University of Delaware What Should Be Expected of Graduate Teaching Assistants? George Watson College of Arts & Science Dept. of Physics & Astronomy

SPECIFICATIONS FOR A GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT Purpose of job: The person appointed will be required to teach undergraduate students, to undertake grading of coursework assignments, and related administrative work. Duties of the GTA will include: Preparing and teaching classes to undergraduate students. Holding office hours related to the courses taught. Grading coursework assignments. Maintaining contact with the course instructor. Undertaking related administrative duties. Attending training courses and workshops. Attending briefing meetings as part of the induction process. Any other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Department Chair or the instructor. Essential experience, skills and attributes of the GTA: A degree or other appropriate qualification in a relevant subject area. A willingness to undertake a program of training relevant to the requirements of this position. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of students. Desirable experience, skills and attributes of the GTA: Good knowledge of the requirements of the subject area of the course taught. Previous experience of teaching or evidence of other activity requiring similar skills. Evidence of the ability to show flexibility and adaptability in teaching style. Modeled after a form found at the University of Essex website.

But What Should Be Expected of Graduate Teaching Assistants?

There’s no great mystery to satisfying your customers. Build them a quality product and treat them with respect. It’s that simple.

There’s no great mystery to satisfying your students. Build them a quality product and treat them with respect. It’s that simple.

Respond to individual needs. Encourage active learning. Stimulate discussion and questions. Provide graded work promptly. Emphasize time on task. Communicate high expectations. Teach using best practice. Based on “Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education” (AAHE, 1987) R E S P E C T What Should Be Expected of Graduate Teaching Assistants?

Good Practice: 1. Encourages student-teacher interaction. 2. Encourages cooperation among students. 3. Encourages active learning. 4. Gives prompt feedback. 5. Emphasizes time on task. 6. Communicates high expectations. 7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning. Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (AAHE, 1987)

A. Respond to individual needs. B. Encourage active learning. C. Stimulate discussion and questions. Which One of the Following Listed in RESPECT was NOT Identified as a Principle for Good Practice? Think/ Pair/ Share

Tell me, I will forget. Show me, I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand. Chinese Proverb as interpreted by Ei-Ichiro Ochiai, J. Chem. Educ. 70:44 (1993)

“Covering the Material” © John Garratt, University Chemistry Education 2(1), (1998)

A New Lesson Plan Is Needed © John Garratt, University Chemistry Education 2(1), (1998)

Active Learning… © John Garratt, University Chemistry Education 2(1), (1998)

Mission Accomplished? © John Garratt, University Chemistry Education 2(1), (1998)

Lesson Learned! © John Garratt, University Chemistry Education 2(1), (1998)

Build your students a quality product and treat them with respect. That’s what should be expected of graduate teaching assistants. Remember!