EDITORIAL: "Learning About Teaching"

Wharton's report cardWharton's report cardincluded a "D" this year.Wharton's report cardincluded a "D" this year._________________________ As expected, administrators have roundly criticized the survey, much as they do every time a publication -- such as U.S. News and World Report -- prints a comparison study of schools. But unlike other studies, this one did not judge "reputation" by asking outsiders what they think. This one asked actual Wharton students -- students who have much the same background has students elsewhere. This casts doubt on claims that students here are particularly critical of their school. Nevertheless, Wharton officials say the study's methodology is flawed. More or less, the same could be said for much of Wharton's research or any study anywhere -- but we usually recognize the value of the work nonetheless. Perhaps Wharton should collect and analyze some data of its own before criticizing the magazine's findings. While we appreciate all of Wharton's efforts to improve teaching, we've also learned -- from Wharton professors, we might add -- to judge efforts by the final result, and the bottom line. We expect to see some dividends.