Dr. Christopher Surro at UCLA: A Deep Dive into Teaching Excellence and Economic Pedagogy
The landscape of higher education is constantly evolving, with educators seeking innovative ways to foster learning and engagement. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Christopher Surro, an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics at UCLA. Committed to his students' success, Professor Surro exemplifies a pedagogical approach that blends rigorous economic principles with practical application, enhanced by the strategic integration of technology and a genuine commitment to student welfare. This article delves into his teaching philosophy, course structure, and the impact he has on his students, drawing from insights shared by both the professor and his students.
The Core of Professor Surro's Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Christopher Surro's primary teaching goal is to equip students with not only a solid foundation in economic knowledge but also the critical ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways to their future careers. This dual objective is central to his curriculum design and delivery. He believes that understanding economic theory is only the first step; the true value lies in its real-world applicability. This is why he actively seeks to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible outcomes, ensuring that his students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond academia.
Furthermore, Professor Surro is dedicated to fostering an environment where active listening and genuine engagement are paramount. He posits that active listening is a central tenet to the capacity to learn and acquire new skills. In his approach, this translates into creating learning experiences that encourage students to not only absorb information but also to critically analyze, question, and connect it to their own understanding of the world. His commitment extends to his students' success, teaching how to engage others to learn by applying a few simple principles: showing care, guiding versus doing, and creatively using technology. These principles underscore a belief in empowering students as active participants in their own educational journey.
Navigating Economic Concepts: Course Structure and Delivery
Professor Surro primarily teaches macroeconomics but possesses teaching interests across a variety of economic fields. His courses are designed with a clear structure, aiming for clarity, conciseness, and organization. A significant aspect of his teaching methodology involves the incorporation of new technologies to improve student learning and engagement. This is evident in various facets of his course design, from the use of online platforms for communication to the integration of practical assignments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Surro adapted his teaching to a prerecorded lecture format, supplemented by live sessions. These live portions typically involved working through sample problems, offering a crucial opportunity for students to clarify doubts and solidify their understanding of the material. This blended approach acknowledged the need for flexibility while maintaining direct interaction and support.
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A recurring theme in student feedback is the emphasis on well-structured problem sets and relevant readings. These components are designed to aid in comprehending economic concepts and their real-world applications. Professor Surro ensures that students gain a working understanding of macroeconomics, moving beyond simplified theoretical models to explore practical applications in the real-world economy. This often involves supplementing problem sets with readings that connect the theoretical frameworks to current economic events and discussions.
Assessment and Academic Rigor
The assessment structure in Professor Surro's courses is a point of frequent discussion among students, often highlighting a tension between academic rigor and grading expectations. Many students acknowledge that while his lectures are clear and the material well-explained, the exams can be challenging. Midterms and finals often constitute a significant portion of the overall grade, sometimes as high as 75%. These exams are described as requiring a good amount of studying and a strong conceptual grasp of the material, with a mix of calculation and conceptual questions.
However, Professor Surro also incorporates various elements designed to support student learning and provide opportunities to cushion grades. Short quizzes, often graded for completion, are administered after lectures. These quizzes serve a dual purpose: they help students stay on track with the material by indicating what concepts they should have grasped from the lecture, and they offer a low-stakes way to earn points. Similarly, problem sets are often graded for completion, encouraging students to engage with the material without the immediate pressure of a high-stakes grade. This approach allows students to identify areas of weakness and seek help before the more significant assessments.
One notable feature is the potential for the midterm grade to be dropped if a student performs better on the final exam. This policy offers a degree of flexibility, allowing students who may have struggled with the midterm to demonstrate their mastery of the material later in the course.
The Role of Technology and Practical Skills
Professor Surro's commitment to integrating technology is particularly evident in assignments like the Solow Excel project. This project, often assigned in macroeconomics courses, requires students to generate data and graphs using one of the theoretical models learned in class. The focus on Excel is deliberate, aiming to develop valuable career skills that are highly sought after in the job market. Students often report that while these assignments can be time-consuming, especially for those less proficient in Excel, they are a great way to learn the software and reinforce class concepts. The project is seen as a practical application of economic models, allowing students to see how theoretical frameworks can be used to analyze real-world scenarios and data.
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CampusWire, an online platform, plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and support. Professor Surro is known for being responsive to student questions on this platform, providing assistance with homework, projects, and general material comprehension. This accessibility is highly valued by students, particularly for last-minute questions before exams.
Student Perspectives: Learning, Challenges, and Recommendations
Student feedback on Professor Surro's courses is generally positive, with many highlighting his clarity, organization, and dedication to student success. He is frequently described as a professor who genuinely cares about his students and wants them to learn the concepts well. Many students express that his classes have made them feel well-informed and satisfied with their learning, with some even developing a newfound appreciation for subjects like macroeconomics, which they might not have initially enjoyed.
However, the challenging nature of the exams and the grading can be a source of frustration for some. There have been instances where students felt that the professor was "stingy with grades" or that the class averages were lower than anticipated, especially when expectations for a curve were raised. While Professor Surro aims for fair assessments, the weighting of exams and the perceived difficulty can lead to concerns about achieving higher grades. Some students have noted that the class may not be ideal for those unconfident in their exam-taking skills due to the heavy reliance on midterm and final performance.
Despite these challenges, the overwhelming sentiment is one of recommendation. Students often express a desire to take additional classes with Professor Surro, appreciating his thorough explanations, engaging teaching style, and the practical skills they acquire. The ability to connect economic learning to the real world, understand different economic schools of thought, and develop technical proficiency through projects are consistently cited as significant benefits.
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