Professor: Kaestle Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 40 Total Enrollment: 46 Class Composition: Froshs: 13 Sophs: 12 Jrs: 10 Srs: 9 Concs: 15 Non-Concs: 18 Don't Know: 5

Instructor Average: 1.45 Course Average: 1.43

Education concentrators and non-concentrators alike enjoyed “History of American Education.” The course discussed the history of America’s education system and school reform, and aimed to improve students’ skills in analyzing events within a historical context. There are no official prerequisites for the course, although some students suggested that a background in American history enhances one’s understanding of the material.

The class loved Professor Kaestle. Survey respondents called him “a cool dude” who was passionate, engaging, and kind. Some of the students warned that his enthusiasm led him to be slightly disorganized, often trying to cover too many topics at once. The class enjoyed sections with Kaestle, whom they felt was very interested in their particular interests and personal reasons for taking the class.

The survey responses differed on their opinions of the class material. Most agreed that the primary reading sources, particularly the course packet, were very helpful. However, there was disagreement amongst the respondents over the relevance of some of the readings. Some complained that some readings were superfluous, and yet others insisted all the readings were pertinent. Assignments included one 12-15 page term paper in addition to two exams.

The class agreed that the workload was relatively light. On average, students spent between two and four hours a week on the class. The biggest time commitment was the term paper, which most respondents felt was very rewarding. Many suggested the course should be a prerequisite for other education courses involving the history and public policy of education. The most common advice offered about this class was, “Take it!”

View ED/0102 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.