“Stand Alone” Teaching for Teaching Assistants Joan Baenziger Ph.D. Candidate Human Development & Family Studies

Don’t Panic!

Are You Really “Alone”? Yes & No: Yes: You stand in front of the class and teach … No: You Have Tons of Knowledge & People to Help You!

Learning Objectives  A Great Opportunity to Learn  Definition of “Stand Alone Teaching”  Ex: Different Learning & Teaching Styles  Administrative Responsibilities  TA & Student Responsibilities  Time Management

A Great Opportunity with Benefits  Learn About Undergraduate Students  Learn In- depth Knowledge  In Your Research Area  In Your Department  Learn to Speak Fluently in Subject Language  Builds Your Resume  Pays Money  Develop Communication Skills

What is Stand Alone Teaching? Teaching “On Your Own” Freedom to Decide How to Teach the course Some Elements  Syllabus, course objectives & learning goals  Choose the book, journal articles, video clips, etc  Labs, recitations, proctoring  Grading  Student problems

Course Preparation Basics  What are Your Aims?  What Type Course is it?  What Resources do you Need?

Syllabus Should Provide:  Learning Goals: Very Important  TA Expectations  Policies Absences Make-up Exams/Labs GradingCheating Lap TopsGeneral Behavior Cell PhonesWhat Students Can Expect  Details on Grade Determination  Find Past Syllabi *Note: Some Departments Have Built-in Requirements

Day #1: Students Create an Opinion Be Approachable: Chat Before Class Talk About Yourself Ask About Students Set the stage: Start/End on Time Speak slowly & clearly Be Excited!

How Do Students Learn? Not Everyone Learns the Same Way!

Types of Teaching Styles: You Choose Be Flexible: Use Different Teaching Styles  Homework Assignments  “Hands On” Project  Reflection writing, reading, reports  A Usual TA “Stand Alone” Classroom Day  Lecture Group WorkDiscussion

Student & TA Responsibilities Students Should:TA Should:  Attend Class & LabsBe Prepared  Read MaterialsMind- Stretching  ParticipateDaily Activity  Do the assignments Grade in Timely Fashion

Get Help: Others Were Once New! Resources Mentors, TAs, Staff, Professors McKeachie’s Teaching Tips 12th edition Observe Others Teach Record Yourself Teaching Asking for Help is Totally Acceptable

Feedback: It’s Not an Attack  Have Someone Observe You  Ask Prof., Friends, & Staff Questions  Go to CELT Website & Workshops  Do Plus Delta

Some Time Saving Techniques Prepare Classes Ahead of Time Use a Rubric (More Fair/Consistent Too) Quizzes Scanned & Entered into System Students Print their Own Slides

Remember Be Prepared in Advance! Anticipate Problems! Manage Time Get Feedback Don’t Solve Everything Yourself… Help Is Everywhere!

Questions? Center for Excellence in Learning & Teaching URL = – How to sign up for classes to help you in your teaching experience