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Teaching_reflections_Tutorials_Labs_Lectures_2015

–       Background of students academic knowledge) – pre assessment
–       It’s going to be OK. Don’t be nervous!
–       Avoid being too available – set boundaries
–       Have a schedule
–       Knowing goals/learning objectives for course
–       Know the content of course
–       Understanding roles of yourself, students, faculty

For more reflection pieces go to the Past Workshop Notes page here.

Our TAs had all kinds of experiences TAing last term! How’s it going this term?

Here are some tips our TAs came up with at our last workshop:

–       Provide feedback for improvement
–       Be consistent
–       Talk to other TAs and faculty
–       Use/demand rubric (flexible but specific)
–       Use the 24 hour rule
–       Schedule time for marking
–       Give yourself rewards for finishing
–       Be accessible to students
–       Don’t make feedback contain personal comments
–       Make expectations clear for students

For more on marking strategies, go to the Past Workshop Notes page here.

At the TA Orientation yesterday, our TAs brainstormed the characteristics of a good TA. Check them out in this Wordle creation. Create your own Wordle at http://www.wordle.net/.

What do you think are characteristics of a good TA?

Then they drew cartoons which illustrated these good characteristics! We think our TAs are super talented! Check out their drawings:

Due to demand from our TAs, we are so excited to introduce the following two new workshops this academic year! Hope to see you there!

Marking: Survival skills
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.

Expand your teaching skills: try something new 
TAs will make observations of an experienced instructor prior to the workshop. At this session, TAs will present a five-minute lesson to their peers on a biological concept and receive constructive feedback about their teaching.

At our recent workshop in April, our TAs came up with what they envisioned as their top Best Practices in teaching. And some of them agreed with what’s in literature!

• Showing you care      
• Enthusiasm/humour (if natural)
• Creating an approachable learning environment so that students talk to each other and the TA (encourage group work)
• Creating inclusive space (addressing learning styles and diversity)
• Preparation before class (know what students are learning in lecture)
• Reflection about teaching
• Clear expectations (transparent and flexible)
• Feedback to students (consistency is important)
• Helping with process of learning (modeling, asking questions)
• Being aware of/using resources to aid students and yourself
• Time management, both yours and class (meeting with supervisor to discuss)
• Pre and post assessments of students
• Providing context for learning (life examples/your research)
• Making down time productive

What are some of your Best Practices in teaching?

At the end of term last December, this is how our TAs were feeling. How do you feel now with a couple weeks into the new term?

Don’t forget to check out our Resources tab for information!

At the last TA Orientation, BioTAP participants drew their version of the BEST TA! Check it out: