<p>It’s interesting to me that you guys seem to be operating on the assumption that “teaching by TAs is bad because TAs can’t teach” and “teaching by professors is good because professors have lots of experience.”</p>
<p>I go to a big public state university. I’ve never had the lecture section of any course taught by a TA, with the exception of one sociology class which I knew was led by a TA as soon as I signed up for it. As a biology major, all TAs I’ve come into contact with have been in science labs (chem, bio, phys) and in discussion sections (bio). Seems like the lab TAs mostly exist to ensure everyone’s moving along and being safe. The discussion leaders go over extra problems or help prepare for exams. I never expected my professors to be present for labs or discussion sections, though I do appreciate it when he pops his head in (which he does every week for every class I’ve had with TAs). So in my experience, TAs don’t teach well because they don’t really teach at all…but they aren’t really expected to teach–more to assist.</p>
<p>One person mentioned it earlier, that s/he wasn’t sure S or D would even care if s/he had a professor or a TA. I think THAT was a point which was not touched upon, and is definitely the case. I think the STUDENTS are more to blame for this problem than the TAs, universities, or professors are. Students who don’t care about classes, are only there to pass the class and eventually end up with a degree, etc are what’s killing this system, not those up top, IMHO. </p>
<p>Anecdotal evidence from my pals shows that many students actually don’t like the type of professor I assume you parents are wishing for–the kind that’s engaging in class, cares about students, writes challenging but fair exams, is available for extra help, and is a leader in his or her field. I’ve found that students actually often despise this kind of teacher–the one who “requires too much” or “is just too hard” or “won’t just give me the A that I want” or “has too high expectations for us.” </p>
<p>Upon developing friendships with such professors–ones that I (as a total geek/kid who loves school/one who thrives in that type of learning environment) purposely seek out–it seems like disinterested students really do take a toll after awhile. </p>
<p>I don’t think the answer is “pity the professors” but I do think some of this energy has been misdirected. Rather than complaining about how the system needs overhauling, perhaps it would be more constructive to encourage your kids to be the outstanding students professors enjoy working with. That way, any deleterious effect of teaching by TAs would be mitigated by your kid’s great relationship with the prof. This tactic has worked wonders for me!</p>