Teaching Assistants' Training Program

Description

The purpose of this session is to familiarize TAs with reflective practice in teaching and learning, as well as equip participants with open-ended and guided tools for building and maintaining a robust reflective practice. Reflective practice “carries multiple meanings that range from the idea of professionals engaging in solitary introspection to that of engaging in critical dialogue with others” (Finlay 2008). In this session, we will introduce participants to some of the foundational pedagogical theories informing reflective practice in education (Gibbs 1998; Kolb 1984). Also, we will explore strategies and tools (e.g., apps) for building a reflective practice in our teaching. By the end of the workshop, participants will understand the characteristics and benefits of having reflective practices in teaching; explore different approaches to reflective practices; and, practice developing and evaluating their reflective plans.