Sometimes the expectations placed on faculty are unrealistic. The student s responsibility shouldn t be underestimated. Classroom behavior can advance or retard the learning environment. He cites classroom web surfing and student s preparedness as factors. Keep in mind though, our students, as New Yorkers, are brutally honest in filling out the surveys and may be more critical than their counterparts at other schools.
Negative commentary feeds into itself and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There is good news. Over the years the averages on the evaluations have been higher than in years past. This year, Columbia hired 10 new faculty members, with four other offers still outstanding. Every attempt will be made not to have these junior faculty member teach during their first term at Columbia. Before teaching in a classroom, they must take an extensive training program that includes presentation skills.