2002 August Teaching Workshop - Teaching Assistant Program

Wednesday, August 21, 2002

8:15-8:55 Check-In or Registration & Refreshments

9:00-9:20 Welcome to Teaching at U.Va.
John T. Casteen, III, President

9:30-11:00 Teaching the First Days of Class
How to keep the butterflies under control.

11:00- 11:10 Break with refreshments

11:15-12:45 CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Making It Work for Everyone: How to Teach All Your Students Effectively
As one experienced U.Va. instructor has said about our diverse student population, "Sensitivity isn't enough; you need strategies." This workshop gives insights into what identity means and offers useful strategies for teaching the variety of students at U.Va. Participants share successful techniques.

Moving Beyond Learning Disabilities in Foreign Language Courses
How to spot learning disabilities and accommodate students with them in your course.

Responding to Student Writing
Does the class or discussion section you teach require you to grade student writing? And piles of it? In this workshop, we'll discuss effective strategies for grading papers fairly and efficiently, for writing constructive comments and for preparing students better for their writing assignments. Separate sections will be offered for Science/Math/Engineering & Humanities/Social Sciences

1:00 For International TAs
International Teaching Assistants who will teach for the first time at U.Va. during the Fall 2002 semester should plan to attend this session to learn about training programs and other available resources. Practical suggestions to help you through your first days as an international instructor in an American classroom will be included.

Thursday, August 22, 2002

8:15-8:55 Check-In or Registration & Refreshments

9:00-9:20 Welcome to Teaching at U.Va.
Penny Rue, Dean of Students

9:30-11:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Successful Teaching Techniques To Use in the Lab
Teaching methods to consider for a successful lab experience.

Teaching Math to Majors, Non-Majors, Pre-Meds, Engineers
Approaches to consider in teaching math in various settings.

Teaching Problem-Solving Sessions
If you'll be teaching a problem-solving section in Science, Social Science or Engineering, get some tips on how to be successful.

Developing a Fair, Effective, Efficient Grading Policy
Learn how to make the least liked aspect of teaching more efficient and hassle-free by developing your grading philosophy and policies before you enter the classroom.

Making Your Presentations Count
Brush up on your classroom "presence." Participate in exercises geared to reduce stage fright, increase concentration, and center and strengthen your voice.

Facilitating Classroom Discussions
Practical advice about how to maximize both student participation and the amount of material covered in class.

11:00-11:10 Break with refreshments

11:15-12:45 Difficult Classroom Situations
What if your students . . . say a test is unfair? . . . talk during others' presentations? . . . question the grades on their papers? By discussing scenarios of some teachers' nightmares, you enhance your chances of avoiding any yourself.

12:50-1:20 TAs & the Honor System. Old Cabell Auditorium
What should you do if you see students cheating? What can you do to promote academic integrity? Led by members of the Honor Committee, this session will cover how to include the Honor System in your syllabus, what to do if you suspect cheating, and your options and responsibilities as an instructor. There will be time at the end of the presentation for your questions.

1:30 Lunch
The TRC and your Dean want to provide you with an opportunity to talk informally with each other. Workshop participants who have lunch tickets (which will be distributed at Registration or Check-In) can pick up their lunches in the Old Cabell Hall Auditorium lobby.

1:30 For International TAs
Learn more about cultural aspects of teaching at U.Va. from an international perspective. Training programs and other resources offered for ITAs will be explained.