Genuine question about formal vs informal TAs
I’m genuinely confused about how the whole formal/informal TA system is supposed to work.
If a course actually needs 12–13 TAs to manage the workload, why are only 4–5 made formal TAs while the rest are expected to work as “informal” TAs?
I understand that there may be budget or administrative constraints, but if the informal TAs are doing pretty much the same work — taking doubts, helping students, conducting sessions, grading, etc. — then what’s the difference apart from the fact that only the formal TAs get paid?
It honestly feels like the department gets the work of 12–13 people while only paying 4–5 of them. If the workload genuinely requires that many TAs, shouldn’t all of them either be formally appointed and compensated, or should the workload be reduced accordingly?
Not trying to attack anyone here. I’m just trying to understand the logic behind the system. Is this common in other departments/universities too, or is this just an excuse to get students to do TA work for free?