<p>MTnest: Yes, TAs still perform the same functions you listed. I have only had one class that has ever taught new material through a TA (and even then, it was VERY little). TA’s are usually only there to reinforce the information you just learned and is available for questions. They also grade quizzes and homeworks.</p>
<p>And I agree with your last statement: you can easily pass with a bad TA… when you have a bad PROFESSOR we’ve got serious issues!</p>
<p>aglages, I don’t know what your daughter’s situation is, but unless she’s been having a lot of bad TAs lately, I don’t think there should be room for alarm. I get what you’re saying, about “getting what you paid for” and what TA’s SHOULD be like. In an ideal world, every TA would have the best english around. But at the end of the day, Pitt is not a perfect school, and neither is any college in the US. They all have flaws. TA’s english might be a problem, but compared to all the other issues a school can have, ONE bad TA is pretty low on the scale. </p>
<p>A TA is not going to impact your daughter’s future. If she’s bright, a hard worker, and has a good head on her shoulders, no TA can derail her from getting her diploma, getting into a good grad school, or her future. Just wait- she’ll graduate with honors, get an awesome job, and you won’t even remember the TA issue at that point. If the issue happens frequently, I would be worried, but if it’s one TA you just gotta take it for what it is. At the end of the day, she’ll be fine.</p>
<p>EDIT: And if your daughter is still having issues, I can help refer her to some great resources on campus or even some friends that are willing to tutor. If she is seriously having a problem, I am willing to help.</p>