVBIO LECTURE
Discussions & Recitation
-His PPTs mostly DO NOT have text save for a few slides. His discussions will involve him talking about the figures (these are taken directly from the textbooks).
-ALWAYS read the textbook before each lecture class. His PPTs are arranged per lecture (one module is divided into four to six lectures. each lecture takes up one to four class meetings iirc). He will post the slides for each lecture a few days/the day before the first day it will be discussed. Use the posted PPT to know which chapters of the textbooks you need to read (textbook pdf copies are available in 4ñπ@'$ archive)
-Make sure to know at least the main points of the chapters. His recitation questions usually involve points mentioned in the textbooks.
-If you were his former genetics student, he might call you to answer a genetics-related question (devbio very heavily involves genetics, celmol, and physio)
-You dont need to read all chapters covered in one lecture at once bc he wont go over them in one day. Try reading through the chapters of the first ten to fifteen slides. The remaining slides will be covered in the succeeding sessions.
-ALWAYS RECITE. Reading the textbook will give you sufficient info to answer his recitation questions. DONT BE SCARED/SHY TO RECITE bc he wont shame you naman, and if you give him an incorrect but close answer, he'll direct you to the answer he's looking for. His recitations are a big part of the final grade and you will need to reach 30 points to get 100% of this component. If you dont have at least 20pts. by the midterms, he will give you opportunities to recite/present additional figure reviews (ill explain figure reviews below).
-When you read the textbook, use color coded highlights so it will be easier for you to go back to them for review (ex. blue for terms, yellow for definitions, etc.)
Assessments
-Quizzes are timed, a total of ten minutes per ten-item quiz (he sometimes gives extra three or five minutes if he sees the class struggling)
-Quiz items are based on the slides (slides are based on the textbooks so you really need to read)
-Quiz question types depend per quiz. His default format is a quiz with five items identification/true or false then a five-point essay. He will sometimes ask if the class wants an essay item or not, but the final decision is always his to make. If he decides to not give an essay item, all ten points are identification or true/false
-Quiz essay questions will usually ask you to answer with explanations of developmental processes. Make sure to explain them as thoroughly as possible.
-Exams are based on the slides, textbook, and journal discussion papers (will explain journal discussion below).
-NEVER review everything the day before the exam/quiz. Try breaking up the test coverage into two to three days of review. Know how to interpret the figures in the journal articles, know how to explain the results using devbio concepts.
-For the more difficult multiple-choice items, try to connect different lectures to one another.
-You will be asked to apply devbio concepts in his questions
-ALWAYS READ THE ESSAY QUESTIONS CAREFULLY because there will be trick questions here.
Class Activities
Journal Discussion
-There are a total of four long tests for devbio lec, two for plant dev and two for animal and human dev. Before the exams, there's a journal discussion abt TWO papers he assigns
-Half the class will be grouped into the onsite group, the other in the online group (One journal article for each group). The onsite group will discuss the paper during class time. Two members will be assigned as the moderators (they will be graded based on how well they moderated and how well they crafted questions to keep the discussion flowing). The rest of the group will answer those questions and will be graded based on how well they answer. Questions usually involve interpretation of the paper's figures and conceptual application. Sir Rondolo will not be involved in the discussion, he will mostly listen and grade your performancemore
Anonymous
Lab is structures, timed quizzes, three LTs
positive
DEVBIO LAB
Discussion
-same as lec
-maximize the textbooks he will provide (not sure if he will still give them).
-always take notes. draw the figures if you can.
-take note of different terms that refer to the same structures bc this can become confusing when you encounter them
-the discussions are mostly abt the structures in the slides and how they relate to the developmental processes being covered (i.e. in relation to the previous step, how does this structure arise during the next step and from which structure does it arise?)
