By CATHY HADDOCK
The Classroom Student Observer Program allows pupils to point out areas in which a professor could improve their teaching skills.
The program, sponsored by the BYU Faculty Center, provides student observers to faculty and gives feedback on their teaching styles. CSOP is dedicated to improving education at BYU.
Each semester, CSOP employs about 15 students to observer and approximately 50 faculty members participate. 'All faculty are welcome to participate in this program. We would like to be a resource to more faculty members,' said Randall Thacker, a CSOP student coordinator from Taylorsville, who is a senior majoring in history education.
The mission of CSOP is 'to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life,' Thacker said.
CSOP provides student evaluations for professors, from students who don't have to worry about receiving a bad grade for their honest opinions. Student observers have the opportunity to make education at BYU better. Their insights and honest evaluations can improve teaching and learning at BYU.
According to the faculty handbook, 'CSOP is dedicated to quality education at BYU and to providing faculty members with information that helps them have a better sense of what is happening in their classroom. The program is offered to all instructors at the university and faculty members from every college have participated.'
Amy Harrison, a sophomore from Meridian, Idaho, majoring in elementary education, observed a classroom on campus. She suggested that the professor walk around the classroom more, ask questions to involve more people in discussions and implement a different seating arrangement to help students pay attention.
Melissa Gallup, a junior from Santa Rosa, Calif. majoring in English, has participated in CSOP for two semesters. 'When I help the professor better teach the students what they know, then I feel I've improved education at BYU,' she said.
Gallup also video-taped a dance class. 'The tape helped the instructor a lot -- she was able to see if she was teaching effectively and if everyone in the class could see the steps,' Gallup said.
Enhancing teaching methods helps both professors and students. 'We feel as teaching improves, our learning improves and students grasp knowledge at a higher level and in a more applicable way,' Thacker said.
'It is our privilege to promote good teaching and learning as consultants, cheerleaders, and friends to the faculty of this great university. It is our honor to serve the faculty, that they may better inspire and enlighten the minds and hearts of the students whose sacred trust and privilege it is to study at BYU,' Thacker said.
Faculty have the option of using a recorder/observer, faux student, film-maker, interviewer, primed student or the student consultant in their evaluations.
Thacker encourages all faculty members to participate in CSOP. 'Our program would be so more rewarding if professors desirous to improve their teaching were humble enough to get a students' perspective -- they would see miracles happen in their classroom,' he said.
For more information contact Randall Thacker at 378-7419.