Teaching Assistants at FAU

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), you play a very valuable role in the educational experience of FAU’s undergraduates. Few of you, however, received any formal training in teaching. Much of what you know probably derives from your experiences with effective instructors in high school and college. There is no magic formula for becoming a great teacher and mentor, but there are important tips and suggestions that have proved useful to others in the same position. Also, teaching assistants who only recently moved to this country should be aware of important differences in the culture of instruction and how teaching strategies need to be adjusted accordingly.

To help newly-appointed graduate teaching assistants prepare for their teaching experience in our undergraduate classrooms and laboratories, the Graduate College sponsors a mandatory Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation. This workshop is held prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters.

The workshop features speakers and interactive components designed to educate, empower, and inspire graduate teaching assistants in their roles as effective teachers in the undergraduate learning community at Florida Atlantic University. Topics include Effective Classroom Management Strategies, Dealing with Disruptive Students, Legal Issues in Higher Education, Diversity and Dedication at FAU, and more.

Please contact Liana Smith, with any questions.

RESOURCES

GTA Handbook, Nebraska
TA Handbook, Iowa State University
Teaching in the U.S. Classroom, Stanford
Guidebook for ITAs, USC