Good teaching technique is necessary but not sufficient to make an effective teacher.
One can master the techniques of teaching a given subject:
- understand the material thoroughly;
- choose effective recitation formats;
- communicate well;
- offer elegant, eloquent and compelling explanations;
- grade fairly;
- work hard;
and still be a bad teaching assistant.
To be a good TA, one must also cope successfully with the diversity of the student body, by establishing a climate in your classroom and office in which each of your students can learn most effectively.