As a multimedia/artist who team-teaches with computer scientists, Isometimes find this. It is interetsing and useful for students to know that
different people have formed well-reasoned but different ideas about things.
It is important for students to be able to distinguish fact from opinion,
and for lecturers to make it clear which they are stating. It is vital for
lecturers to know and understand colleagues' views. I usually try to outline
both my own and my colleague's point of view (where opinions differ on
anything important) and get the students to explore the pros and cons of
each in a seminar. This then enables them to form an opinion which they can
justify. Of course, if we are giving students different *facts* we have a
different sort of problem...
Fin McMorran
University of Northumbria
-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Baldwin [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2001 11:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Differences of opinion and student learning
Can I be controversial?
I have had lots of students, ever since I started teaching, coming up to
me and complaining that different tutors tell them completely different
things, and that this confuses them.
The 'stock answer' is that this is a good thing, it teaches them that
there is no right answer, and that they have to evaluate responses.
Recently I've begin to feel uncomfortable with this. I suspect it sets
students back and damages them. (Told you I'd be controversial)
They shop around for advice that is easiest to follow, and don't learn
anything except how to keep certain tutors happy. Often, because those
opinions aren't linked to the outcomes and assessment criteria, (instead
they focus on technicalities or style) students get diverted from the
learning that is supposed to take place and end up getting a poor grade
for a piece that, they insist, someone on the staff said they liked...
Has any research been done into the educational merits of tutors
contradicting one another?
Would it be worthwhile?
Anyone got any opinions on the subject?
----------------
Jonathan Baldwin
Programme Leader, BA(Hons) Graphic Design
The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College
Epsom campus, Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BE, UK
Tel: 44+ 1372 728811 Fax: 44+ 1372 747050
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