<p>I think that it comes down to respect. The professors at the University of Chicago respect undergraduates as scholars. As Idad pointed out, professors do not use titles. Most professors go by their first names, with a few preferring Mr. or Mrs. Professors speak to students as equals. Our original ideas are encouraged, and they get thoughtful consideration from professors. The largest class tends to be Introduction to Microeconomics taught by the popular lecturer Alan Sanderson. He holds office hours and review session, and there is an abundance of TAs who also hold office hours and are available for extra help. I saw Sanderson on the elevator a few days ago, and even though I am no longer in his class and never went to office hours, he knew who I was immediately and started conversation. At other schools, I think I would have been ignored. Some graduate students act at Writing Tutors or TAs in core classes, and a few sections a quarter are led by superb graduate students. These grad students tend to be quite good. Famous professors (well, famous at the U of C) teach core classes with eighteen students–and enjoy teaching them. A few professors who came from other schools have expressed to students how much they love working with U of C students because of our thoughtful inquiry and commitment to education. When students are respected, teaching becomes a very different ballgame.</p>