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> The T.A.’s had to explain over, and over, and over again the simplest concepts. As a TA, I want to say that this is literally my job. If that's what it takes

> The T.A.’s had to explain over, and over, and over again the simplest concepts. As a TA, I want to say that this is literally my job. If that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. My entire purpose is to help students. If other people need my help, I might be limited in the amount of time I can spend, but I'll give you every bit of help I can in the time I have. When I was an undergraduate, I worried about the TA judging me for not knowing things. I'd even skip tutorials if I was too far behind. Now as a TA, that seems so silly. My goal is to just get you the best mark I can, regardless of where you're starting from. Anyways, this was a well-written post. Lots of great stuff in there. I think the issues it touches on are also something a lot of students can relate to. I would caution, though, there's also 'that guy' who speaks instead of thinking. There is a balance to be struck. In lectures, at least. Listen, think, ask.

adwn 11y ago
You say: > As a TA, I want to say that this is literally my job. If that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. My entire purpose is to help students. And: > If other people need my help, I might be limited in the amount of time I can spend, but I'll give you every bit of help I can in the time I have. But that's the point – you don't have infinite time. I think it's unfair to the faster to students if the majority of your time is spent on the slowest ones. Unless it's your explicit goal to teach the lowest common denominator, the better students also have a right to get help and support in their learning.
- Latty 11y ago
  Sure, but that assumes that the extra time being taken here came at the expense of someone else's time. The original article showed two people gaining from this at the same time, at least. If they require more time than can be allocated and it cuts into time other students need, then alternative arrangements need to start being made, sure. Just assuming that taking more time than others to get something makes you unworthy of getting that help isn't right.

adwn 11y ago

You say: > As a TA, I want to say that this is literally my job. If that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. My entire purpose is to help students. And: > If other people need my help, I might be limited in the amount of time I can spend, but I'll give you every bit of help I can in the time I have. But that's the point – you don't have infinite time. I think it's unfair to the faster to students if the majority of your time is spent on the slowest ones. Unless it's your explicit goal to teach the lowest common denominator, the better students also have a right to get help and support in their learning.

Latty 11y ago
Sure, but that assumes that the extra time being taken here came at the expense of someone else's time. The original article showed two people gaining from this at the same time, at least. If they require more time than can be allocated and it cuts into time other students need, then alternative arrangements need to start being made, sure. Just assuming that taking more time than others to get something makes you unworthy of getting that help isn't right.