Index
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4.4. Suggestions From Other TAs
Most of these tips are based on suggestions from previous or current
TAs:
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Meet with the instructor at least a week before the beginning of
classes. This gives you a chance to learn what your responsibilities
will be, and gives you time to do any preliminary work you need to do
before the start of class.
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Be professional. Don't be late for office hours or meeting;
answer e-mail and phone messages in a timely manner; etc.
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Talk with other TAs. Other TAs often can provide suggestions
on what works best in a course, or answer general questions about TAing.
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Provide ample feedback to students in a timely manner.
One complaint sometimes heard from students
is they get too little feedback on assignments and exams.
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Know what resources are available so that you avoid spending time on
nonproductive items. Examples of resources:
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Class lists (including pictures of the students in the class)
are available on UM Reports.
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Class web pages: You can find information for both current and old classes, plus
general instructions at the
CSE Labs Course Resources page.
In particular, if you have to develop a class web page, you can
copy and modify an existing one, rather than develop a new one
from scratch.
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Previous TAs: we try to pair new TAs with TAs who have TAed the course
before; however, this is not always possible. If you need advice
from a TA who has taught the course previously, and do not know
who the TA(s) are, contact Liz Freppert (freppert@cs.umn.edu) and
she will be able to give you the names of any TAs who might be able
to help.
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Training Sessions: the Center for Teaching and Learning
holds a number of training sessions in Fall for new and continuing
TAs. The Center also holds seminars on
a variety of topics throughout the year. Moreover, Center staff
are available for individual consultations on specific issues you
might be facing.
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