Quiz
-same as lecture, this is timed
-mostly involves structure identification and conceptual application
Long Test
-three long tests for the entire sem. one for plant dev, one for animal dev, one for human embryonic development (you will use pigs and chickens as model organisms)
-long tests are moving exams, 90 seconds per station (each station can have at least 2 items)
-KNOW YOUR STRUCTURES. know how these structures relate to each other spatially (ex. structure A is anterior/dorsal/posterior/ventral/lateral to structure B) and developmental processes (ex. structure D in step 2 arises from structure C in step 1 or structure E always appears before structure F)
Tips
-Follow his lab report format. He WILL deduct points each time you dont follow it.
-Make sure you actually read your sources bc he knows if you only read the abstract.
-always support your interpretations adequately with sufficient applications and research.
-MAKE YOUR OWN REVIEWER. If you enjoyed histology during Zoo and Botany, this class is for you. What really helped me in devbio lec is making reviewers of the microscopic structures. Sir Rondolo will provide you a list of structures you will discuss in a specific exercise. During the session where he will ask you to look for those structures, LOOK FOR ALL OF THEM, TAKE PICTURES. If you have time, look for multiple examples of those structures (structures vary from individual to individual so it'd be helpful to know variations in morphology of the same structure).
-When making your reviewer, use the list he will provide then look for the listed structures in the photos you took. Try not to look at sources at first, then recheck later to see how well you did at finding the structures. Try to use images online as well then look for the structures in those photos.
-Later on, you may use your reviewers in making flashcards in Anki (i honestly dont recommend this bc i got to remember the structures better if i labelled them one by one, instead of recalling what they look like in a flashcard)
-I have friends who drew the structures to help them remember, and they did really well in the exams so it really depends on you which technique would work better (i didnt draw bc i didnt have time lol)
-[EMPHASIS ON THIS POINT] Know how the processes relate to the appearance of the structures. This will also allow you to eliminate incorrect answers when you're identifying the structure during the exam (ex. the antrum of a developing follicle does not appear alongside the oogonium bc the antrum only appears once the egg cell becomes a primary oocyte OR since sperm cells begin their development near the walls of the seminiferous tubules, expect more mature sperm cell stages away from the walls (closer to the lumen) and less developed sperm close to the walls
-Relate the lecture concepts to the lab concepts.
-SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WHEN HE ASKS THE CLASS TO MAKE A CLASS GDRIVE!!!! This will help you and your classmates review the structures using different slides. If you're having trouble identifying structures, you may use your classmates' photos as practicemore
All comments
Anonymous
Study ahead, LTs can cover everything he says
tips on how to survive his class:
- study in advance even if he hasnt started discussing the lecture! given how nakakamamatay yung mga LT niya i recommend doing so :>
- participate in every bonus activity/incentive he's giving! this gives u the chance to raise your grade and make bawi :>
- please PLEASE listen attentively in his class and take down notes! although he will give u the ppts that have enough content u have to study his LT coverage may include everything that comes out of his mouth
- for lab (or any group work in general): get good groupmates!
good luck to everyone who's taking him!more
Swift Wolf
Read the book, always recite, make your own lab reviewers
mixed
TLDR
-reading the book helps a lot but you dont need to know everything in it, just the main points. i noticed sir rondolo tends to simplify the processes when he discusses them so i found the book's version to be more complex and detailed.
-know the steps of the developmental process, especially the transcription factors involved
-always recite
-make your OWN reviewers for lab. either label the pictures you took during class time or try to draw the structures then label them (or both!). share with your friends only once you're all done, so everyone can practice on their own first
-go through the journal discussion articles at least twice. highlight/write notes as you normally would. remember key points and results + connect them to the lessons
-a good foundation on genetics (BIO 130), celmol (BIO 140), and physio (BIO 171) would help A LOT
-[HEAVY EMPHASIS ON THIS POINT] you and your class need to try to not get into his nerves as much as possible haha he tends to get mad easily even for (imo) very small reasons
-read his criteria for grading, especially for the journal discussions and figure reviews so you'll know you'd tackle the activity. make sure you try to meet the criteria for the hoghest scores (NEVER SETTLE FOR AN "OK NA TO" IN AN IRVIN RONDOLO CLASS, DEVBIO OR OTHERWISE! ALWAYS TRY TO GET THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE SCORE)more
Keen Dove
A is possible but B/B+ is the realistic band
positive
4.0 attainableYes
WorkloadHeavy
Is the class A-able? I don't think an A is impossible, but you'd need to exert insane amounts of effort for it. In my experience, devbio consumed most of my waking hours when i was taking it, so you really need to work on your study habits and time management skills. I consistently scored within the long exam top students but i got a B to B+ (won't say my exact grade so i dont get identified haha but he did curve this btw and, yes, he does curve). Realistically, both classes are B to B+ able with lootttssssss of effort (imo, lab was a bit easier than lec). i think most ppl got around a C to either a high C+ or a low B tho. I have no idea how much effort you need to get an A but you sure will need to exert wayyy more than you think.more
Keen Wolf
Doesn't teach well and makes LTs as hard as he can
Retake?No
4.0 attainableNo
LeniencyNo
WorkloadHeavy
had him for Developmental Biology, he mentioned this sem would be his first time teaching Genetics.
