Nature recently published an article in which a “jury” of researchers weighed in on the topic of teaching assessments. Lan Nguyen Chaplin (Northwestern University) wrote that she stopped caring about approval ratings because she was concerned about them undermining her teaching. Other scientists reached out to Nature with reactions to this approach, indicating that while instructors cannot please everyone, feedback can be a valuable reflection tool. Most respondents emphasized that Nguyen Chaplin should continue putting energy into teaching rather than seeking approval from students. “Academic leadership should not be measured only by popularity, but also by fairness, clarity and the ability to help people grow beyond their comfort zones,” said Universidad Especializada de las Américas Professor Jay Jesús Molino Cornejo.
