Publisher's Synopsis
America's colleges and universities have been targeted for public criticism as well as professional scrutiny in recent years. Public concern is often voiced about skyrocketing costs and the diminishing quality of education. Educators are confronted with increasing course loads, the poor quality of the incoming undergraduate students, overwhelming committee work, demands to "publish or perish," and job security. In the midst of these criticisms, few truly constructive solutions have appeared.
Teaching Undergraduates makes a significant contribution to this debate by bringing together prominent figures in the field of education for a frank and open discussion. This important collection focuses on the real concerns that arise in college and university classrooms nationwide. Combining careful analyses and a wealth of personal experience, the authors examine a wide variety of teaching methods and subjects in the natural sciences, humanities, fine arts, social science, and ethics. These distinguished contributors declare that now is the time for constructive insights on improving undergraduate education, providing policy incentives for teaching, and encouraging cooperation among the faculty. Teaching Undergraduates will serve as a valuable resource to foster new techniques, stimulate improved pedagogy, and spearhead institutional reform to ensure that undergraduate teaching is done well and that professional excellence is both recognized and rewarded.
