Teaching Assistant_M. BakerAt — CSUF - College of Humanities & Social Science
Student Teaching Assistants will be expected to assist the primary instructor in any of the following ways:
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- Generate testing material
- Hold office hours
- Post relevant course material to Canvas
- Grade assignments and exams
- Hold study review sessions
- Periodically meet to discuss progress and work insights
- Receive training on teaching and pedagogy
- Take and post course notes
- Assist in the classroom with discussions and activities
- Lead a class discussion on relevant topics
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Minimum requirements for the position include:
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- Psychology Major
- Enrollment in Psych 495
- Completion of 120 hours of service within the semester
- Have earned at least an A- in the course\n
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- Courses currently available for Fall 23 are Psych 331 (Personality Psychology), Psych 351 (Social Psychology), and Psych 391 (Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
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Note: Students in this position are not paid. They will earn course credit for completion of Psych 495. Students may request that the instructor write a letter of recommendation for future applications.
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Tasks:
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Leading Discussions: Facilitating class discussions, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging student participation to ensure a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
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Assisting with Lectures: Assisting the instructor during lectures by presenting specific topics, leading activities, or providing additional explanations to reinforce understanding.
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Providing One-on-One Assistance: Offering individualized support to students during office hours or via email, addressing questions, clarifying concepts, and guiding them through challenging material.
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Grading and Feedback: Evaluating assignments, quizzes, and exams according to established guidelines, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring consistency and fairness in grading.
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Creating Learning Materials: Developing supplementary materials such as study guides, practice problems, or visual aids that enhance students' comprehension of the subject matter.
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Organizing and Supervising Activities: Coordinating and supervising group projects, presentations, or practical sessions to help students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
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Managing Online Platforms: Moderating online discussion forums, posting relevant resources, and using educational technology to facilitate virtual learning experiences.
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Training:
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Orientation and Expectations: TAs typically begin with an orientation session that outlines their roles, responsibilities, and the expectations of the position. This includes understanding their duties in the classroom, grading policies, office hours, and communication protocols.
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Course Content: TAs are trained on the course material to ensure they have a deep understanding of the subject matter. This might involve attending lectures, reviewing textbooks and materials, and discussing the curriculum with the course instructor. A strong grasp of the content enables TAs to effectively explain concepts to students and address their questions.
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Pedagogical Techniques: TAs often receive training in various teaching methods and strategies. This includes learning how to facilitate discussions, lead group activities, create engaging presentations, and adapt teaching approaches to different learning styles.
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Classroom Management: Training might cover techniques for managing a classroom, promoting a positive learning environment, and handling challenging situations. TAs could learn about strategies for maintaining student engagement, encouraging participation, and resolving conflicts.
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Effective Communication: TAs are trained to communicate clearly and effectively with students. This includes practicing active listening, asking open-ended questions, and adapting communication styles to suit the needs of different students.
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Feedback and Grading: TAs often receive guidance on providing constructive feedback and consistent grading. This training might involve understanding rubrics, evaluating assignments objectively, and helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
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Technology and Tools: Depending on the course's format, TAs might receive training on using educational technology platforms, online discussion boards, grading software, and other tools to enhance the learning experience.
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Learning Outcome:
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Classroom Management: TAs gain experience in managing a classroom or group of students. This includes tasks like taking attendance, addressing student questions, facilitating discussions, and maintaining a productive learning environment.
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Effective Communication: TAs develop strong communication skills by explaining complex concepts, answering student queries, and leading discussions. They learn to convey ideas clearly and adapt their communication style to different learning preferences.
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Time Management: Balancing TA responsibilities with their own coursework requires effective time management. TAs learn how to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple responsibilities, which are essential skills for their academic and professional careers.
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Feedback and Assessment: TAs often help grade assignments, quizzes, and exams. This teaches them how to provide constructive feedback, evaluate student work objectively, and uphold consistent assessment standards.
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Collaboration and Teamwork: TAs collaborate closely with professors and other TAs to ensure the smooth functioning of the course. This experience fosters teamwork skills, as they coordinate lesson plans, share responsibilities, and contribute to a cohesive educational experience.
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