The Legitimacy of Trying to Choose One's Students-or Self-Centeredness and Teaching

Abstract

A good match between student and teacher is extremely important to increase the effectiveness of teaching. But it is only under exceptional circumstances-such as advanced seminars or honor courses—that teachers are allowed to choose their students. The author (a) analyzes reasons why most teachers do not discuss this issue; (b) presents the reasons that in his opinion justify a teacher's attempts to choose his or her students; and (c) describes the method he uses to select his students. He argues forcefully about the legitimacy of teachers taking into account their own needs and preferences in selecting their pedagogical style and choosing their students.