Classes, Exams, Research Pile Up — But ‘TA’ Recruitment Still Ignored

Teachers at Dhaka University (DU) are grappling with overwhelming workloads involving classes, examinations, research, and administrative duties, yet there is no initiative to appoint Teaching Assistants (TAs) to alleviate the burden, despite global precedents and calls from faculty members.

"I have to evaluate scripts, theses, and monographs from five departments and institutes at the university. Checking so many scripts makes it difficult to maintain focus, and evaluation becomes laborious. On top of that, I have to prepare results by cross-checking marks. Regular classes and exams are ongoing, and I also stay busy with my own writing, research, and various other tasks. After 22 years of teaching, I've finally got a single office room. But I don't know how many more years it will take to get a Teaching Assistant," Professor Dr. Mohammad Mainul Islam from DU's Population Sciences Department in the Faculty of Social Sciences told The Daily Campus.

Like Professor Mainul Islam, many academically inclined and student-friendly teachers at DU lament the absence of TAs. A significant portion of DU faculty have pursued higher education abroad, where universities routinely employ TAs. Even some private universities in Bangladesh have adopted this practice, but DU—the country's oldest and premier institution—has not considered it.

However, DU's Soil, Water, and Environment Department has a 'Professor Assistant' position, and the Chemistry Department has a 'Chairman Assistant' role, which are absent in other departments. In this context, teachers are demanding the appointment of TAs based on departmental needs.

Research shows that universities in Europe, America, Australia, China, Canada, Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and most developed and developing countries employ TAs. These assistants help with teaching classes, preparing quizzes or assignments, invigilating exams, or supervising labs, allowing professors to focus more on research and high-quality teaching.

Students also benefit from additional support, as TAs often conduct tutorial classes or discussion sessions to simplify complex topics. When master's or PhD students serve as TAs, they gain essential experience for future teaching and research careers, acting as a form of training. Financially, TA positions often come with scholarships or stipends, aiding students economically. Overall, TA appointments play a crucial role in enhancing educational quality, providing direct student support, and grooming future educators and researchers.

Experts assert that TA appointments benefit teachers, students, and institutions alike. For teachers, tasks like exams, tutorials, or lab supervision are shared, freeing up time for research and advanced teaching. Students receive extra guidance, improving learning outcomes. TAs themselves gain valuable career-building experience and financial support.

Professor Dr. Mihir Lal Saha, who has taught in DU's Botany Department for 20 years and earned his PhD from Japan's Utsunomiya University, shared his experience. During his studies, he worked as a TA under a professor but has never had one at DU. Handling classes, exams, research, writing, hall provostship, and managing the Arboretum Cultural Center alone, he expressed regret to The Daily Campus: "In our country, there's no one to assist university teachers, especially in science. Not just at our university, but across the nation, science is neglected, which is undesirable. I studied in Japan on a scholarship and worked as a TA, assisting a professor and junior researchers since professors aren't always available."

He added, "In countries like Japan, America, Canada, and Australia, scholarship students assist supervisors alongside higher studies. This enhances research quality, relieves supervisors, and boosts the assistants' skills and experience."

Highlighting the necessity of TAs, Professor Dr. Mohammad Mainul Islam said, "I've visited many universities worldwide, including Oxford and Harvard, where TA positions exist. TAs bridge teachers and students. If students face issues or hesitate to approach teachers, they can contact TAs."

He continued, "TAs can help underperforming or all students. By assisting in research, cooperating with students, managing classrooms, guiding assignments, presentations, or theses, TAs gain experience that encourages them to pursue teaching. This benefits teachers and students, elevating educational standards overall."

On DU's role, he noted, "The university must first realize why TAs are needed, assess departmental requirements, funding, and mechanisms. Consider TA roles, training, and monitoring. To improve education and research quality and get proper service from teachers, DU must consider TA appointments."

Associate Professor Dr. Al Amin from DU's Accounting Department in the Faculty of Business Studies told The Daily Campus, "Undoubtedly, TAs are essential, as seen in advanced universities worldwide. It's arranged for broader interests, allowing teachers to focus on research alongside teaching. In our universities, inadequate teacher remuneration forces many to take additional jobs."

He added, "Ensuring ample research environments and facilities, including TA appointments, will enhance education quality. Appointing meritorious students as TAs not only aids in classroom activities and script evaluation but also hones them as experienced researchers and teachers."

Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman from DU's Marketing Department said, "Foreign universities have TA practices. In some cases, it's necessary. To my knowledge, DU has no ordinance or policy on this. It could be implemented via Academic Council legislation if needed. Funding must also be reconsidered, prioritizing meritorious and economically disadvantaged students."

Not just teachers, DU students also recognize the need for TAs and Research Assistants. Outlining an implementation framework, Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, a 2018-19 session student from DU's World Religions and Culture Department, told The Daily Campus, "By offering Research Assistants and fellowships at DU's 57 research centers—with at least five per center—285 students can be accommodated. For 83 departments, one Research Assistant and one TA per 10 teachers could accommodate 1,660 students, incentivizing research and transforming DU into a research-oriented institution with part-time jobs."

Several notable Bangladeshi universities have TA positions, including North South University (NSU). Professor Dr. Sajjad Hossain, Dean of NSU's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said, "We appoint top master's students as TAs. Typically, high-achieving honors graduates pursue master's abroad. A decade ago, upon joining, I informed authorities about TAs, and it was implemented. It benefits teachers, students, and the institution. Brilliant students enrich research and publications when they work here. Others can consider this."

When asked about TA appointments, DU's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed told The Daily Campus, "Whether to appoint TAs will be decided by the Syndicate. If someone realizes its importance, it can be discussed, and if effective for the university, a decision will be made accordingly."