Hi, Syed,

Teaching done well has immediate gratification observed in student growth and sometimes, student appreciation. Even in situations in which the students do not seem appreciative, the teacher is largely completely autonomous in the classroom. There we are the authority, set the standards, and make the judgments.

Research is categorically the opposite. It can take many months and sometimes years for a idea to become a manuscript ready for submission, and that submission is just the beginning of the critical process. We have no control over who is assigned as our peer reviewers with little to no opportunity to address our critics.

I think the reason someone might opt for teaching without researching is pretty clear from a motivational perspective, but I believe that it is essential for faculty to embrace all aspects of the job - scholarship, teaching, and service. Scholarship keeps  us abreast of the latest thoughts and ideas in our discipline; teaching is how we build a legacy for the future by investing ourselves in our students, and service is how we pay back our debt to family, community, and nation for the opportunity to gain an education for ourselves.

There is another clear advantage in embracing scholarship with teaching and that is that being an active scholar is one of the few ways that academics can keep their egos in check.

thanx Peter you are the best.

I would add to Peter's response that it also depends where one works and what kind of job one has. For example, at my university, there are two "streams" for faculty members. One is a research intensive stream and the other is an instructional stream. The "stream" is determined when the job is posted so, for example, if you wanted a job with a teaching focus you not apply for a job in the research stream. Both streams are paid equally, but the criteria for success are different. Those in the instructional stream are not expected to research or publish. Those in the research stream are required to publish.

As Peter mentioned, service is another element of the job and no matter which stream you are in, you are expected to do service (e.g. sit on committees).

The bottom line is that I think the answer to your question lies both in one's individual preference for a career and the kinds of jobs offered by different institutions.

Thats a great question. and equally good responses!