Seminar for International Teaching Assistants Session Three introducing Navigating the Classroom

From the student’s perspective? Do you know what you’re teaching? What authority do you have? Can you understand me? (International TA) Can I understand you? (International TA) From the administrator’s perspective? Do you know how to teach your subject? Can you manage your classroom? Are you willing to accept personal responsibility for your students’ success? Will you behave ethically? Graduate Assistants (teaching, research, administrative assistants) are appointed by the department and faculty to carry out specific duties

Today’s overview 1 Behaviors & Mannerisms 2 Teacher expectations 3 Student expectations

Behaviors & Mannerisms Be on time Hello, please, excuse me, thank you Joking around is acceptable, however, avoid making inappropriate jokes – ethnic, religious, sexuality, gender Gift are often given during the holiday seasons Men and women are equal Handshaking is acceptable for both genders 1

Understanding the US Classroom Culture The faculty and graduates assistants are responsible for the delivery of education and classroom learning. Graduate teaching assistants are responsible for assisting the main professor for a course. Their duties include teaching, grading, meeting with and assisting individual students with difficulties. TAs should be very knowledgeable about the course content. Professional relationship is required in interacting and communicating with faculty and students.

Teaching Methods Lecture Discussion Observation Practical application Case examples/ studies Experiential or active learning Computer-based instruction

Resources american-culture-and- behavior.html american-culture-and- behavior.html etiquette_and_protocol.html?cat=9 etiquette_and_protocol.html?cat=9

2 Expectations for teachers Apply the same professional standards as the regular staff members. 100% attendance is expected. Assist in planning, teaching, grading and evaluating. Prepare all required materials. Discuss progress, plans, and responsibilities. Exhibit professional behavior; dress appropriately and practice good hygiene. Maintain good professional relations.

Follow the school calendar. Follow the school Code of Ethics. Treat others with respect and appreciation. Hold office hours and be accessible to be reached. Provide feedback to students in the classroom. Provide a fair, confidential and safe environment. Knowledgeable in the subject area. Report any problem.

Exercise Answer the following questions: With respect to teaching… What are two things about which you are most fearful, apprehensive, or anxious? What are two things about you which you are most excited?

Resources %20sense%20of%20responsibility%20for%20student%20learning- %20The%20importance%20of%20race,%20class,%20and%20organizati onal%20habitus.pdf %20sense%20of%20responsibility%20for%20student%20learning- %20The%20importance%20of%20race,%20class,%20and%20organizati onal%20habitus.pdf tationsStudentTeacher.asp tationsStudentTeacher.asp

3 Expectations for students Come to class on time Do the assigned work To be treated with respect and appreciation Respect property and the environment Dress appropriately Report any unwanted advances or behavior

Exercise Write one aspect of American life that puzzles you.

Resources 3_Online_fushunle.pdf 3_Online_fushunle.pdf

Do and Don’t Don’t: Complain about your professor Don’t: Confuse the roles of yourself and your professor Don’t: Be overly humble or overly brash if asked to assess your own teaching effectiveness Don’t: Lose your temper Don’t: Try to humiliate a student in front of their friends Don’t: Put your hands on the students Don’t: Show up for class with nothing prepared Don’t: Don’t be resistant to adjusting your plans according to meaningful feedback Don’t: Use inappropriate language with your students Do: Read the class objectives, standards and materials Do: Align your instructional style to the class needs and needs of the students Do: Understand the university’s rules Do: Learn your student’s names Do: Put your best effort into your duties

1.Content Competence 2.Pedagogical Competence 3.Dealing with sensitive topics 4.Student development 5.Relationship with students 6.Confidentiality 7.Respect for colleagues 8.Valid assessment of students 9.Respect for institution Ethical Principles

Home-work Read the following case studies and response to them by referring to the nine Ethical Principles. A student in your class is struggling with some serious personal issues that are affecting their work. S/he asks you to meet with her or him to discuss the problems, but doesn't feel comfortable meeting in the department. S/he requests a meeting in a lounge/bar/restaurant. You have been assigned overall responsibility for a course which has topics far outside your area of expertise. The department feels strongly that these topics must remain in the course /tahb/tah5a.html

You are a TA in a course dealing with sensitive topics ( such as women's’ studies or race relations). While you recognize that courses which deal with controversial subject matter such as this will generate serious introspection and internal struggles for students, you try hard to keep the students focused on the content issues of the course. After grading the first set of assignments a student accuses you of being racist/sexist/homophobic because of comments you made on his/her assignment. You are certain that you have not behaved in a racist/sexist /homophobic manner, and feel that the accusation is untrue. From your perspective your comments were intended to help her/him focus on the topics covered by the course. /tahb/tah5a.html