Arts and Sci classroom questions: How are the teachers at Tufts? What is the classroom like?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
1

<p>In the school of arts and sciences, how engaging and interesting are the teachers at Tufts ? How 'Inspiring' are they?</p>

<p>For the classroom, to what extent is there an attempt to draw the students in? </p>

<p>To what extent do a few students dominate the classroom (Tufts has many very strong students)?</p>

2

<p>I’d really love to hear the answer to this question. My son and I sat in on a small history class at Tufts last week, and I was amazed that there was no student interaction in the class. The prof gave a lecture, so that was part of it, but he didn’t once encourage discussion. DS is very interested in Tufts, but is worried about our experience in that class. We also sat in on a music history class, of about 15 students, and the class was more participatory, but still only a few of the kids participated. At his small high school, kids are competing to participate, so we were both shocked. I’d like to know…

  1. How participatory are the smaller classes. this history class I’m speaking of had about 20 students. Do most profs encourage discussion?
  2. How many large classes is your average arts and sciences student likely to have? My son’s school doesn’t have AP classes, so he’s not coming in with AP credits. Thank you!!</p>
3

<p>I sat in on a science class the other week during Jumbo Day. The teacher was very engaging, every few sentences she would ask the class a question instead of her just telling us everything. I also sat in on a gender studies class and it was also that way, I really loved the openness and interaction of both, and also how engaging they felt!</p>

4

<p>My sophomore daughter has loved all her engaging, accessible profs, except one. Most classes are so small there is no “hiding” in the back, and you have to be totally prepared to participate each day, and do. All students seem to be brilliant over achievers, but not in a competitive way- just really nice to each other. And for the first time in her life group projects actually work and everyone does their share! Imagine! </p>

5

<p>Have to say the same for my D, who can’t get away with “hiding” in her recitation classes, labs, language class… </p>