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Show page 20 lessons, Fail 2003 out the pattern yet. Graduate students are in the process of defining how they're going to teach, and students may pick up on this. "I run a more relaxed classroom/' he said, "most graduate students probably do. This lends itself ________________ to students feeling less apprehensive to ask questions," or to directly raise concerns about grades. Other graduate student teachers in the math and writing departments expressed similar views. Student teachers are more approachable because they are closer in age and are also students. Liz Doman, a graduate student who has taught math 1030 and 1090 says, "It's not good to be too laid back, but it's difficult when you're teaching people your own age. In three of the four classes I've taught, I've had _________________ students who I went to high school with." Doman also says, "It's difficult, because as a student myself, I'm in the same position they are, and I know how it "It's not good to be too laid back, but its difficult when you're teaching people your own age... I've had students who I went to high school with." feels to be overwhelmed. It's hard to put yourself on a different level from students, when you're a student yourself." Professor Peter Alfeld, associate chair of the math department says, "Graduate students are more popular _____________ because they are closer in age and can be more excited about teaching." Students may feel more comfortable approaching graduate teaching assistants because of their ability to communicate and relate to students. The majority of graduate students I interviewed said that students express concerns over grades with some frequency every semester. "We get all sorts of questions," said Josh Thompson. "Students ask for extra-credit after every test, and they often ask to make up missed quizzes." Liz Doman said that she's had students _____________ call her, wondering if they can make up a quiz because they've slept through it. She also feels that students are "more vocal" in her class. She says, "Students sometimes whine in class, and try to be Ann Roberts (right) says pressure is put on graduate TAs when grading pre-professional students. |