More on the Use of Graduate Student Instructors in the Introductory Economics Course

Abstract

New dimensions are added to earlier studies of the effectiveness of graduate students as economics instructors in this article by Phillip Saunders. Saunders' study is not a duplication of previous efforts because of differences in types of students tested, the questions used, and the statistical techniques employed. Data for this project are based upon tests administered to over 2,000 students at Carnegie-Mellon University between 1964 and 1969. The performance of students taught by regular faculty members is compared with that of students taught by graduate student instructors. Other factors considered are student interest in economics, differences in grading practices, and student ratings of instructors.