|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Worst TA\'s and Professors
Just got back from my first Finite Mathematics discussion. My TA, who is one of the worst "engrish" speakers I have ever heard, hands out a sheet with some problems that are suppose to give us an idea of things we will be learning during the semester. The first problem reads as follows:
<font color="blue"> Somebody throws balls at a target. There is a 50 percent chance that she hits with each ball. What is the chance that she hits the target at least once when she throws 3 balls? </font> The TA gives us a little time to work out the problem then goes into his solution. Which follows: <font color="red"> 50% + 50% + 50% = 150% she hits the target at least once </font> No one in the classroom says anything for a few seconds and finally I ask how we can have a probability greater than 100%. He runs over the problem again using the same method. I'm still confused and say so. He explains his thinking, which makes no sense because of his "engrish". So I just pretend like I understand and shut up the rest of the class. How can someone not understand basic probability and be TAing at a major university? FWIW I go to the University of Wisconsin, which is a pretty reputable (although large) university. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
he was just probably just lvling everyone
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
I got to Wisconsin as well. While I have had a few problems with the quality of english from some of my TAs, basic competency has never been a problem.
Is this for real? |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
Yeah, this is for real. Most of the students in the class where staring at each other in disbelief while this was happening.
I've had another TA who had poor English skills, but had a great teaching style which easily made up for the speaking. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
One thing that comes to mind whilst explaining all of the TAs with poor speaking skills is how they are tested in English. A lot of universities in the US (and probably other English-speaking countries) require the TOEFL for foreign-language applicants. I don't know what else they might require, but it wasn't until recently that the TOEFL tested any speaking ability at all, and even when it started, you still have issues like teaching to the test.
|
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
I'm a math major...and I'm totally speechless. Seriously, I would e-mail the professor and my advisor about this, because this is inexcusable, especially given the amounts you pay to go to college.
I would say I've had at least four or five professors and TAs that spoke poor English, but they were all at least competent. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
I don't get big schools. You people pay all this money and then get taught by incompetent TAs.
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
[ QUOTE ]
I don't get big schools. You people pay all this money and then get taught by incompetent TAs. [/ QUOTE ] In state tuition. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
If this wasn't a one time screw up and continues, I would definitley clue in the head of the math department or the dean or whoever. You don;t have to put up with an incompetent TA for the whole semester.
Also, make prop bets with this TA. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Worst TA\'s and Professors
Most of the TAs at Wisconsin are pretty good from my experience. I would say you should talk to the professor and the head of the department.
Oh, and if you take classes in Computer Science, Math or statistics your TA could very well speak teh engrish. |
|
|