<p>just wondering because LACs usually emphasizes on student-teacher discussions.</p>
<p>No. The problem is that famous professors cannot spare time with undergrads, simply because undergrads cannot contribute to their reseach. </p>
<p>Famous professors are not supermen. They are like us – also have only 24 hours a day. National university professors get tenured purly because of their research work. There is no balance between teaching and research. If you are a teaching star, you are dead. However, you can find many teaching stars in Williams. Go to Math Dept website. You can find many professors have received national teaching awards. A teaching award is a death warrant in national universities.</p>
<p>was that a “no” to shy people or a “no” to student-teacher discussions</p>
<p>I mean everywhere got shy people. Williams is not particular in this respect.</p>
<p>Tony, If by shy you mean that you are uncomfortable performing either socially or academically before a large group, then yes, there are shy people like you at Williams. Not everyone can be a superstar.</p>
<p>Williams, like all LACs, prides itself on its personalized teaching style. Close relationships between professors and students, in and out of class, are one of the hallmarks of an LAC education. The important point to remember, however, is that the professors are professional teachers (although they may also be researcher, authors and experts in their fields) and they know how to get kids to open up. They’re there to help you think and to help you articulate your thoughts both orally and in writing. </p>
<p>Actually, I would say that a person who is very intelligent, but relatively shy in social settings, would do very well in the supportive and friendly atmosphere like Williams. Maybe better than in a highly competitive and impersonal atmosphere of a large university. </p>
<p>Classes are for the most part small and your contribution to discussion will be a major part of your grade, so if you don’t want to speak in class at all, then this teaching style isn’t appropriate for you. However, if you feel comfortable expressing your ideas in a small group of like-minded friends, then Williams or any LAC would be ideal.</p>
<p>Thanks for replying. Your input is very valuable.
In a small group, I do feel comfortable expressing my ideas. It’s just that when I am in an enviorment where I feel like an outsider, I just tend to be passive and just listen wihout contributing.
Do you think that me, or any other shy person who may go to a LAC take a course in Public Speaking to boost up the confidence level?</p>
<p>Tony, from what I know about Williams and other LACs the environment, both in class and social, is supportive, not competitive or threatening. You’ll do fine.</p>
<p>I’d encourage anyone to take a public speaking course, even though this is a different skill from participating in class discussion. Experience really does build confidence. You just have to try to remember that your audience (in most cases) understands how you feel and wants you to succeed.</p>
<p>I will take a public speaking class then. Again, I would like say thank you, and your input has been very valuable. It changes my approach and view about participating in class discussion.</p>