PhDs and Teaching

Does a having a doctorate equal good teaching?

Give me a minute to answer.

One of the greatest disservices promoted in higher education is the assumption that simply because a person has PhD behind their name, that person is qualified to teach. I am not questioning anyone’s credentials. I am saying having a doctorate does not necessarily translate into good teaching in the classroom.

For example, just because one has a PhD in theology does not mean he also has the skills necessary to teach theology at any level. There are other abilities involved in teaching, beyond academic exercises.

Temperament, interpersonal skills, the ability to ask questions, the desire for students to discover their beliefs, and great wisdom in discerning student needs are among key concerns in higher education. How to use one’s authority in the classroom is born well by the wise instructor, treating all students with respect.

Thanks for spending this minute with me, Dr. Mark Eckel.

Mark Eckel (MA English, ThM Old Testament, PhD Social Science Research) is Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Integration, Liberty University.

“Give Me a Minute” is an ongoing effort to simply, clearly, and quickly explain aspects of true Truth.

Gratitude, as always, to my longtime friend, videographer, and tech guru Josh for his continued service.