Word: tfs
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...strongly support two recent efforts made to remedy this situation. First, we urge the Faculty Council to pass a proposal by Dean Buell requiring that TFs be screened for English language competency before they enter the classroom...
...members had several objections to the proposal, none of which are valid. As Cabot Professor of the Natural Sciences John E. Dowling said, "Language skills cannot be used to judge someone's teaching capability." His sentiments were echoed by Baird Professor of Science Gary J. Feldman, who observed that TFs can compensate for a "lesser grasp of English" through other attributes...
...simple fact that no TF--regardless of dedication or caring--can be an effective teacher if he or she does not speak the language of instruction. For most courses, this is English. The objections of Dowling and Feldman would make sense only if the proficiency test requires TFs to compose extemporaneously and declaim Petrarchan sonnets...
...faculty members who questioned the proposal said they support efforts to guarantee TFs' teaching effectiveness, but called for flexibility in application of standards. But "flexibility" in such standards could all too easily turn into no standards...
...Center, since it has only a 12-person permanent staff, might be overwhelmed if faced with the task of training the 1,000 Harvard TFs. But it is still a valuable resource offering additional help to TFs who need it, and has proved very helpful for many TFs in the past. Those TFs who have trouble teaching their students--even after departmental training--should be required to attend special sessions at the center...