Ana RamÃrez Chang
CS 302
Assignment 12 (Teaching Assistants)
1. I would require my TAs attend lecture or if the lecture is webcast, watch the lecture. This would help maintain continuity between lecture, section, homework and projects. I would have my ta's do all of the activities listed.
- I think discussion sections are important enough for the students to have all the t.a.s do them so there are more opportunities for students to go to section. I also think they are very useful for the TA so I would not want a TA to not teach a section.
- Some students may be able to communicate with different TAs better or worse, so it would be important for each TA to hold office hours.
-
Answering questions on the newsgroup or in email is important but tedious, so should be shared by all TAs.
- Producing solutions to homework assignments is another necessary task, but also tedious, so should be shared by all TAs.
- I would have all TAs help with grading exams except for the one who does not agree with my teaching philosophy.
- I enjoyed helping write exam questions and homework activities even when I was not experiences, so I would also ask all TAs to help with these tasks.
2. In order to get the TAs to reflect on how to teach, I would ask for their feedback on my teaching style and lectures. This way, they will not only pay attention to the material during lecture, but the teaching as well. When the TAs offer suggestions, this will open the opportunity to discuss why I teach the way I do. In addition, iterating with the TAs on the homework and exam questions would also allow them to learn in the apprenticeship model.