TA Training Program

Most graduate students in Mathematics have had little or no formal preparation in teaching. The Department provides "new" TAs a Fall and a Spring workshop which addresses teaching.

During the week prior to the Fall semester, TAs receive instruction in classroom management, teaching styles, tutoring, and test grading. TAs also present mini-lessons for video taping and for peers. At the end of the workshop, they present a pre-calculus lesson to a faculty committee for evaluation of their teaching. TAs who receive favorable evaluations are given recitation positions during the Fall and Spring semesters.

At the end of the Spring semester, TAs who desire teaching positions attend a short workshop which focuses on the transition from recitation leader to teacher, classroom teaching techniques, and designing good tests. Like the Fall workshop, TAs present mini-lessons for video taping, for peers, and for a faculty committee to evaluate their teaching. TAs who receive favorable evaluations are given pre-calculus teaching responsibilities during the Fall semester. During the Fall, the Director of Programs for New TAs meets with the TAs weekly to discuss upcoming lessons, to approve tests, and to discuss any teaching concerns. The classroom instruction of each TA is evaluated by the Director during the first four weeks of classes. TAs are also required to collect early semester student evaluations which are reviewed by the Director. After the Fall semester, TAs may request to teach pre-calculus or calculus and receive guidance as needed from the course coordinator, faculty, advisor, or the Director.