TA training/Overview/Computer Science
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TA Training Program in the Department of Computer Science
A complete program description can be found on our website: http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~csgsa/index.php?n=Main.2011TATraining.
Our program invites incoming grad TAs and all our undergrad TAs to different sections throughout the term. The first part of the program involves a welcoming workshop spread over 2 days in early September before classes begin. Our expect attendance is around 100 TAs. This workshop is meant to address immediate concerns/questions they might about the TA position and expectations, and to discuss typical scenarios they might face as a teaching assistant. Below is the result of a survey asking what attendees expected from this introductory section:
- learning how to lead students
- what the duties are as a TA
- effective communication with students
- how to teach simple concepts without being condescending
- how to deal with conflict + "interesting" situations
- how to work in a team
- scheduling TA duties (time management)
- teaching difficult concepts effectively
- learning UBC policies re: TA expectations
- job expectations as a TA
- how to teaching to different learning styles
- marking fairly (consistently)
- how to guide students to answers
- boundaries for curriculum - how to adapt
Additionally, we hold monthly informal lunch meetings where TAs are invited to discuss their experiences and exchange advice.