October 2, 2003
UW launches expanded TA training
Nearly 700 graduate teaching assistants (TAs) crowded into Kane Hall in September for the start of a three day conference on teaching and learning.
The conference, which was funded by the Graduate School and hosted by the Center for Instructional Development and Research (CIDR), represents a new way of introducing graduate students to their duties as teachers of undergraduates. In the past, campus-wide TA training was held in one morning session, with a few optional sessions in the afternoon. (Many departments offer discipline-specific training separately.) The expanded campus-wide conference came about because of the leadership role the Graduate School is playing nationwide, Graduate School Dean Marsha Landolt told the TAs.
“We’ve been thinking hard about the structure of graduate education and what we know is that the University does a superb job of preparing graduate students for research but not as good a job of preparing them for leadership or professorial responsibilities,” she said. “We thought we could do better, and this conference is part of that.”
After the opening session in Kane Hall, TAs dispersed to attend seminars on topics such as “Presenting Information Effectively,” “Sharing Course Materials Online” and “Understanding Who Your Students Are.” Each topic was offered a number of times over the three days. The conference also included a Teaching and Learning Resource Fair at which TAs could meet representatives of campus units offering services for teachers.
Most of the sessions were taught by experienced TAs, allowing their newer counterparts to get firsthand advice from the front lines. CIDR staff and some faculty also served as presenters.
“Teaching is one of the best transferable skills we can impart to you,” Landolt told the TAs. “I know that at least half of you aren’t thinking of a career in academia, but teaching is often useful in other careers.”
She hinted that other universities would be watching the conference closely. “We expect that this will become a national model, so you will be the first alumni of a signature event.”
