Benjamin Tong

I took Ben Tong's Chinese American Personality class Spring 2000, and it was my favorite class in college to date. Ben is the nicest, sweetest teacher. He is very laidback and kind. He mentions often that he is not offended when people walk into class late, and he told the class that if they were thinking of not coming cause they feared of walking in late(most teachers don't like this), please come anyway, he doesn't mind. Also, he lets us eat in the class, cause he knows people can get hungry in 3 hours, which is how long his class is.(it's once a week) He cares so much about his students, and he is an awesome teacher. He can help us learn things, and at the same time make it fun and interesting. The videos he showed in class were interesting, and he is a good speaker, he makes lots of funny jokes, and tells amusing stories. I laughed a lot during the class. He let us use notes for tests/exams, and gave chances for extra credit, so if u didn't get a good grade in the class, it was nobody's fault but your own, but I'm willing to bet everyone got a good grade in the class. He is so generous, fair, and knowledgable, and I wish he taught other classes, I would definitely take them.

Professor Tong is the best teacher I have ever met in my whole life!!! Attending his class every thursday night is like going to a comedy club. I really missed his lectures, I really wish he could teach other classes. He's the kind of professor that makes going to school fun!!! Although the exams r not easy but he rarely rarely fails anyone. He's also very very understanding and easy to communicate with. He's very willing to hear ur personal problems and give u advice on it(since he's a phychologist). I have learned sooooo much from him. I don't think there's any point writing anymore. JUST GO AND REGISTER FOR THE CLASS!!!U DEFINITELY WON'T REGRET IT!!!

He's a great teacher. Friends had been telling me he was planning to go on sabbatical or retire. That freaked me out cuz I heard he was so easy. Anyhow, I'm glad I took this class . I'm even happier that he doesn't keep you for the full req'd time. but "shh", i don't think i'm supposed to write that. He really knows his stuff and I was quite impressed with the prior experiences he's had with martial arts instructors and other chinese fine arts. Although, his "real" stories he tells sometimes makes you wonder if they are true.. But he can sure tell them and he's funny. I recommend him.

Ben's Chinese American Personality was the single most memorable class that I've taken in the Asian American Studies Department. It was because of his class that I've decided to declaire AAS as my minor. He doesn't just lecture or give assignments, he tells you stories, experiences (not of just his own, but the many different people he has met in the community), and encourages the telling of your own personal experiences in his classes. He gets you thinking about the way you live and the reasons as to where and why particular traditions and customs have been created in the Chinese and Chinese American community. It's both informative and intriguing. If you make the most out of your experience being in Ben's class, you not only learn a lot, but you gain insight and a friend in the Chinese American community.

Ben Tong has been the prime influence of me becoming an Asian American Studies major. His AAS 351 has been one of the very few classes that I enjoyed attending. He is very sympathetic to the stress that students go through but he's no slouch in his teaching about the dynamics of Asian Americans. Through him I have a new understanding of my Chinese American family & community. This is one of the very few instructors that makes a 3 hr class enjoyable. His assignments are more quality driven than just your typical busy work. You have to admire him as a quality person too, the way he offers anyone to come to his office for any type of advice. I wish I could take his class twice!

This dude is cool. His lecture are funny, and you can really learn a lot about Chinese Personalites in America. He knows his topics very well. Many times, his lectures maybe boring, but then he'll lighten the class up in no time. The videos I saw are often helpful to learn. Although, I got "C" in his class, because I nevered studied for his test. But it's all good.

Professor Tong is out of this world!!! He gives many insightful views to the field and relates to his personal experience. Somtimes I think that his life experiences are the highlight of the class. He tries to help out as many people as he can. I was a graduating senior when I was added to his class. He understands my situation to graduate and immediately let me added. That may well be said of other professors also, but he also spends his own time to make sure that I can understand and keep up with the class. I feel as though his class is a almost one on one experience instead of the conglomerate and chaotic feeling that goes hand in hand with other college courses. He is one prof that needs to be taken, rather for GE, major, or minor. Its too bad that he isn't teaching other classes, for his insights are very valuable in other fields also!!!!

Professor Ben Tong is a well educated man. It is sad that he only teaches AAS 315. The class is well planned out. It is well structured and taught with examples from real life. Because of him I have developed a higher level of understanding of what it means to be an Asian American and began to take WING CHUN GUNG FU. He extends his hands out to not only past students but students who have not even taken his class before. He has twice told me that if I needed anything from him just ask him. How many professors actually extend their arms out? I promise to any student who will take his class you will not regret it. You will learn.

I had Tong in last year when i was still a Freshmen in college. He was the teacher i liked in college...if u need a GE class to take, and interested in Chinese culture, u got to take his class. Even though his lecture sometimes bored us a little bit, but if u like CHinese culture and personality..it really depends..if u r the type of person who just want to fulfill a GE course, then he is just a ok professor...but if u come to school to learn, then he is the best teacher for u...not only his test was easy,(all MC), but he made interesting lecture sometimes...such as using "chi"(CHinese term of spiritual power, maybe i define it wrong, but something like that) to lift a 160 pound man by using four fingers....he actually showed it in class!!! Even though i only got a B in his class, i still like him because he really have manners to teach and he has humors...I got a B only because i didn't study, so i deserved it..