Word: tfs
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...some may object that lecture size is immaterial and say that section size is what really matters. Admittedly, the average section is indefensibly large and the administration should loosen its belt to hire more TFs. But in not a few cases, particular sections are over-subscribed, leaving the other sections with less than 10 students. McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History Steven Ozment faced this problem this fall. In History 10a, he secured funding for two additional sections to be offered on Fridays. Although the first sections all had well over 15 students, Professor Ozment literally...
Even if one's section is too large, one has recourse to office hours and appointments. TFs unfailingly accommodate students seeking to meet outside of class; they are, after all, only TFs. Professors, however, have schedules that are more rigid. Research, travel and paperwork consume their time. Still, if professors do not spend enough time with students, we are more to blame than they are. Seniors, I have learned, have many reasons to spend time with professors. They typically have taken small seminars with some professors. They spend the spring of their junior year looking for a thesis adviser. They...
Sure, we've been worrying about our academic performance, frowning TFs and that tool who did all the Ec 10 reading, but what we need is the heavy duty neuroses that only Woody can deliver. We want to worry about death, sex and even worrying for its own sake. We want to fear fear itself...
Part III: Nothing is more crucial at the end of the paper or exam than actually assigning a grade. Some TFs choose to assign grades arbitrarily, an atavism which dates back to a primitive TF life cycle in which TF pupas, scattered to hostile environments by lack of grant money, would randomly mutate into either TFs or financial consultants. While this approach is encouraged, a finely tuned Bad TF can grade papers with a combination of whimsy and style. At the end of the paper or exam, write "Nice Work." Below that, write "B+." Then, in a different-colored pencil...
Half-student and half-teacher, TFs can sense fear and are often dangerous when threatened. Some have even been known to hurl their harshest self-defense--the "B-minus"--when attacked. However, those who study the species have recognized that while hostility may increase during midterm week, TFs are actually very gentle, docile creatures, easily placated by a visit to office hours or even the simplest intelligent comment in section. Take care of your TFs. Feed them response papers regularly and hand them your midterms with a smile. And then someday, when you yourself pupate, you may find that...