He doesn't teach well, his PPTs are lacking, and he knowingly makes his LTs as difficult as he can (like only half the class would even get a passing score). You can get a decent score, but he goes out of his way to give you a hard time.
We also had these things called figure reviews where we would be the ones to discuss the figures in his PPTs to the class as part of our participation grade (XD). He also graded our other reqs harshly, like the scientific paper worth 20% of our grade. He also doesn't curve. We were his so-called "favorite class" but our average was around C-D.
He can be nice sometimes, like he says he wants us to learn something from his class and kept on reminding us to rest and take care of our mental health. He gives opportunities for bonus points since you'll need it. He even treated us to Shakeys on our last day XD not worth it, though. Try to loadrev out of his class if you can. If you can't, try to not complain. He likes people/classes who just take it and don't complain. And devote time to meticulously study the book and other materials as every detail counts.
TL;DR Do everything to loadrev out of his class, not worth it. Save yourself if you can. If not, pray and study hard. 🫡more
Earnest Hare
Cell Mol Lab: nitpicky reports and super hard LTs
positive
LeniencyNo
WorkloadHeavy
ay hello! Haha I had him for Cell Mol Lab, it was definitely... an experience HAHAHAHA. Start of the sem palang, he said na hes only allowing 2 deadline extensions for the class (any deadline, LT, quiz, lab report) so choose wisely where you’ll use it.
The actual lab experiments itself were okay. i remember we often felt lost because he is sometimes magulo when teaching or giving the methodology to us. Sir also requires every group to have one group notebook, and it has to be the kind like the guards use, which is where the group will write down pre-labs and results. In terms of his lab reports, he’s very nit-picky so write well haha. We also had 2 LTs which were SUPER HARD, so really study and prepare for it. One thing I can say rin is try to get on his good side, cause if he doesn’t like you or your class, he shows it talaga. Overall, he’s not a bad teacher, like you’ll learn stuff from him but good luck nalang sa requirements, especially sa Tests. Kaya mo yan! Good Luck!more
Anonymous
So much effort for a C or D; not worth it
Retake?No
4.0 attainableNo
LeniencyNo
WorkloadHeavy
everything u said is true. Like for example, the way he taught Dev Bio was so labo I had to read the book chapters pa in order to understand a thing. His class required us so much effort and energy but in the end you’ll just find yourself getting a C or even D from him; not worth it.more
Kind Falcon
Heavy workload, consult if you are drowning
positive
WorkloadHeavy
if you think this was very overwhelming bc of the very heavy workload, that's bc it is! 💀💀💀 As a general tip, if you're having a really hard time understanding the classes and you feel like you're abt to fail, dont be scared/shy to consult with Sir Rondolo (MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW HIS EMAIL FORMAT WHEN YOU SCHEDULE THE CONSULTATION LOL). He appreciates it when a student asks him during discussions or schedules consultations w him. I was honestly kinda scared when I consulted with him for the first time but during those meetings, he seemed.... like a nice person???? IDK he's very chill when you consult w him either one-on-one or with your friends (i recommend going w your friends!). If the lessons are very difficult for you, he will go as far as explaining the concepts again.
