The university just wants to cut costs on real lecturers.
A common criticism. But is it true? “In the beginning, I also wondered how this would work out,” says Joram. “I didn’t want student teachers to be used as a cheap substitute – they should really add something to the learning experience.”
Student teachers don’t take over full courses from lecturers – they offer extra support and guidance alongside the regular teaching team. “It’s not about cutting costs – it’s about improving the quality of our teaching.”
Bryan, one of the student teachers, explains: “We run seminars, give workshops, and help design teaching formats – always in close collaboration with the lecturer. We’re not left to figure it out on our own, and that’s exactly what makes it such a great learning experience.”
Aren’t they just extra work?
It’s a fair concern: if things go wrong, it’s the lecturer who’s left to sort it out. But in practice, that’s rarely the case. “Yes, it does take time and guidance,” Joram acknowledges. “But it’s not unlike supervising an internship – you invest in someone, and it pays off in the long run.”
Bryan agrees: “Lecturers don’t have to step in all the time. In fact, because we run seminars and answer questions, it gives them more space to focus on other aspects of the course.”
