Are GSIs really supposed to be top notch here at Berkeley?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Don't get me wrong, I've had some amazing GSIs, and I did well in those classes.</p>

<p>But for most, I've had okay to really bad GSIs...I don't understand, isn't berkeley supposed to be a top notch grad school? I'm not talking about teaching, i probably wouldn't be a good teacher too. I'm talking about them not knowing their material sometimes.....</p>

<p>And in addition to that, they ask incredibly hard questions on weekly quizzes that have nothing to do with lecture, or if it does, it is some conceptual stuff that you need more than 10 minutes to think through. And even the professor said he will ask problems on midterm similar to homework....</p>

<p>i just don't understand. i'm trying not to mess up this semester, but these gsis are making that really hard, and especially when quizzes count for more than 1 midterm....</p>

2

<p>I know I have tutored/taught before and have failed epically. I’ve personally gotten straight A/A+ in Econ. However, when I’m tutoring somebody Econ that I really haven’t touched in 2 years, I get kinda lost/confused, especially if it’s specific. </p>

<p>I don’t think it’s a lack of knowledge, but most classes have material that GSIs may not be an expert in and most don’t bother to try getting themselves up to date. (some don’t even look over lectures lol). It’s one thing to be good at chemistry, but it’s another story when a kid asks you about a specific amino acid…</p>

3

<p>I have a GSI who often goes to lecture (I’ve seen him there a couple of times) because, he says, the professor hasn’t gotten into the material in the book yet (it’s a little on the intro side, with some concepts not specifically in the book yet), so he needs to know what the lectures are about so he can shape his discussions around the lecture. The same goes for another one of my GSIs, I’ve seen her in lecture, too. My 3rd GSI knows the material REALLY well and his explanations are awesome…</p>

<p>My point is, I don’t know if they’re supposed to be top-notch, but I really like that they’re willing and motivated enough to set aside time for an undergrad lecture, just so they will have a better time teaching it as GSIs</p>

4

<p>The core issue is one that plagues all major research universities - GSI’s, frankly, lack a strong incentive to provide a positive learning experience for their students. Some GSI’s, such as LemonCat’s, may put forth the effort out of personal conscientiousness, but for most of them, extra time spent on preparing their sections is time that they could be spending on research, which carries far more weight in their future careers. A graduating PhD student with top research but mediocre teaching ratings is far more likely to obtain top academic placement than will one with top teaching ratings but mediocre research. Heck, a PhD student with poor research may not even be granted the PhD degree at all. I have never heard of a PhD student not finishing the degree just because his teaching was poor.</p>

5

<p>i mean, it doesn’t really matter if they can’t properly teach or know the material. i can for the most part to homework with ease and i understand it…but my problem comes when these gsis ask incredibly insane questions on quizzes that even the professor says he isn’t going to ask on midterms and final…</p>

<p>i understand they are trying to get their degree. but so am i…i want to go to grad school and get a Ph.D…</p>

6

<p>and also when your gsi is the only one that does this out of 5 gsis total for a class…</p>

7

<p>go to office hours to get help…go to other gsi office hours…just because the other gsi’s don’t ask the same tough questions yours does, doesn’t mean they can’t answer his/her questions and help you understand them. Unfortunately, you can only do this after the fact. But that will help you understand how to prepare for your gsi’s questions hopefully.</p>

8

<p>Just because someonoe’s smart does not mean that they can teach
And considering the strong correlation between the anti-social nature of a person and his/her academic achievement and/or major… it is not surprising.
Most GSIs are meh…</p>

9

<p>honestly, i’m just a bit annoyed with the quizzes. these guys are set since they are at a top grad school…but i need to get to a top grad school too…sigh. /rant</p>

10

<p>darn, this school is so hard lol…i feel stupid here.</p>

11

<p>most GSIs don’t give crazy quizzes, but some overestimate the intelligence of their students. struggle through this semester. it’ll get better.</p>

<p>for the quizzes - is your GSI going to curve the quiz grades for the section?</p>

<p>(who is this GSI by the way?)</p>

12

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>First of all I want to say thank you to whoever takes the time and helps all of us asking questions, it really is helpful. </p>

<p>I am applying to UCLA, UCB, USC.</p>

<p>I was wondering about my chances of getting into one of the above universities, I have been nervous as it is nearing time to transfer.</p>

<p>42 units completed (all pre-req.'s/required classes are being taken/or completed -Calculus 1&2, Econs, Acct.'s, etc.) </p>

<p>3.978 G.P.A. (yes had one teacher give me an A- lol).
Will be transferring for Fall 2012!</p>

<p>Interned 3 months at non-profit loan org. (It was awesome)!
Currently working as a busser- employee of the month (idk if helps)
Part of honor society, & also a business club
Founded my own stock club/event
Tutored for 6 hours a week during 2nd semester (Pre-calc. (2), Statistics (2), Econ (2))
I was also a mentor to children aspiring to be young entrepreneurs (or teaching them about). Also awesome opportunity! (NFTE program)</p>

<p>I do attend a C.C. college (should help). Attended 2 C.C.Cs. </p>

<p>I do also have one semester where I withdrew from all my classes (got all 3 W’s) due to a family issue and subsequently traveling. </p>

<p>Will be taking Calculus 2 (Math Analysis 2) last semester before transfer (colleges won’t see grade received though I’m sure I will do fine). </p>

<p>Other than that, I am a decent writer, not superb by any measure. But will take my time and sure to write a well constructed prompt.</p>

<p>UCB is my dream school. Let me know what you think!</p>

<p>Again, Thank you all for helping, you all are great people!</p>

13

<p>im not going to say who the gsi is. but, i mean cmon…my grades are getting screwed and it has only been like, what? 4 weeks? ARGH.</p>

<p>i am able to do homework with ease, but what is up with these questions…even the professor says midterms will be similar to homework. why is this gsi messing with his section…</p>

14

<p>what class is this? </p>

<p>collegeisheaven: make your own topic. and don’t take the time to write a well constructed prompt…the prompt’s already been written. :)</p>

15

<p>Batman17:</p>

<p>Sorry I was getting no action on the new thread I started, I figured someone with much knowledge of the subject would be in this thread. I am sorry.
That makes me feel good that you say that, so you think I will competitive, just to reiterate.</p>

<p>You are great, sir/mam?</p>

16

<p>*be competitive</p>

17

<p>@insertname
I totally get you, I feel like a complete dumb@$$ here…lol</p>

18

<p>Berkeley GSIs will be close to as good as it gets. No other school is so highly ranked for every possible graduate program, not even Harvard. So if you’re looking for GSIs who know what they’re talking about, your chances are better here than anywhere else</p>

19

<p>True story.</p>