<p>Xiggi, I really fundamentally disagree with most of what you are saying. The only thing I will agree with you on is that having a Masters(or UG) TA solely responsible for teaching a full college course(i.e. a 3 or 4 credit course) is a pretty bad idea, however this is extremely rare and I know of nothing like this happening at the University of Michigan.</p>
<p>I completed a Masters degree at Purdue(another big public where research is important), and I was a funded TA there. There was, of course, a professor responsible for the course who taught the course. My responsibilities included holding office hours to answer students questions(the students could come to my office or the professors), grading, proctoring exams, giving ideas for test questions that would be edited by the prof, and giving late night help sessions. Did I ever teach class? Yes…in the two years I was a TA, I substitute taught the class twice. Both times were in my second year as a TA where I was very experienced with the class material. By the time I substitute taught for this undergrad class, I had taken numerous related graduate level courses, and had industry experience as an engineer. I really cringe at suggestion that this was a disgrace. I felt I was qualified and had a positive impact on the class. Also, this was a good and relevant experience in my professional development. While I did not continue as a PhD student at Purdue, I am now a PhD student at Michigan. It is common enough for engineering students to do their masters and PhD at different schools. Often there is work experience in-between.</p>
<p>Xiggi, you had mentioned that we have a common background in that we went to LACs for undergrad. You said…</p>
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<p>This is not at all the attitude that I was educated with at my undergrad(Carleton). For example, in one of the sciences courses I had, the prof had each student give one lecture(30 minutes) to the rest of the class. His goal was to prepare us to be TAs and professors. Others students could give helpful advice. We could learn from the mistakes are classmates were making, so we could become better teachers ourselves. I found this to be a beneficial experience. Also, it was not uncommon to have student graders or lab assistants. Do you also have a problem with this?..Perhaps, I’m misunderstanding you. At the moment what you’re saying is confusing me or just making cringe.</p>