Teaching Assistant Training Program

The Teaching Assistant Training Program is a hands-on, two-and-a-half- day session taught by current Teaching Assistants (TAs) and designed for new TAs embarking on their teaching careers. Learn about fair grading practices, diversity in the classroom, lecturing, and giving students feedback on written work. Choose from concurrent sessions designed to meet your specific discipline-related teaching needs such as vocal health for lecturers or using small group discussion methods in the classroom for tutorial leaders. Get real-time, hands-on teaching experience in our unique micro-teaching sessions, where you can try out your teaching skills and techniques with a small group of your peers and receive helpful constructive feedback. At the end of the session, you’ll receive a certificate as evidence of your commitment to the development of your knowledge and skill as a teacher.

Hosted by:

  • Centre for Teaching and Learning

Recommended Audience:

  • Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars

What to Expect: 

  • Gain instructional training in topics such as preparing engaging lectures, providing feedback, and grading fairly and consistently
  • Gain practical training through microteaching - teach two brief practice lessons in groups of 4-6 and receive feedback 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Design and deliver lessons using the Bridge-Outcomes-Pre-Assessment-Participatory Learning-Post-Assessment-Summary (BOPPPS) model
  • Apply the characteristics of effective feedback when giving verbal, written, and non-verbal feedback
  • Listen openly to feedback on teaching and reflect on personal approaches to teaching and learning
  • Define the TA’s interpersonal communication responsibilities and identify resources available for student and TA academic success
  • Describe strategies to facilitate effective classroom or laboratory discussions;
  • Implement consistent grading practices
  • dentify cultural influences on communication in the classroom