How to Be an Effective Teaching Assistant

I have been very fortunate to go to a small enough college that all of my classes where taught by professors. However when it came to my labs, it was the T.A.s that saved my butt. They made it seem so much more fun and luckily I have become a T.A. myself in a couple courses. Here are some tips to be a good T.A.

1. Know the material: this may seem a little obvious but you'd be surprised at the questions T.A.s get asked. Some questions are easy, while other questions really make you think. Either way, nothing annoys a student more when the T.A. doesn't know the answer. Although it is okay to not know everything, at least know what you are doing so you can anticipate some of the questions that will be asked.

2. Give the benefit of the doubt: I am a T.A. for Introductory Biology and Introductory Chemistry. Man those classes were tough, so I know what it feels like to be in the students shoes. When it comes to grading their pre labs or lab notebooks, I tend to be on the lenient side and give the benefit of the doubt. At the end of the day this is only intro chem or intro bio. This is not the end all be all of the world and as long as you aren't TOO nice, the students will appreciate your kindness.

3. Have fun: Nothing is worse than having a T.A. that is a stick in the mud. If the students hate a particular lab which you hated when you were a student, tell them! However, tell them how you got through it, that they are almost done etc. Be happy, light, and funny. Makes lab go quicker and the students will relax with you. If everyone is calm and happy then lab runs a lot smoother.

4. Invite them to events: This is a little off topic but you'll see what I mean. In many cases the students you are T.A.ing are underclassmen, in particular freshmen. Help them out in college by inviting them to your frat or favorite spot. Help them feel welcome and they will show you the love in return. Give advice on teachers when its time to pick classes. THAT they will love you for. It is always nice to have someone to ask advice, even if it is not about biology or chemistry.

Hope these help you to being a good T.A. Have fun!