Tips for new Teaching Assistants

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Tips for new Teaching Assistants

• Kate Farrell

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Who am I?

• Grad student theoretical ecology
• 3 Years teaching at UVM (biology)
• 2 years teaching at a high school (physics)

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Before you start What is your job?

• Teacher
• Mentor
• Role model
• Grader
• Part of a team

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Before you start Who are your students?

• Where are they coming from?
• What are their expectations and goals?
• What is their background?

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Before you startLogistics

• Read all the labs for the course
• Understand the expectations of the professor and
  lab coordinator

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Getting off to a good start

• Clear expectations First day handout
• Schedule
• Grading
• Policy for late work
• Start on time
• Start off strict, you can ease up later

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What students need to know

• How does this relate to the big picture?
• How will I be graded?
• What are the important concepts?
• What are the important skills?
• How do I get help?

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Things you do not need to do

• Hide the fact that you do not know everything
• Lecture for an hour without a break
• Plan every word you will say before you get there

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Things you do need to do

• Know the essential ideas and concepts
• Plan to address these ideas and concepts
• Point out good questions and suggest ways to find
  the answer

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Things you do need to do

• Clearly explain your expectations
• Students cant read your mind
• Treat students with respect
• Your students are rookies, not stupid people