i'm having difficulty with my TA and i'm wondering if anyone has any advice. the problem being that we are asked to do things without any real guidelines and then AFTER the fact when we're getting our marks back, we're told how it was supposed to have been done. i don't feel that the TA necessarily marks as fairly as the other TAs.

the second part is that information was missed and not taught to our class, but it showed up on the mid-term. the question wasn't worth much, so i didn't argue the point with the prof. but it is annoying.

i have approached this person asking for feedback, but to date, it hasn't helped.

anyone else have problems like this? suggestions?

To me, it seems like a "welcome to university" thing. Your TA may be useless, but it's doubtful. You need to figure things out on your own. I personally don't get outlines for assignments. Maybe a one paragraph statement about what the assignment is. Your ability to figure it out on your own is part of the learning experience.

To comment on the midterm stuff, if it's in the textbook in the chapters the prof told you to know, it's fair game. Plain and simple.

It's all part of learning at university. Took me a while to figure it out. I thought TA's were useless for the longest time until I decided to actually talk to them and figure out what they wanted. Puts you out in front of the kids in the class who won't do that kind of thing.

Talk to the prof about the TA specifically (use names) and encourage other students to do the same, if the TA doesn't improve after the Prof hears about it and talks to him/her they're very unlikely to ever TA for that prof again (which will at the very least help students in the future).

I agree with what BJ says. Hmm, at least you don't have your TA hitting on you. XD My friend's TA from UTM openly hits on her. @[email protected];

At any point in time you feel that you don't understand what is required of you for an assignment, ask! Usually TAs are more than happy to clarify what their expectations are. If they aren't willing to do that then definately go to the course instructor to ask.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Desda

I agree with what BJ says. Hmm, at least you don't have your TA hitting on you. XD My friend's TA from UTM openly hits on her. @[email protected];

My Bio TA hits on these 2 chicks in class. He he tries to impress them with his Linux computer. I laugh my ass off. I feel so embarrassed for him lmao.

Ahem, you could always switch over to Engineering. Our TAs know what they're talking about.

Just sayin'

haha, no, but really, just try talking to them, if that doesn't work, approach the prof. But remember to be respectful and professional about it, don't let it get emotional.

There are three things you can do, in these order. Out of respect, you should not skip a step.

1) Talk to your TA. Bring up your concerns. It is their job to help you, not screw you over. Be fair in your concerns.

2) If you are unsatisfied with the response by the TA or things do not change, go to the professor. Explain your concerns. Do not exaggerate points, use facts and evidence, not assumptions and subjectivity.

3) Finally, if there are marks outstanding that you think are unfair, go to OMBUDS. Their office is located on the second floor of the student center. Bring all your information and relevant assignments and come prepared.

Originally Posted by SilentWalker

My Bio TA hits on these 2 chicks in class. He he tries to impress them with his Linux computer. I laugh my ass off. I feel so embarrassed for him lmao.

Same thing happens with CAs and frosh, generally speaking the 1-5 year age gap between most TAs/CAs isn't enough of a barrier to prevent relations (or at the very least attempts at relations).

Originally Posted by Tailsnake

Same thing happens with CAs and frosh, generally speaking the 1-5 year age gap between most TAs/CAs isn't enough of a barrier to prevent relations (or at the very least attempts at relations).

They're white. He's brown with a thick, thick accent. Not to be racial, but piece it together. It's so embarrassing just to watch it, because he's so oblivious.

Can you blame them, first year girls want it.

LOL *hides from feminists*

Originally Posted by CrashPlague

Can you blame them, first year girls want it.

LOL *hides from feminists*

They're sooo hot though. So yea...guess you can't blame him.

Damn, I hate hot people. It makes mediocre people feel useless.

Originally Posted by SilentWalker

They're sooo hot though. So yea...guess you can't blame him.

Damn, I hate hot people. It makes mediocre people feel useless.

Haha tell me eh?

Originally Posted by SilentWalker

They're sooo hot though.

I wish I TA'd more girls that were "soooo hot"

Originally Posted by Tailsnake

I wish I TA'd more girls that were "soooo hot"

Didn't realize TA was a verb these days

Unless we're talking about something completely different