Professional Problems: Preparation for a Career in College Teaching

This paper describes a course, "Professional Problems," offered at the University of Virginia to graduate students in psychology who are planning to become college teachers. The professor in charge discusses how he organizes his course and what topics he covers during the semester. Some of the subjects his students consider are: history of higher education, governance, types of higher education institutions, academic freedom and tenure, student rights and responsibilities, curricula, course planning, instructional techniques, grading and examining, teacher evaluation, student-faculty relations, the marketplace, personnel problems, financial resources, and social controls as indicated by ethical standards and legislation. A bibliography of mostly recent significant works on higher education is included. (JS)