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Anna Kotlan

Are College Professors Worse at Teaching than High School Educators?

High school teachers outshine college professors in the realm of teaching. This sentiment is not just my own but shared by many students from diverse educational backgrounds. From my own experience, I consistently felt more confident in my knowledge from high school classes compared to college classes.

High school teachers excel in providing many practice problems, explaining concepts effectively, and delivering comprehensive slideshows. Their value is based on their teaching skills, so the primary focus is on instructional effectiveness, clarity in conveying material, and the academic performance of their students. 

In contrast, college professors’ value is not based on their teaching skills but rather on their reputation with external achievements. Colleges expect professors to show a record of academic research, have several publications in scholarly journals, and continue conducting original research within their respective fields. These qualifications contribute to their standing within the academic community and enhance the university’s prestige.

As I transition from high school to college, I have found that self-directed learning is important to making the most of my college experience. Reviewing slideshows and reading the textbook in my own time has proven to be the most effective approach for me. Preparing before class rather than after class also ensures that the lecture serves as a useful review of the material. 


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