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This orientation introduces the new graduate student TAs to the culture of teaching Biology at UBC, their role as a TA, and the expectations we have of them. They will consider some of the situations that confront a TA before they face their students and be made aware of resources available on campus. We expect that at the end of the TA orientation, graduate students will be familiar with UBC policies on academic integrity, have a sense of the professionalism required of TAs and will be familiar with UBC grading policies and the kind of feedback – written and verbal – that is appropriate and expected in our program.

This hybrid workshop offers in-person or virtual attendance.  Indicate how you would like to attend when you register.

Click to view our TAO 2021 COVID Safety Plan.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ozNGUNXqmYshMi

In this workshop, TAs will learn classroom management strategies. In-class and virtual classroom management strategies will be discussed. TAs will consider how they can respond to challenges they may be faced with by working through scenarios.

This workshop will be held online.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3dsbEhv1VPKoZQa

This session will explore the various ways in which undergraduate students are typically evaluated: written assignments, reports, exams, as well as oral reports and posters. TAs will have the opportunity to practice the use of marking keys and rubrics. In discussion with senior TAs and instructors the TAs will identify strategies for effective grading and means of providing undergraduate students with constructive feedback.

This workshop will be held online.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJBhRirZMnXVZaK

At this session the TAs will review their teaching experience from the fall term, discuss challenges they faced, and share coping strategies. Discussion topics will include time management in graduate student life, student engagement, marking/evaluating students, inclusivity in the classroom, classroom management, and TA-student/TA-faculty relations.

This workshop will be held in person.

Using questions to help guide students to the right answer can be an incredibly effective teaching technique. In this workshop, instructors will demonstrate how they use questions to support student learning and then TAs will be given the opportunity to practice this skill by creating questions to ask a potential student in a given scenario.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdS8rD9VQUP54qO

During this session the graduate student TAs will discuss ways to ensure the atmosphere in the classroom is welcoming and respectful for all students. As a teacher it is important to identify any biases we may harbour and also become sensitive to ways that students perceive our behaviours. Using clear communication and inclusive teaching strategies can contribute to positive learning environments.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0D2hpssw9ZxsDDU

During the workshop, TAs will design and present a five-minute lesson to their peers on a topic of their choice and receive constructive feedback about their teaching.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9uhAn3ZytGcxUHA

This session will focus on presentation of documented ‘Best Practices’ in teaching and will include evidence in support of ‘Best Practices’. TAs will share teaching strategies and practices they found effective, and consider new strategies that they can adopt in their next teaching assignment.

To register, visit: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BDIy30qRLdpKkK