What the Best College Teachers Do

Ken Bain identifies the creation of a “natural critical learning environment” as the key characteristic of the best teachers. Bain defines such an environment as “natural” because students exercise skills and study for coursework that is “intrinsically interesting” (99). There is no one mode of instruction that gives rise to a natural critical learning environment, but generally, students are encouraged to collaborate in their pursuit of answers to critical questions. Their instructors provide regular feedback, in formal and informal assessments, so students recognize their current learning stage and know how to improve. Importantly, this critical learning environment is a safe one.

Bain’s What the Best College Teachers Do foreshadowed more recent calls for “safe spaces” on college and university campuses. A “safe” classroom does not mean students are exempt from grappling with challenging issues—rather, Bain’s safe learning environment is one in which students can struggle with concepts, even fail to grasp them, without fear of judgement. They have opportunities to improve their work under the guidance of an empathetic instructor, who offers constructive criticism and reinforcement. These instructors encourage higher thinking, moving beyond recall. Their students instead apply concepts and analyze information. Overall, Bain’s research found a natural critical learning environment fostered trust that “produces an interactive