1. Teaching Large Lecture Courses:
Sample Course
Challenges as New Instructor
Discussion Sections
Working with TAs
Capitalizing on Technology

2. Sample Course Introduction to Clinical Psychology
300 students, 2.5 TAs, 10 weekly sections
Exams, writing assignments, participation

3. Challenges as New Instructor
Engaging students in lecture
Teaching tough material
Figuring out local norms
Problems/Questions
DEO, DGS, DUS, senior colleagues

4. Discussion Sections Potential Goals Format Change
Review lecture material
Apply lecture material
Discuss lecture material
Present new material
Format Change
Smaller class size
More opportunity for discussion, questions, interactive exercises

5. Discussion Sections Section Materials Miscellaneous
Prepare written description of section content and activities
Review with TAs, seek feedback b/f and after section
Miscellaneous
Consider evals third of way through semester
Attend section of each TA

6. Working with TAs TA Roles and Responsibilities Weekly Meetings
Explicit discussion prior to class
TAs are authority figures and part of teaching team
Hierarchical relationship with prof
Problems: go to DEO, DGS, senior colleague
Weekly Meetings
What going well
What problems have arisen
Discussion of how to teach, how to deal with problems, how to create materials, how to grade, how to interact with students, etc.
Be available to TAs in btw meetings

7. Working with TAs Writing Assignments Difficulty level
Assignment content: clarity exceptionally important
Grading criteria: provide detailed, concrete rubric to students ahead of time
Grading consistently across TAs
Review and modify criteria b/f giving to students
Meet with TAs after look at 10 papers to discuss problems
Identify who makes final decisions
TA morale

8. Capitalizing on Technology
ICON
Announcements, readings, lecture slides, grades, dropbox (turnitin)
Online Discussions
Quizzes/Practice
Clickers