By Whitney Alexander
Professors teach. Students listen. Except this time, professors are asking students to teach them.
'I have been taught that critical feedback is the best gift you can get if you ever want to improve,' said Scott Ferrin, associate professor of educational leadership and foundation.
With that in mind, the BYU faculty center is asking students to provide some of that feedback through the Student Consulting on Teaching program (SCOT). Through this program professors invite qualified students to come into their classrooms and constructively critique their teaching styles.
'Most professors want to know how effective they are as teachers, but some students feel hesitant to tell a professor why his or her class is effective, said Paul Dixon, student coordinator for SCOT.
'Through the SCOT program, student consultants observe professors, not their own, and give them honest feedback to help the professor identify what''s working and what''s not working.'
The SCOT program is also the solution to students'' whining about professors and their teaching.
'The most efficient way for students to effect change in the classroom is to join the SCOT program,' said Nathaniel Mitchell, student consultant.
Student consultants agree that this program has changed the way they view the learning process. Not only does the SCOT program provide great job opportunities, flexible hours and a chance for career exploration, but it has allowed students to have a new respect for the efforts of their professors.
'I''ve sat in lectures before and thought, ''This teacher is so boring,''' said Meegan Small, a sophomore student consultant. 'But then I come to find out from their end that they really do agonize over the content and material they present. Some have no idea what they''re doing wrong.' Students use a variety of tools to evaluate professors. From interviewing a class to filming a class session or sitting in as an unbiased observer, student consultants provide feedback to professors who hope to improve their teaching skills.
Ferrin said he is a strong advocate for SCOT and believes the program is one of the best ways to create a balanced understanding between students and teachers.
Too often there is a rift between students and professors because of the size of classes and lack of communication. Ferrin said receiving advice from a student can be intimidating at times, but he understands the information is essential to a professor''s growth.
'Is there a course that ever teaches you how to teach? Never,' Ferrin said. 'You need someone who will candidly tell you things you don''t know about your own teaching. It''s my only way to improve as a teacher.'
If students are interested in joining the SCOT program, an informational meeting will be Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. in 4450 WSC. If additional information is needed, students can contact Dixon at 422-9383 or e-mail him at scot_pr@byu.edu. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to participate.