A TA who shows interest, encourages the silent students to participate in class, and is supportive of their comments can promote self- confidence in these students and enhance their learning. Compliant students are quiet, non-critical, and trusting of authority. Although they are task-oriented, they tend to do only the work required for successful completion of the course. They are usually seen as good students and are liked by their teachers. Most teaching styles are compatible with this student type, although they prefer an instructor who takes the role of authority figure.
Independent students tend to be sophomores or juniors.
They are confident of their abilities and do not feel threatened by the teacher, classwork or the other students. They favor class discussions over lectures. They enjoy collegial relationships with their TA during classtime but do not try to form personal relationships with the TA outside the class. They may resent a TA who is authoritative when they feel that their independence is threatened. At the same time they will not respect a TA who is so friendly that he or she loses control and authority in the classroom.