This is a transcript of a weekly radio "magazine" program devoted to coverage of the field of education. The theme is the American teacher. Discussion includes: (1) students' opinions of what makes a good teacher; (2) John Holt, critic of American education; (3) student tricks and pranks; (4) a favorite teacher; (5) listener letters. (MM)

The educational research literature suggests that student evaluation of faculty (SEF) infringes on instructional responsibilities of faculty by providing a control mechanism over curriculum, course content, grading, and teaching methodology. SEF also plays a role in attacks on tenure and is a threat to academic freedom. Commentary by Michael…

R. Haskell has suggested that the administrative practice of faculty evaluation by students is a threat to academic freedom. Whether or not this is so, it is, nevertheless, a bad practice because it undermines student faith in their teachers and can have adverse effects on teachers' practices. (SLD)

Reviews legal rulings related to student evaluation of faculty (SEF), their implications, and assumptions with regard to accuracy and psychometric validity when SEF is integral to the denial of academic freedom, tenure, promotion, and reappointment. The legal principles of Disparate Treatment and Disparate Impact are considered in relation to SEF.…

Reviews legal rulings categorized and abstracted verbatim from cases where student evaluation of faculty is integral to the denial of academic freedom, tenure, reappointment, and promotion. Seventy-eight findings are summarized. (Author/SLD)

Legal rulings related to student evaluation of faculty (SEF) are reviewed in terms of their implications for academic freedom and quality of instruction in higher education. The issues examined are not primarily concerned with individual faculty rights, but with the implications of SEF when used for administrative purposes. (SLD)