AUC applies a system of continuous assessment and has an extensive system for internal quality assurance. Based on midterm and final course evaluations, students panels and consultations with AUC faculty, a wealth of data and valuable information is gathered, which is subsequently implemented in further course development and admission strategies.
The main results of the course evaluations for the first semester 2009-2010 are positive. Students at AUC are particularly impressed by the 'demanding academic standards' and ‘inspiring source of knowledge' of their AUC courses and teachers. Almost 80% of the teachers was ranked ≥ 3.75, and more than 60% was ranked ≥ 4.00 (scale 1-5).
The top 3 teachers for the first semester are:
- Dr. Colleen Doak (VU-FALW)
Introduction to Public Health, SCI
- Dr. Emma Cohen de Lara (VU-FSW)
Classical and Modern Political Thought, SSC
- Dr. Marco de Waard (AUC/UvA-FGW)
Big Books, ACC
We asked our top teachers to share their teaching experiences from first semester:
"My experience teaching at AUC last Fall is characterised by what I would call the AUC advantage... small class sizes, high level of attendance, and motivated students who are interdisciplinary and international. These factors provide opportunities to approach learning and teaching at a higher level of interpersonal interaction and also to engage the material at a higher level. We AUC lecturers have the unique opportunity to get to know our students on a personal level."
- Dr. Colleen Doak
"What I enjoy most about teaching at AUC is the energy of the students. They are bright and actively engaged in debates about politics and society. This makes the confrontation with the philosophers we study in my course all the more interesting. It is my impression that the students in my course do not just want to learn but also grow as human beings by becoming more aware and articulate about the political and moral problems that we face in our society. The students challenge me as much as I hope to challenge them!"
- Dr. Emma Cohen de Lara
"Lecturing at AUC is a fantastic experience. It is demanding, energising, and in the end always rewarding. The students are wonderful to work with. They have really revolutionised my view of what can be achieved in the classroom."
- Dr. Marco de Waard
Student performance has also been very good, with the great majority of students completing all their courses succesfully. AUC will be proud to present a list of excellent students (GPA ≥ 3.75) in due course.
