Why choose a research university?

belevitt
Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:46:58 +0000

Where does this assumption come from that a professor will be a better instructor than a TA? Professors who teach undergrads at large schools do so because they haven’t risen in the ranks yet. Everyone can think of an anecdotal counterexample but the trend is that teaching is done by not yet tenured faculty. For many, this is the bane of their job and teaching awards are commonly considered a nail in the coffin for your career. TA’s on the other hand can be enthusiastic, not jaded, would be able and willing to put more time into preparation and be able to relate better to undergrads.