TAs and RAs of BracU: The journey outside the syllabus
As university students, it is easy to find fault with teaching assistants for things that go wrong in our courses. From delays in getting marks to not getting helpful feedback, there are many mistakes we can blame on them. But have we ever paused to think about their experience in these roles?
Most teaching assistants (TA) and research assistants (RA) are fresh graduates, and these roles require not only expertise in the subject matter but also the ability to explain complex concepts. For TAs, this task becomes challenging as they have to anticipate clusters of students seeking their immediate help randomly throughout the day, with queries ranging from trivial to elaborate. For RAs, it can be arduous to apply theories with real life and carry out tedious data collection or monotonous management of datasets. Even with efficient time management and unsatisfying pay, the job does not end outside working hours, which is not even considered. Moreover, it is often difficult to establish boundaries with people, especially staff and students, due to assumptions about their age and experience.
Nevertheless, it remains a rewarding job for many. Dhrubo Sarkar (TA, BBA) discusses his past experience saying, “As an RA, I kept research on track and deadlines unmissed because supporting discovery starts with nailing the details everyone else overlooks.” Additionally, it helps to build a diverse and supportive social network of mentors, peers and mentees. Naima Rahman (TA, GenEd) states, “Being a TA has been a journey of growth for me. I learnt how much dedication our faculties have, from designing course outlines to daily lectures. If you want to study abroad or stay in academia, this will be a brownie point for you.” These jobs encourage personal growth as it refine the tools of time management, adaptability, patience and academic foundation.
