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You might think it’s obvious that a professor
would consider teaching to be important. But at larger colleges and universities,
classes frequently are taught by graduate students, not by professors. At Smith,
even the most senior faculty are in the classroom teaching introductory courses,
seminars in their specialties and everything in between. Professors respect their
students and will take you seriously as a scholar. They will challenge you to grow
personally and intellectually and are dedicated to seeing you succeed. As biologist
Steve Williams says, "Nothing is more fun than when a student gets a great research
result and comes bouncing into the lab because she’s so excited about it."
They teach in small classes, and they’ll know
your name and interests. They’ll ask important questions -- not "When
was the Magna Carta signed?" but "So what?" and "What makes you
think so?" It’s their job to help you think, not to pound facts and figures
into you. They will startle your brain cells in an atmosphere that fosters cooperation
among students.
Smith women give their professors consistently high
marks for accessibility. Smith faculty encourage students to drop by their offices
to chat as well as to ask questions, make comments or tackle problems. Most Smith
students get to know several professors as mentors and friends, as well as teachers.
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Teaching
Research
&
Collaboration
Academic
Advising
Related Links
Sherrerd
Prizes for Distinguished
Teaching
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