> I must disagree with you. Professors' job is to teach, that's 
> what they are there for.

to do research, to write books, to manage a department, to conduct
exams, ...

> If it was otherwise, why go to college? Why not 
> just read the book on your own?

You could very well do that, if you are of the visual-learning type. I
did for a number of subjects, with varying degrees of succes.

> Too bad that there aren't many good professors (at least not 
> at the colleges I attended). Sure, most of them know the material, but
what 
> good is it to me that *they* know it, if they can't pass that
knowledge on to me?

The universities have to do with what they can get. I agree a professor
that knows his stuff and can teach well is nice, but given the choice I
would prefer someone who just knows his stuff (and can't teach) over
someone who just can teach (and doesn't know his stuff).

> There are only three professors that I can think of (all three from 
> unrelated disciplines) that both knew the material, and were good at 
> teaching.

They must have loved the job. They would probably be better paye when
working elsewhere.

But it is funny: I teach at the rough equivalent of a university. I have
my 'know the suff' degree, but no 'know how to teach' degree at all. I
would not be allowed to teach at a highschool or even a kindergarten,
but university is allowed.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

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