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Improving College and University Teaching

Improving College and University Teaching

A recent report from the National Research Council focuses on Evaluating and Improving Undergraduate Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It argues that while the quality of the research of scientists and mathematicians is carefully evaluated, “the evaluation of teaching in these fields has been haphazard and less exacting.” In addition “professors who excel in the classroom are sometimes given little recognition on their own campuses, let alone in the wider academic community.” Finally, “faculty members and administrators often believe that it is nearly impossible to objectively gauge the effectiveness of teaching skills.” The NRC report argues that the tools for correctly evaluating teaching effectiveness and the impact of curricula do exist and should be used by colleges and universities. The report recommends that colleges and universities help faculty improve their teaching. It also suggests that “university leaders or governing boards should create endowments to recognize faculty members who, over time, have made significant contributions to teaching.” The full report is online at http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10024.html.

id: 
4265
News Date: 
Monday, January 13, 2003