Spring 2013

An Introduction to Grading for All Disciplines
Andreea Lupascu, TATP Science Trainer
Cristian Ches, TATP Social Science Trainer
CORE

Grading is a very important component of teaching and learning, it can be a useful tool for students and instructors to assess performance, learning goals and teaching goals. How can we grade fairly, but efficiently; rigorously, but encouragingly? In this practical hands-on workshop we will speak from experience about strategies and tools used to evaluate student work.

In this workshop you will learn about:

  • TA responsibilities: consistency and fairness, time management, and how to work with fellow TAs and Course Instructor
  • Delivering effective feedback
  • Utilizing grading tools: marking schemes and rubrics applied for both science/engineering and social sciences/humanities
  • Grading exams: an area of focus timely linked to the upcoming June-August exam period.
  • Handling grading disputes: university policy, credibility as a grader, and tips for coping with student complaints.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013
2pm – 4pm
Blackburn Room
Robarts Library, 4th Floor

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The Student-Centred Lecture
Robin Sutherland-Harris, TATP Humanities Coordinator
Karen Smith, TATP Course Instructor Training Coordinator
ELECTIVE

Lectures can pose a particular challenge to instructors invested in active, engaging, student-centred classrooms. For graduate students moving from teaching in smaller discussion-based tutorials or labs to teaching in larger lecture-based scenarios, it can be difficult to balance the delivery of necessary information with opportunities for student engagement. A student-centred lecture may look and feel quite different than a student-centred tutorial, but it is a powerful tool in enhancing learning!

This workshop is aimed at graduate students who are or anticipate teaching in a lecture-based classroom. We will explore some of the challenges inherent to the lecture format, discuss teaching strategies that are transferrable from the tutorial setting to the lecture, and highlight tips and techniques for delivering a well-crafted, student-centred lecture.

Friday, May 17, 2013
10am – 12pm
Blackburn Room
Robarts Library, 4th Floor
Line
Teaching in the Field: Theory, Strategies and Advice for TAs on Working in Field or Community-based Learning Courses
Ben Moulton, TATP Science Trainer
Michelle Majeed, TATP Social Science Trainer

ELECTIVE

Field and community-based teaching experience is a growing dynamic of undergraduate instruction. This workshop is designed to explore questions and problems encountered in teaching courses with field and/or community-based components. These courses can take many forms and can be found in almost every discipline. This workshop will introduce teaching assistants to some of the theory behind field and community-based learning, provide strategies for ensuring effective instruction as well as address logistical and ethical concerns that may arise in these teaching settings.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013
10am – 12pm
Blackburn Room
Robarts Library, 4th Floor
Line

Preparing Your Teaching Dossier

Limin Jao, TATP Science Coordinator
Karen Smith, TATP Course Instructor Training Coordinator

CORE

The teaching dossier is a comprehensive record of teaching activities and accomplishments that is now required in applications for permanent positions at the University of Toronto, and in applications for academic positions at an increasing number of institutions across North America. In this session, we will review the elements of a successful teaching dossier and discuss how to use it as a framework for setting goals for future professional development. Since many TAs have limited teaching experience, an emphasis will be placed on what a new TA can do to develop the beginnings of a meaningful dossier.

Thursday, June 13, 2013
10am – 12pm
Blackburn Room
Robarts Library, 4th Floor

Line

Managing  Conflict with Students and Course Instructors

Robin Sutherland-Harris, TATP Humanities Coordinator
Bill Flanik, TATP Social Sciences Trainer
Stefana Gargova, TATP Humanities Trainer

Conflict management is an inevitable—and tricky—part of a TA’s role. At some point or another, we’ll all have to confront disruptive students in the classroom and navigate heated grading disputes in office hours. Many of us will face challenges of poor supervision or unreasonable demands from course instructors as well. In this workshop, facilitators and attendees will use active role-play and discussion to identify and demonstrate best (and worst!) practices for addressing conflicts with students and course instructors. Together, we’ll reflect on our role-plays and generate tips and strategies for managing real conflicts when they arise in our TA work. Please note that attendees are required to participate in active role-play for this workshop.

Monday, June 17, 2013
2pm – 4pm
Blackburn Room
Robarts Library, 4th Floor