teaching assistant workshop mechanical engineering fall 2013
TRANSCRIPT
Outline
Overview of TA expectations Demo.. Class room scheduling, moodle site features TA presentations on key topics
Handouts: To do list, FERPA summary guide, Topics to discuss with course instructor
Overview of TA ExpectationsTA appointment dates: Augsut 26 through
January 8, 2014Last final date: xxxFinal grades due: xxx25% appt = 10 hrs/week 196 hours
gradingteaching labs/recitationsProctoring examscopiesoffice hourspreparing homework solutionscreating and maintaining course website
Possible tasks
12 hrs/week
How to Get Great TA Evaluations What are the evaluation criteria?
Read your evaluations (see Jeanne Sitzmann)
Student Comments
Had very helpful discussion sessions and provided examplesVery well prepared both in examples and to answer questionsVery approachableHomework solutions were clearGot better at teaching as the semester progressed
Late (for office hours) which was very aggravatingLate for LabI suggest TA’s work problems ahead of time so that they know the concepts betterDuring recitation, worked through example problems from the book… pointless to stay for recitation because I could just read itDid not seem like s(he) understood the material nor appreciated the subjectGot flustered or confused in a problem easily and was not confident in workMessy writing on boardDidn’t have anything prepared (for recitation)
Positive
Negative
Comments From the StudentsCommunication Skills
Speak loudlyTalk to class not the boardToo slowToo fastDon’t read from the book, solution manualConfident
Knowledge of Material
Work through problems before office hours, recitationSet up lab before students arrive
PromptnessRespond to emails On time for office hours/labs/recitations
Offices, Keys, and Copies
TA resource room in Shepherd Labs 452: work space, computers, a printer and lockers. Access this room with your U-card.
Offices
Keys
Access to the building and the TA resource room is with your U-card
Copies
Please use the copier on the 1st floor, ME 116 (opposite ME 125), access after hours with your U-card
Books, solution manuals
Request from course instructor
Office Hours
If expecting less than 8 students: contact Jennifer Dahal ([email protected])
Otherwise, work through room scheduling (https://astra-prd.oit.umn.edu/AstraProd/calendars/default.aspx)
• Locate a room, be sure to check all weeks of the semester, check both the departmental and the general classroom schedule (check ME 321 or ME 460)
Please hold office hours in a location separate from your “shared” office space
Request a room for office hours
What is FERPA?
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
http://onestop.umn.edu/faculty/grades/records_policies.html
FERPA: Educational RecordsThis means the education record includes, but is not limited to: grades, transcripts, WebCT /Moodle information, advising information, financial aid information, student information in UM Reports and the Data Warehouse, and student photos. If you have student information in your possession, you have a legal responsibility to protect it.
Public Vs Private Information
NameAddressEmail addressGradesCourse takenMajorAdvisorScheduleStudent ID numberTest ScoresTelephone numberAcademic Awards and HonorsEnrollment Status (full time/part time)
Public Vs Private Information
NameAddressElectronic (E-mail) addressTelephone numberDates of enrollmentEnrollment status (full/part time, not enrolled)MajorAdviserCollegeClassAcademic awards and honorsDegree received
GradesCourses takenScheduleTest scoresAdvising recordsEducational services receivedDisciplinary actionsSocial Security NumberStudent ID Number
Public Private
Student Record Privacy in ME Classes Emails: Use bcc Grades:
Record grades on a secure site Do not save grades to a laptop (must be
encripted) or flashdrive Delete grades after 1 year
Returning Hw, Exams, Labs: Return in an envelope, or other to the individual Do not leave unattended (outside office door, etc)
More details in the FERPA handout
To Do List Request a room for office hours
If expecting less than 8 students: contact Jennifer Dahal ([email protected])
Otherwise, work through room scheduling to locate a class room: https://astra-prd.oit.umn.edu/AstraProd/calendars/default.aspx;
Have Instructor Request a moodle (http://www1.umn.edu/moodle/) site
Complete required University course: https://moodle2.umn.edu/course/view.php?id=8265&topic=1 Email [email protected] with a 1 page pdf of your course syllabus for
our ME website http://www.me.umn.edu/courses/index.shtml Develop a secure method to record grades and return homework Former TA’s must see Jeanne Sitzmann (in 1120) to read past TA
evaluations Review Checklist for discussion with supervisor