Difficulties of being a teaching assistant

Most of us think that becoming a teaching assistant will be somewhat of a walk in the park and just answering students' questions throughout their course. But how often do we talk about tactics on working with those few students who expect us to bend over backwards to help them pass the class, while they put in limited effort? Since becoming a TA, I've come across 3 students who have been somewhat difficult when attempting to assist them, 1 PhD student and 2 master's students.

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Dealing with the PhD Student...

I get being in a PhD or any other doctorate program instills some type of entitlement to a student, due to it being the highest level of a degree you can earn. I completely get it, however, if you are a doctorate student who is enrolled in a required course which has a TA present, do not behave as if you are are above them and their feedback is irrelevant. The TA is put in that role for a reason, and can provide another set of eyes on your research, discussion post, and more. Unfortunately, I did have to go through the "I'm a PhD student about to start comps, I don't need your feedback" situation. How did I handle this, you asked? Well, I took the high road and congratulated her on making such progress in her program and getting close to the end. Second, I kept it professional when responding, plus the instructor is notified any time students posts or submit, and also when I respond. Luckily enough, this student realized they needed to take a step back and relax, and realized the point I was making in the feedback I provided, and advised me of it.

Dealing with Master's Students...

I hate to say it, but my "laziest" students that have frustrated me the most have been students who are working to complete their master's program(s). With being a TA, the university provides timeframes on when to respond to emails, course messages, discussions, and all that good stuff. So if we're held to all these standard, what about the students that reach out to us? Although, I am supporting these students virtually, it's not hard to pick up on their behavior(s) of not putting forth the equivalent amount of effort that they are expecting you to put in. Or what about when the student attacks you via message after you've attempted to help and have been respectful and professional each time you've communicated? Literally, just had this happen within the last 10 minutes, but hey, comes with this position. Naturally, it's frustrating that they're the ones reaching out to you and this is what's occurring. So how do we resolve these issues with students such as these? For starters, remain professional, provide them additional resources, and most importantly, include the instructor or professor in the communication so they are aware that you are doing everything you've attempted to help the student with. I know it may feel as if we're "snitching" but seriously, it's to make sure we're covered and can confirm that we did all we could do on our end to provide the support for the learner.

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Basically, stand your ground but be professional, and if you're a TA or any other support role for students, ALWAYS keep the instructor/professor in the loop and provide any email or message chains to protect yourself and show the conversation. Although the learner support role can be very rewarding, it can also be a little frustrating. Difficult students and situations will happen, but take it as a learning experience and how to handle similar situations.

Happy teaching!

Candace

TheStudentForLife