The Opinion Page recently published a detailed critique of the classroom teaching in one of the lecture sections of World Civilizations ("World Civilizations... on Video?!" Oct. 29). For faculty and students, course quality is important regardless of class size, teaching style or content. General education courses are no exception to the requirement that the college curriculum has structure and purpose. Therefore, I take seriously and I am checking the complaint. I would, however, suggest that the writer meet with her professor and her teaching assistant to discuss her particular concerns. Needed corrections will come more quickly that way because faculty are responsive to students who take an interest in their courses.
I remind the writer and all other students that the end-of-semester course evaluations are an effective way to inform the faculty of course problems and course strengths. New students may not be aware that course evaluations will be distributed in most classes during the next few weeks. Please use this opportunity to communicate with faculty, students and administration about the quality of your experience in your classes. Your personal responses are anonymous to all. Although most courses and faculty are praised by a majority of students, faculty welcomes constructive criticism because student feedback prompts course improvement. I also remind students that recent student course evaluations are posted at www.sa.buffalo.edu.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
