UBE study signals need for reform in SU classrooms, specifically among TAs
Photo/Mark Nash
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The results are in, and they aren’t surprising.
A campus-wide survey conducted by Undergraduates for a Better Education concluded that students felt dissatisfied or neutral about certain aspects of their undergraduate education.
While not shocking, the fact that students hold a “neutral” view about their education is concerning. Most of the students surveyed were dissatisfied or felt neutral about the role of teaching assistants.
In addition to results about course availability, advising, instruction and funding, the survey showed that 62 percent of students are unhappy with their TAs’ ability to “support in-class instruction.”
This can be attributed to the training of teaching assistants, rather than each individual, said UBE President Emily Ballard. In-class instruction is not as easy as students may think. Teaching assistants are well versed in a specific subject field, but lack teaching experience. Because of this, they are less acclimated to a classroom environment.
This finding reflects the need to redefine the role of TAs. The administration should better train teaching assistants on in-class interaction with students. TAs are important resources for students, and their passion and enthusiasm for a subject could help students better understand subject material.
Professors should take this result and others into consideration. It proves there is a need for change in the classroom, and professors should take note of these concerns. These results were published for a purpose, and could instigate necessary reform within the classrooms and lecture halls of SU.
Unlike the end-of-semester reviews of individual professors, the UBE survey focuses on larger issues facing the undergraduate educational experience. This information is tangible evidence that proves these topics are significant.
The organization has already proved its legitimacy by working with administration in overseeing the survey.
The future of this organization is essential. UBE has the ability to promote change at SU at its most basic and imperative level: with students in the classroom.