In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader writes:
A question about teaching, or kind of. I approach this with seriousness. No exaggeration or snobbery involved. I have been teaching for more than 10 years including those done as TA. Teaching eval is always something like below 3/5. It’s not that I do not care. I wanted to do it well so badly that I have suffered through countless sleepless nights. But the result is the same whatever approach I use or what attitude I have. I get nervous before students, but have certainly seen other nervous teachers loved by students nevertheless. On the other hand, other parts of my career are very successful. In particular, I am completely confident in giving talks etc.
I write here not so much as asking for advice (since the result never changed whatever help I received), albeit very welcome, as in seeing if I am the only one who is experiencing this. Personally I don’t know anyone else:(
Does anyone who has struggled with low teaching evaluations have any tips? Earlier in my career, when I first arrived at my current university, where course meetings are much longer than at most universities, I struggled with low evaluations. I basically had to change my entire approach to teaching, transitioning from a traditional Socratic lecturer to doing more types of activities in class (and a lot more grading). It worked, but was also a heck of a lot of work. Anyone else have any tips, or want to commiserate with the OP?
Originally appeared on The Philosophers’ Cocoon Read More
