Student Apprehension

One of the things that caught my eye today was the concept of how students become more and more dependent when grades are in question.

I lead review sessions in my class before the exam. Notably, the ones that are a couple days before the exam are relaxed, and even enjoyable. Friendly conversation is exchanged and we have good discussion about the topics as a group

Notably, when the day before the exam comes, the review sessions are more like a zoo. People already have a look of apprehension. They ask questions that are already in the book, and its disheartening to see such panic. Granted, it's predictable that this behavior would occur. However, it's still a hardship to manage the students when that level of panic is within them.

I think being accommodating, but being firm needs to be done in all aspect as a TA, especially as you do not want to be the TA that students take advantage of. Grad school is stressful enough, that added pressure is not needed. Therefore it might be a good idea to keep the level of apprehension down on the instructors standpoint as well.