Speaks Out

In classes with more than one teaching assistant, do you think
the TAs grade fairly? Would you rather have a professor grading the
work? Jennifer Du

Second-year, psychology and

political science

“I think if one professor graded all the papers there
would be more equilibrium among all papers, so they would be more
in sync. But with the TAs, one benefit is that they are not as
jaded as the professors are ““ they haven’t lost contact
with what undergraduate life is like. So, in that sense, I think
it’s preferable to have TAs grade papers.” Jason
Schissel

Physics graduate student and TA

“It’s impossible for a professor to grade that much
work, so you need to have TAs grade it. And I think, in general,
TAs know what’s going on. At the very least, I strive for
consistency when I grade, and I consider corrections when students
have a problem.” Jennifer Oshita

First-year, undeclared

“I think if a professor is grading for a class that is
fairly large, it’s too hard for one person to fairly grade for
everyone. So, in that case, I think TAs are a better idea.
I’ve never personally had any problems with any TAs, but
there are some who are willing to work with students (in changing
grades), and that really bugs me. For the most part, I’ve had
good experiences with TAs, more than professors.” Shanta
Loecker

First-year, undeclared

“I think for the most part my experience (with) grading
has been pretty even, but the thing I don’t agree with is
when they randomly pick out papers for the professor to grade. …
Usually the TAs give better grades than the professor, so the
people who get their paper graded by the professor are at a
disadvantage.” Michael Sahouri

Second-year, political science

“For the most part I’ve had good TAs that grade
fairly, but every once in a while you get TAs where it’s
their first time TAing, and they’re not really sure what they
are doing, and you end up with an unfair result. For the most part
I think TAs are good, but I’m happy to be in upper division
classes where you are free of the problem.” Compiled by
KELSEY HICKS/Daily Bruin Senior Staff, Photos by KARUNA
KARMARKAR/Daily Bruin