How Should We Evaluate the Teachers in Universities?

Jue Wang

How Should We Evaluate the Teachers in Universities?

In July 2014, Yanhua Fang, a lecturer in the foreign language department of Tsinghua University, faced a problem of being forced to leave the University after she had taught here for 9 years. The Tsinghua University Student publication fresh times said, “Although Yanhua Fang has passed the teaching evaluation, she may be fired. There is a rule in Tsinghua University that a lecturer must acquire professional ranks or titles after 9 years in the university, otherwise, he or she has to quit. Now it is the deadline for Fang.” To the university’s surprise, more than 50 students presented a petition for keeping Fang’s position as a teacher in the university.

The Background of Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University (THU) is a top generated research university located in Beijing, China. It was originally established in 1911 and now it is well-known in the world. With its motto of Self-Discipline and Social Commitment, Tsinghua University describes itself as being dedicated to academic excellence, the well-being of Chinese society and to global development.

THU is located on the former site of Qing Dynasty royal gardens and retains Chinese-style landscaping as well as traditional buildings, but many of its buildings are also in the Western-style, reflecting the American influence in its history.

In 1993, Tsinghua University and Peking University led a revolution of personnel system in domestic colleges and universities, attempting to introduce a flowing, open and vigorous competition and elimination mechanism. In 1994, Tsinghua University introduced the "up or out" policy, later changed to "up or turn". Initially, the policy was not implemented well. As the increase of professors in universities, this policy is regarded seriously.

In July 2004, Qiusheng Liu, who was a professor in the college of economics, sued Tsinghua University for not continuing the employment contract after he had been in THU for 6 years, but he failed. Qiusheng Liu claimed to be the first professor away due to the Tsinghua personnel reform, but not the only one that Tsinghua terminated the contract with. From 1998 to 2002, the teachers who THU did not renew the contract with accounted for 10.8% of the number of existing teachers.

Yanhua Fang

Yanhua Fang was called "Little Fang elder sister" by many students. Her English writing course was popular in Tsinghua. Some students said that the classroom was a place where the spark of thought collided.

Weimin Zhang, the vice director of Foreign Language Department of Tsinghua University gave high evaluation of her teaching as excellent teaching effect and welcomed by the students. Her unique idea and method of English writing teaching made her an irreplaceable role.

More than 50 students presented a petition asking THU not to fire Yanhua Fang. “She refreshed my view of English writing and encouraged us to convey our voice. I learnt a new perspective to observe the world, tortured the unexamined views and reshaped my values.” Lei Wang, who was one of those students, said in the letter, "Diligent teachers who have been teaching at THU for many years like Fang Yanhua are the the most precious wealth of the university. They should be cherished. The professional title is certainly one of the criteria for the evaluation of a teacher, but not necessarily the full measure of her contributions."

The Opponents

The opponents think that students should have the floor on evaluating teachers’ performances. University education lies in the quality of teaching whose standard should be based on students’ evaluation. Although Yanhua Fang did not reach the minimum requirements in scientific research, her lecture was critically acclaimed. So the university should not fire Yanhua Fang.

There are also drawbacks in the “up or out’ policy. Some professors will shirk after they get professional ranks and titles. Second, the policy will led teachers to pay less attention on teaching. At last, the policy can result in utilitarianism. The education department of government evaluates universities based on research ability. The numbers of published papers and inventions can bring profit to the university. In the circle, more universities focus on research but ignore teaching.

The Supporters

Some people claim that the “up or out” policy is not the best system, but it is the least bad system. It is hard to give a quantify evaluation on the teaching level and effect since they are very objective. Relatively, it is much easier to investigate the ability of scientific research. As long as the research ability of teachers is guaranteed, their teaching effect is guaranteed. It is a best balanced policy.

If students have the floor, there will be problems as well. Some strict teachers are not welcomed by students while some teachers make the content too easy.