WHY DO SOME UNIVERSITIES TEACH BETTER?

                                                          BY VIC ODARVE

Some universities teach better than others; hence producing better quality of graduates. People believe that the performance of these universities largely depends on their management style; may a private or federal government funded. Whatever the reasons, these universities that teach better have common denominators on their graduates. They produce a higher level of student achievements. Their graduates are potential to become future great statesmen, world leaders, scientists, etc. Because of their good training and problem thinking skills, graduates are also enjoying widespread job opportunities. There are even multinational companies who give priority for their immediate employment over others. These graduates are extremely well prepared for high skilled-level jobs globally.

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES

These institutions establish a name by themselves and students feel proud on them. But what really make these schools teach better? Are there any secrets? It could be. But most educators and parents agree that these universities have shared common denominators, as follows;

1. Highly qualified lecturers/teachers.

This is the main factor that contributes to the student’s academic success or educational quality. Mathematically speaking, knowledge to be imparted from the lecturers is directly proportional to what lecturers are having. With highly qualified lecturers there is a predetermined body of knowledge that the teacher should pass on to the student. These

BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

universities believe that qualifications and competency of the lecturers bear some direct correlation to their work as lecturers.

 

Retention of these lecturers/teachers maintains the good performance of the institution.  Good lecturers foster student mastery of more rigorous and challenging academic contents. They can create a positive learning environment in the classroom. These lecturers allow students to feel comfortable, safe and engaged – something that all students deserve. The academic success of any school depends on the instruction provided by the hands of able, high quality and committed teachers.

2. Strong management support to teachers/lecturers

/students.

These universities do have a strong support to the lecturers as well as students by having seminars, upgrading activities, incentives, and other forms of relevant enrichments.

Some do have programs on students such as allowing them to spend time at a clinic, establishments, or school to observe the work of a professional in the field. In most cases the students may participate in the work in addition to field trips and on the job training.

3. Sufficient and modern laboratory facilities

These universities do have better and updated laboratory equipments and apparatus to meet the advancement of science and technology. Hands- on- training develops student skills and first -hand knowledge application from the classroom lectures.

Students can conduct experiments that replicate or illustrate a scientific principle introduced in the course. Laboratory experiments are important in courses such as Physics, acoustics, thermodynamics, and mechanics. Laboratory sections usually augment lectures or discussions in the classrooms. Speech laboratories allow students to listen to audiotapes or use other interactive forms of instruction. These laboratories can provide necessary training for students’ creativity, insight, and analytical skills

4. Offer competitive salaries.

These universities offer attractive salaries to the lecturers. Good salaries tend to attract more competent teachers. The managements believe that, with good salaries, lecturers would stay long at the university, meet the cost of living, bring contentment in the teaching profession, and drive motivation in the day to day activities in the classroom.

The management does not focus too much on monetary profit.

5. Good working environment.

Good performing schools support their lecturers as well as to the students by providing good working environment. School management provided basic amenities to teachers and students within the university campus.

Universities policy guidelines provide protection for lecturers and students on problems such as violence and crime, and alcohol, drug, and sexual abuse. These schools have also introduced policies aimed at eliminating the widespread problem of hard liquor drinking, and smoking inside the school premises.

Universities with the above features teach the students better; hence producing world class graduates. In contrast, low performing schools do not give much attention to the above schools’ environments.