TA training/Overview/Mathematics
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TA Training Program in the Department of Mathematics
Most of the 120 graduate students of the department are hired as TAs. Assigned tasks involve marking homework for an instructor, tutoring students at the departmental's drop-in learning centre, conducting workshops (study sessions), conducting computer labs or teaching a section of a multi-section course (this includes giving lectures, assigning homework and midterms, and offering office hours).
TA training
Since 2010, all new graduate students entering the department attend a two-day (16 hours total) TA training workshop the week prior to the beginning of the fall term. This workshop is facilitated by senior TAs and covers the following topics:
- Marking strategies
- Effective tutoring: the Socratic method
- Presentation skills
- Professionalism
- Communication skills
- Diversity
Teaching techniques
Graduates students are required to take a one-term course on teaching techniques before they can be assigned to teach a section of a course.
Math ISW
The department offers a peer-facilitated ISW to its graduate students and postdocs. The main tweak to the standardized ISW format is the addition of content discussions where the particularities of teaching mathematics (and in particular calculus) are debated.
TA accreditation program
In order to offer more professional development opportunities, the department has initiated an accreditation program. This is not a course and it is entirely based on voluntary participation. Participants are required to attend an ISW and to participate to 30 hours of professional development activities.
Peer reviewing program
Starting from November 2011, a team of graduate students will offer to their peers the ability to be peer reviewed. This peer reviewing will be available to TAs who act as instructors and teach a section of a course and to TAs who tutor in the Math Learning Centre.