Also, it'd be really really really helpful to have ur friends around! I honestly dk how I survived devbio but knowing that my friends and I are going through the same class and are always helping each other along the way made me feel a lot bettermore
Dapper Puffin
Consult early on the sci paper and use the book
neutral
WorkloadHeavy
if you wanna survive his sci paper or any equivalent output, consult with him agad so he can point out where to improve on when the actual due date arrives
you’ll really need the book for explaining the figure reviews as well as other concepts. also, doing extra research on the topics being presented will help A LOT so manage your time wisely when it comes to this subject (and for any subject for that matter).more
Kind Otter
run 😅
Retake?No
run 😅
Lucky Crane
load rev out
Anonymous
He ruined my life
negative
Retake?No
He ruined my life
Witty Seal
ask questions and consult, he curves at the end
positive
+++ ask questions and consult!!!! he will give you tips on how to answer the tests!!! he curves at the end of the sem so dont be too discouraged:'D but yes,,,, prepare for extremely difficult tests HAHAH but u will leave the sem feeling like you really learned stuff! (i still remember his lessons very clearly tbh) GOOD LUCK!!! YOU GOT THIS <3more
Happy Viper
1. Consult him whenever you are struggling to meet his standards in lab reports
negative
1. Consult him whenever you are struggling to meet his standards in lab reports or quizzes. He helped me a lot when I was failing his class. He even went as far as going through his slides and teaching them to me again. Hes very open to having consultations with students.
2. Read the rubrics carefully and read his feedbacks. He is very strict in grading lab reports so dont be surprised if you keep failing your first ones.more
Hidden Seal
asked and answered already: genetics is offered once a year so the ones youve
asked and answered already:
genetics is offered once a year so the ones youve seen from 2023 and 2024 are not outdated but actually the most updated ones you’ll get. 😊more
Fancy Zebra
whatever you have read in outdated reviews are still true to this day op <///3
whatever you have read in outdated reviews are still true to this day <///3
Noble Gecko
Breaking his silence kasi graduate na siya
Breaking his silence kasi graduate na siya
Mellow Llama
Too fast and info-heavy, quizzes still doable
mixed
CourseBIO 130.01
WorkloadHeavy
You can find my friend’s (shawarawt, Kevin) tots on Sir Rondolo for BIO 130.01 here: Pero to add, ang masasabi ko lang ay mag-aral ka nang bonggang-bonggang-bongga at magdasal ka nang mataimtim every minute, every hour, every day kung makuha mo siya. Chz not chz. Depende sa learner siguro kung effective yung teaching style niya but it was too fast for me, and marami rin talagang coverage yung course nung time namin kaya most of the time, info overload for me (kami ata yung unang batch na tinuruan niya ng BIO 130.01 and sinabi niyang baka bawasan niya yung course content sa susunod na batches). Yung quizzes naman niya were oks lang, kayang-kayang makakuha ng perfect score. Pero sobrang nasa ibang level yung LTs niya kaya need talagang mag-aral nang sobra at intindihin yung concepts para kahit gaano niya i-twist yung topics sa mga question, masasagutan mo pa rin. May iba pa kaming activities aside from the quizzes and LTs, like journal reading and worksheets. On a more positive note, sobrang passionate ni sir sa pagtuturo, lalo na siguro sa genetics. Ang dami niyang alam tungkol sa course at madalas, interesting din talaga yung discussions basta hindi ka mawala. 😂 Generous din siya sa activities na ginagawang bonus points. Lenient din sa deadlines and considerate (like sa pagiging late, absent, etc.). Friendly rin and approachable at sasagutin questions mo, basta ‘wag mo siyang galitin or inisin kasi maaalala niya yun for the rest of his life chariz 1/2. TL;DR: Teaches well and with passion but fast (for me), okay quizzes, DIFFICULT LTs, gives bonus points, oks to heavy workload. Kung makuha mo siya, magdasal ka muna tapos mag-aral na nang sobra. His class will make you remember A LOT of genetics concepts (pero may kasamang pait CHZ). Basta magbasa, makinig, at be engaged palagi sa class, at make sure na hindi ka mawala sa bawat discussion. Not the worst prof because he teaches well naman, sobrang challenging lang ng class.:)) C+/B with effort, B+ with much much effort, A kung Genetics God ka (not completely impossible since may dalawa namang naka-A nung time namin). Chz not chz. Good luuuck!:))more
Vivid Robin
Know every detail for quizzes and LTs
Had him for DevBio lec last sem! Not sure how he teaches genetics, but since it seems to be his specialty, he’ll probably expect you to know all the specific details and genes:”)
Be prepared to have to know everythinggg for quizzes and long tests 😅 his LTs are a very unique kind of difficult. Not impossible to score high, but it’s also not easy.
