1. TA-ing Laboratory Courses Kristine Stump TA Training Workshop August 2012

2. Key Components for Lab TAs Preparation Lab time Grading

3. Preparation: Your Knowledge Know your material…well – Review readings – Discuss with professor – Attend class if necessary – Anticipate questions Know your procedures – Practice-run

4. Preparation: The Lesson Lesson Plans – Engage, explore, explain, extend, evaluate – Allow enough time – Write specific procedures – Repetition, repetition, repetition… – Prepare well ahead of time (*MPO uses real-time data, work may be last minute) Syllabus – Plan, write and distribute it early S. Bignami 2011

5. Preparation: The Lab Laboratory setup – Inventory materials early (2wks or earlier) – Be organized, use labels, etc. – Set up before students arrive

6. Lab Time: Expectations Clear Expectations – Clarify your lab role with the professor – Be explicit about the students’ roles in lab – Provide details about lab schedule, grading, etc. – Set make-up lab/test policies, etc.

7. Lab Time: Introduction and Activity Introduction – Use various resources and teaching methods – Engage students with questions and excitement – Incorporate past material – Discuss rules/safety procedures Activity – Walk the room – Don’t give answers – Stop and discuss to stay together

8. Grading Be clear and explicit at the beginning! Use rubrics – Discuss with professor – Provide to students in advance Incorporate assessment regularly Give constructive feedback Take notes during lab to guide grading/testing later

9. Group Discussion What labs were your favorite and why? Least favorite? Which TAs were your favorite and why? Least favorite? What concerns do you have about teaching a lab?