TA Training Program

New teaching assistants are required take part in a special training program run by the department the week before the start of the fall semester.

The training gives an overview of TA duties and expectations. Each new TA will be asked to prepare and present a short model recitation, usually discussing the solution to sample homework problems for the course they will be teaching. This presentation is videotaped and reviewed later with a small group of peers, more experienced TAs, and a supervising faculty member. The group will review the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation with the TA who presented in an effort to develop and improve good teaching techniques.

The program also includes several lectures and discussion sessions throughout the year on various aspects of being an effective teaching assistant.

The program, currently chaired by Professor Steven L. Manly.

TA Resources

The department has several documents relating to TA training available: