A recent article entitled "High CUE Ratings May Hurt Tenure Chances" (News, Feb. 21) reinforces a common misconception among students. I would like to try to correct that misconception and clarify remarks attributed to me.
Associate Professor of Linguistics Bert R. Vaux is quoted as saying that "being a good teacher carries with it the implication that you are not a good scholar." This is certainly not true in the Physics Department, and I do not think it is true in most departments. The same clarity of thought and expression that makes a good teacher also contributes to being a good researcher and scholar. The late Richard Feynman was one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. Anyone who has seen the film of his lecture explaining the essence of quantum mechanics (which I enjoy playing for my Core course) knows that he was also a superb teacher.
Harvard professors are appointed to teach and to do research. Clearly, a professor who spends all of his or her time teaching will not do any research, and conversely a professor who spends all of his or her time at research is unlikely to be an effective teacher. A balance is needed. From discussions in the Physics Department, I know that all of my colleagues prize good teaching and strive to attain the proper balance.
When we consider a junior faculty member for promotion to tenure, or consider an outside appointment, the quality and promise of scientific work is the primary consideration. However, the expected quality of teaching is important and is always discussed and considered. I do not believe that the Physics Department would recommend the appointment of a professor who was known to be a poor teacher. Between two candidates with approximately equal scientific promise, the edge would definitely go to the one who is likely to be the better teacher.
When mentoring junior colleagues, we always advise them of the importance of good teaching and urge them to use their CUE evaluations and the services of the Bok Center to improve their teaching.
Gary Feldman
Feb. 28, 2001
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