LETTER: Teachers should be held liable

Editor,

The opinion piece written Nov. 17 placing all educational responsibility on the student disturbed me. While I agree with the writer that much responsibility remains with the student, that is not to say educators are relinquished from the standards that define quality education.

Sadly, the writer believes that no matter what book is used, what teacher is assigned, or what situation the class is taught in, the student should simply make the best of it. I vigorously disagree, and believe we should demand a fair return for our investment to attend this university. I am seriously disappointed with teachers who can barely speak English, have no teaching skills or care little about teaching. When I am stuck with these kind of teachers, I feel that I could learn the material better on my own and wonder why I spent so much tuition and fees to attend shabby education.

According to the writer, only seven classmates out of 65 passed the midterm in his electrical engineering class. Understandably, many of these students were concerned when they received their tests back, and likely had legitimate complaints that such a high percentage of them were given failing scores. Crockett describes the 58 failing students as whiners and complainers, claiming that these classmates obviously weren’t working hard enough, or are simply idiots.

I find these numbers reflect on the instructor, than on the class as a whole. While it is to be expected some students will fail as a result of their own lack of effort or ability, when 89 percent fail there is likely a severe deficiency on the instructors part or of the prerequisites for the class.

While the passing seven in Crockett’s class sit back comfortably assured, I hope the other 58 will continue to demand that Utah State University provide quality educators to the serious and invested students at this institution.

In defense of USU, the majority of my education here has been a positive experience. It is however, our responsibility as students to give the university the feedback it needs to provide us with the best in education.

Stephanie Manning