TA-ing Laboratory Courses

Kristine StumpTA Training Workshop

August 2012

Key Components for Lab TAs

• Preparation• Lab time• Grading

Preparation: Your Knowledge

• Know your material…well– Review readings– Discuss with professor– Attend class if necessary– Anticipate questions

• Know your procedures– Practice-run

Preparation: The Lesson

• Lesson Plans– Engage, explore, explain, extend,

evaluate– Allow enough time– Write specific procedures– Repetition, repetition, repetition…– Prepare well ahead of time (*MPO

uses real-time data, work may be last minute)

• Syllabus – Plan, write and distribute it early

S. Bignami 2011

Preparation: The Lab

• Laboratory setup– Inventory materials

early (2wks or earlier)

– Be organized, use labels, etc.

– Set up before students arrive

Lab Time: Expectations

• Clear Expectations– Clarify your lab role with the professor– Be explicit about the students’ roles in

lab– Provide details about lab schedule,

grading, etc.– Set make-up lab/test policies, etc.

Lab Time: Introduction and Activity• Introduction– Use various resources

and teaching methods– Engage students with

questions and excitement– Incorporate past material– Discuss rules/safety

procedures

• Activity– Walk the room– Don’t give answers– Stop and discuss to stay

together

Grading

• Be clear and explicit at the beginning!

• Use rubrics– Discuss with professor– Provide to students in advance

• Incorporate assessment regularly

• Give constructive feedback

• Take notes during lab to guide grading/testing later

Group Discussion

• What labs were your favorite and why? Least favorite?

• Which TAs were your favorite and why? Least favorite?

• What concerns do you have about teaching a lab?