COLLOQUY

I believe that many of the "problems" evidenced by unruly college students are not really student problems at all -- they are teacher problems related to the very poor preparation most academics receive in instructing adult learners and the lack of attention many of them devote to instructional practices and pedagogy.

As one who has dedicated his career to preparing teachers, I always recommend that teachers first examine their own behavior when faced with student disruptions and inappropriate deportment. Though it is much easier to blame classroom problems on poorly behaved students, good teachers (even teachers in higher education) can do much to mitigate against such problems.

I do not deny that any college professor (even one highly skilled in teaching) can experience the very rare student who is disruptive or even dangerous, but to focus on these rare students is to beg the more important question. Why do so many college teachers lack the skills to engage their students in the learning process?

-- Sam Minner, James H. Quillen Chair Of Excellence In Teaching And Learning (posted 3/23, 5:53 p.m., E.S.T.)

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