I am PhD grad student (two weeks until my defense) who is done quite a bit of teaching and this is spot-on.
I say put cameras in the classroom and base evaluations solely on 1) cogency and clarity of each instructor’s lectures and 2) keeping with high and consistent standards, set by the university, in assessments . Problem solved.
I partially agree with you. Having cameras in the classroom would cut out a lot of BS (just like it does with police). However, someone STILL needs to go over it and evaluate it. That is quite a Herculean task as a university typically has hundreds of professors (plus teaching assistants). However, even if someone does it once a semester (totally at random, without telling the professor when they are being recorded), you would see an improvement in teaching quality.
One other thing: university Administrations are often biased toward watering down curriculum. Why? Because it minimizes the amount of problems and complaints for them and, in the short term, makes students seem “happier” & increases revenue (fewer dropouts).
“I say put cameras in the classroom and base evaluations solely on 1) cogency and clarity of each instructor’s lectures and 2) keeping with high and consistent standards, set by the university, in assessments . Problem solved.”
Big Brother, anyone?
Good idea. . .but one has to be aware most of those in college/university leadership positions are leftist and any defense or offering of a conservative opinion or politically incorrect position would be severely discouraged.