Charles Roth

Charles Roth

professor
Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Class of '44 Award for Outstanding Teaching (Faculty of Engineering)

Challenges

1. Lack of sufficient recognition for teaching in general and in universities in particular.
2. Too much pressure on professors to engage in research at the expense of devoting time to teaching and helping students.
3. The erroneous belief that an increased reliance on technology is the most effective way of learning.
4. Increasing numbers of students in universities who aren't sufficiently motivated to pursue higher education.
5. Ever-increasing class sizes.

Responses

1. Offer more rewards in terms of salary, merit pay and promotion for teaching excellence.
2. The term "teaching load" implies an unpleasant burden. Use "teaching responsibilities" instead.
3. Nothing replaces a professor with a thorough knowledge of the subject matter who prepares his lectures carefully and has a passion for teaching students, as well as patience and compassion for them. Technology is no substitute and can only offer tools to be used by gifted professors.
4. Better screening of prospective students based not only on high marks, but on their desire for being challenged by higher education.
5. For the large classes, select outstanding professors who are enthusiastic communicators. Break the classes into conferences led by competent TAs, so students can be actively involved in the course.