Probationary Assistantships are Needed

Abstract

Natural science teachers for the higher schools (like, incidentally, teachers of other subjects) are trained for the most part in two ways: through graduate studies or by defending masters theses without having done graduate work. The former produces far more masters [kandidaty] of science than the latter. In the Chemistry Department at Moscow University, for instance, between 1955 and 1960 masters theses were defended by 8 lecturers [assistenty], 40 other members of the Department (junior researchers and senior laboratory assistants) (1) and 132 graduate students. All staff members at higher schools, especially those who are teaching, usually need 5 or 6 years to complete their theses. This is much more time than the graduate student should spend on it. After all, teachers in the higher schools have much to do, although on the other hand, they acquire valuable experience in the process of teaching.