Customer Reviews

Good Teaching: A Guide for Students

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Watson describes the teaching to which a student is likely to be exposed, not only at prestigious universities but any institution of higher learning. The advice in this book is aimed at the thoughtful student who cares to take responsibility for his or her own learning. Keep in mind that we call these places "institutions of learning," not "institutions of teaching." Watson points out that, while most professors are not trained in the techniques of teaching, they are obviously trained in learning and scholarship, and those are excellent credentials for passing on knowledge. I wish every college-bound high school senior could have a copy of this book handed to them with their diploma. I wonder what percentage would read it and take it to heart? I gave this book four stars instead of five because I consider the title to be misleading; I thought it was a book for teachers who are interested in gaining insight into good teaching. Instead I find it is a book for students interested in getting an education.

Great book that tells the truth about obtaining any worthwhile education. College students, really all of us, need to take responsibility for our own learning. Blaming the instructor is just an excuse. Sure, some instructors help the magic happen for students, but real emotional intellegience moves the responsibility for learning onto the individual. 'Bad' instructors make it more difficult, but not impossible. We use this book as an extra credit option in our college success classes.

Weighing in at a little over 40 pages, this book is little more than an essay on what Watson believes constitutes good college teaching. Watson's perspective is that of a faculty member at a major research institution and his basic theme seems to be "We're not here to teach you and we don't care, so its up to you to accomodate to us." While this view is prevalent at many large universities, it hardly represents a fair overview of all college teaching. In Watson's view, any faculty member not at a major research university is a loser. And any college professor who wants to teach must be a loser. Fortunately for students, Watson is wrong on many counts. First, there are many first-rate academics who are dedicated to student learning. Second, Watson's view is increasingly coming under fire from legislatures and alumni insisting on quality teaching even at research universities. Even academic organizations now admit that the pressure to publish is negatively affecting the quality of universities. Oh yes, and the section on student learning shows Watson hasn't a clue. This book does have some useful information about what students can expect at major universities, but a lot of it is glib, incomplete or just misleading.