This study of the influence of graduate teaching assistants upon student reactions to introductory sociology focuses on two questions: (1) Does the graduate teaching assistant influence student satisfaction with the sociology course as a whole? and (2) Do students feel they derive the essence of the course from the lecture or the small discussion…

A new look at the standard lecture/discussion format for the large introductory college course is offered, along with suggestions to upgrade its quality. Foci for improvement include organization of lecture material, teacher-student interaction, lecture delivery, feedback, discussion group supervision, and course evaluation. (JMD)