After my first day of discussion last semester, I knew I was going to love my Com Arts 250 TA. She was animated, sarcastic and unafraid to make an ass out of herself. Half my knowledge of television came from her as it was her life passion. She opened every class with ""Anyone see anything good on TV lately?""
No matter what show someone brought up, chances were she had watched it. And if no one said anything, she would continue with her own two cents of this week's television, whether we knew what she was talking about or not.
On the last day of class, I was tempted to ask if she wanted to hang out and be my new BFF, but then I realized how inappropriate that might be.
There are those few teaching assistants who not only excite you about a subject through their teaching styles, but with their great personalities... or their dashing good looks.
I've had my fair share of love interests in this department. Nothing's more attractive than someone with fervency and great knowledge, no matter what the topic. I don't care if you're an expert on garden weed management—I dig it.
But on the unfortunate contrary are those TAs who seem opposed to enthusiasm or human emotion in general. You don't need to jump on a desk and declare your love for universal healthcare, but c'mon, move your eyebrows once in a while.
Luckily most teaching assistants aren't this way, but there are the few who make their sections comparable to an episode of ""Last Call With Carson Daly."" Gouging your eye out seems appealing.
Making course material as dry as possible should not be a standard of academia. We students need not be reminded that our TAs are 27 years old, we should just know. Plus their salaries that support their Ramen noodle and peanut butter and jelly dinners are suppose to keep them young anyway.
The perfect teaching assistant is youthful but mature, enthusiastic but professional, relaxed but not indifferent. These are difficult balances to reach, but it's a goal worth striving for that I think every TA is capable of accomplishing.
It's a hard job I have no doubt, so you may think I have no grounds for complaint. I'm actually pretty sure I'd be a crappy educator—I would only teach things I deem interesting or important, regardless if the subject shows up on the exam. I'd also consider myself an ""enticement friendly"" individual. With the right incentive, I may be willing to negotiate a grade or two.
My credibility as a critic of teachers may be going downhill due to the fact I've never been one myself, and I openly acknowledge a good bribe will get you an A in my class. But as a student, I still feel qualified to point out what characteristics help me learn best, and so are you.
So guys, remember to be honest on those TA evaluation forms. And Erin Copple, remember I still want you to be my best friend.
If you think Julia would make a good teacher, e-mail her at shiplett@wisc.edu. But if you don't, she doesn't want to hear it. Instead tell her a story about one of your TAs.
