<p>College Instructors: About how many students do you teach a year and how many end up writing you a thank-you (via email, card, etc.) at the end of the course quarter/semester/year?</p>
<p>I’m a grad student and have TAed six times now and haven’t gotten anything from anyone, and I’d feel it was a little weird if I did. Just give me honest, helpful reviews on our rating system and I’ll be happy.</p>
<p>(No, giving me a 1 out of 5 for how I graded isn’t helpful when I didn’t do any grading for the class.)</p>
<p>Not a college instructor, but I would imagine it would be like sending your Dentist a thank you. It’s a service for which they are compensated. But, I’m sure it would be a nice unexpected surprise.</p>
<p>I’ve taught for over 25 years and have amassed a nice collection of…wait for it…about 12 thank yous total.</p>
<p>And people tell me they like me… :)</p>
<p>(Everyone likes being appreciated. But be careful about sending a nice note before grades are posted, as it could be misinterpreted as grade grubbing and backfire.)</p>
<p>Okay, I see.</p>