Read required readings whether it’s a textbook or journal article. He gives bonus points for recitation!
In case you can’t loadrev out, good luck hahaha. Study hard and do the work/readings for the class and you’ll be fine 🙂 perhaps my karamays have something to add LOLmore
Happy Puffin
Run if you can: draining LTs, ahead of other classes
negative
Retake?No
WorkloadHeavy
run if u can HAHAHAH
but here:
- very detailed ppts and lectures but super draining LTs
- tbh his lectures felt like a more than 3 unit course; we were light years ahead compared to other classes but i guess yun yung teaching style niya
- approachable for consultation
- he gives bonus points if u write an essay related to the course and if u participate in BOx's projects (he incentivized attendance in into the wild and sustainabox)more
Fancy Finch
Hard quizzes and exams but he teaches what’s on them
mixed
WorkloadHeavy
MWAHAHAHA i waited a sem for this day!! I must say i earned the right to write this coz nasurvive ko na sir kahit pagapang na talaga huhu hi sir shararawt sau
Sir rondolo, in our class… is actually pretty nice/kind? Idk
But it’s because he finds us mabait din daw idk why???
My tip is wag nyo siya galitin kasi favorite nya magalit tlg pero pag good mood sya masaya ang class fr fr
MAHIRAP ang lahat… quizzes, exams, recit, lab rep… pero depende sa student talaga. Ako feel ko nahirapan ako kasi pa shonga shonga ako minsan tas lutang af but me issue yun.
True enough na mahirap but sure ako… at sure din ata si sir na naituro nya lahat ng ipapa exam niya. If hindi, super dalang…
Siya din yung prof na mas mahirap ang nasa exam kesa sa lecture. But it’s because he wants you to think, not just memorize. Ayaw nya ng spoonfeeding!!!
Tips!!!!
Never ever make the mistake of coming to class unprepared kasi walang pinapatawad si sir sa recit kahit pa fave ka niya huhu
Fair si sir! Hindi siya magbibigay ng advantage sa iba pero fair din siya in terms na pag mali ng isa, mali ng lahat—parusa sa lahat huhu
WAG UMINOM AT KUMAIN SA LAB PLS
idk mej basic naman to but always be respectful, always mind your choice of words, mind your tone mapa email or personal
Do not demand!!! Contrary to popular belief (char), sir is actually generous sa plus points, sa extension, sa grading minsan, pero it’s always up to him!!! Never everrrr demand kasi… bad yun… dejk.. dont demand kasi you are asking for a favor…
Ito talaga pinaka rule: wag babadtripin si sir!! Sir has a set of rules, and as ud do sa any other prof, respect it!! Treat it as ur ten commandments! BATAS YUN!!! You have been warned..
Char ang OA ko pero i hope ma ease up nito yung anxiety na nafifeel mo
Grading wise
1. Mahirap lahat ng components so do ur best
2. He curves but pls wag umasa sa curve!!! Magsipag!! MAG ARAL
3. Super nice si sir sa masipag at mabait.
4. Review for the exams!! Saka dasal!
Ugali ni sir
Friendly si sir kapag mabait kayo
Rawr rawr siya pag mateluk and di kau nagrerecit
Last tip, ALWAYS RECIT!!!!
The key to a happy life is a happy sir rondolomore
