Editorial: Students will benefit from new teaching opportunity

Most undergraduates don’t come to UCLA expecting to teach
a class before they graduate. But the experimental college program
is on track to provide students with a unique and valuable
opportunity ““ a chance to create and share their own
curriculum.

The process is not easy, but it has the potential to be very
rewarding. To be eligible to teach, a student must first take a
training course and submit a proposal.

So far, only one course has actually been taught by a student:
Environment 185 is a one-unit course created by fifth-year
political science student Michael Cox.

But more courses may be coming soon. The Undergraduate Students
Association Council has made preparations to educate students about
student leadership and diversity. Other students should have a
chance to take a training class this spring.

UC Berkeley’s program currently offers 80 classes,
including: Introduction to Breakdancing, Developing a Queer Voice
and The Delivery of Healthcare in the Developing World.

Students and faculty should welcome these courses as they become
available.

For students, the experimental college program will provide a
low-stress way to engage in unique and interesting material.
Meanwhile, faculty members will get a chance to see how
students’ interests relate to contemporary and personal
issues.