GTA 101: Surviving the First WeekMonica BaziotesKent GamesLindsey Zanchettin

GTA Survival Guide Online resource to help you throughout

the entire semester. Compiled by Auburn GTA’s!

Biggio Center Website and Facebook Page

GTA ResponsibilitiesI’m at Auburn. Now what?

GTA Professionalism Dress the part! Avoid tight, revealing, torn

clothing in the classroom and lab. Use appropriate and respectful language when

addressing students in person and on paper. Because of FERPA laws, don’t discuss

individual students in public forums (Facebook, etc.). Don’t discuss individual student progress, grades, etc. with anyone other than the student, including parents, if the student is over the age of 18.

GTA Professionalism Always come prepared to class with a lesson plan,

notes, and a backup plan. Know the classroom layout and technologies.

Become familiar with Canvas if your course is online. It has some great features that may help you teach and assess more effectively.

Be familiar with the material at all times in case students come to you with questions. This is your job!

Exude self-confidence in the classroom, but don’t be arrogant or a “know-it-all.” You want your students to trust you and learn from you.

Departmental Policies Each department has its own policies

regarding absences, assessment, GTA cancellations, behavior, office hours, etc.

Ask your lead professor about these policies before you begin teaching! You must adhere to them stringently.

Meet other grad students in your department who can help you.

Personal Policies Your syllabus is a contract. The more policies you have, the more

you have to police. Never give preference to certain

students. Be fair and equitable to all students.

Keep your relationships with students strictly professional – don’t social network.

University Policies Become familiar with university policies. For

example, what is considered an excused absence?

Auburn’s Student ehandbook is a great resource for students and GTA’s. It has information about cheating, plagiarism, and almost every other university policy there is.

Emergency Preparedness is important to consider. The university offers courses throughout the academic year to train you.

What are your responsibilities? Probable list

Weekly labs or lectures Office hours First line for student questions/concerns Emailing class (reminders, course materials) Going over quizzes, exams Providing make-ups Proctoring, grading, and creating student assessments Maintaining student records, posting to Canvas

Working With Your IOR Discuss expectations early in the

semester May vary depending on IOR

Be proactive Ask questions

Classroom Management Communicate expectations

Rules of the classroom Level of participation

Be consistent Possibly provide your own syllabus Keep records of communications with

students

Office Hours Maintain regular hours Encourage students to visit Keep door open when students visit Maintain confidentiality

Feedback to Students Timely Productive Correct inaccurate knowledge Verify with instructor of record when to

post

Maintaining Confidentiality FERPA

Discuss only with student, instructor of record

Parents do not have right to information, even if student is a minor

Exception: student gives consent Email not always secure means of

communication Enter grades in private location

Maintaining Confidentiality Keeping Records

Retain for one year Secure location (instructor or grad office,

locked)

Icebreaker Form a group of 4 with those sitting next

to you. Share with the group: Your Name Department for which you are a GTA If you could be any type of cookie, what

would you be and why?

Now that you know each other As a group, solve the problem on the

handout which is being passed around. You will have 5 minutes to complete.

Did anyone solve the problem?Nationality Color Brand Drink Animal

Norwegian Yellow Dunhill Water Cat

Dane Blue Blend Tea Horse

Briton Red Pall Mall Milk Bird

German Green Prince Coffee Fish

Swedish White Blue Master Beer Dog

Purpose of This Activity Meet “classmates”

Model type of learning you want in class Team-Based Learning Critical Thinking

In Summary By the end of the first day of class,

students will have: A sense of where they’re going and how

they’ll get there A feeling that other members of the class are

not strangers, that you and they are forming a group in which it’s safe to participate

An awareness that you care about their learning and will be fair

An expectation that the class will be both valuable and fun

Course Toolkit Accessible on Auburn’s home page

under “Employees” View class rolls and see pictures of your

students. Email your students.

Using Technology Set up your course(s) on Canvas and

explore its features. IMG can help with this. Make sure to publish them.

Using the Toolkit, send a friendly email to your students welcoming them to your class before you have your first meeting together.

Have a plan to incorporate technology in your class beforehand.

A Successful First Week…. …..is in your control! Questions?