2005 August Teaching Workshop - TA Program

Thursday and Friday, August 18-19, 2005

Especially for beginning teaching assistants; all who teach are invited.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

8:15-8:50 Check-In/Registration & Refreshments

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

9:30-11:00 Teaching the First Days of Class
Liz Wittner, ITA Program Coordinator (CAELC)
Michael Smith, Graduate Instructor (Mathematics)
Cedar Riener, Graduate Instructor (Psychology)
Carey Sargent, Graduate Instructor (Sociology)
Courtney Spearman, Graduate Instructor (Architectural History)
Ryan Emanuel, Graduate Instructor (Environmental Sciences)
Alena Nye-Knutson, Graduate Instructor (Religious Studies)
Get practical advice about how to keep the butterflies under control and get your class off to a good start.

11:00-11:10 Break with refreshments

11:15-12:45 CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Making It Work for Everyone: How to Teach All Students Effectively
Deandra Little, TRC Faculty Consultant (English)
Robyn Mallett, Research Assistant Professor (Psychology)
As a U.Va. faculty member has said about teaching our diverse student population, "Sensitivity isn't enough; you need strategies." This workshop offers useful strategies for teaching the variety of students we meet at U.Va. Participants will learn how different backgrounds shape students' classroom experiences and how we can create inclusive learning environments.

Successful Teaching Techniques To Use in the Lab
Devin Herod, Graduate Instructor (Environmental Sciences)
Learn ways to make laboratory classes a successful setting in which to pursue scientific inquiry and enhance scientific understanding.

Teaching Problem-Solving Sessions
Sarah Simmons, Graduate Instructor (Economics)
Michael Janik, Postdoctoral Fellow (Chemical Engineering)
Get tips on how to be successful teaching a problem-solving section in science, social science or engineering.

Facilitating Classroom Discussions
Stephen Murphy, Graduate Instructor (Religious Studies)
Dorothe Bach, TRC Faculty Consultant (German)
Discuss ways to effectively facilitate classroom discussions, including tips for maximizing student preparation and participation, asking compelling questions to stimulate exciting and productive exchanges, guiding discussion without stifling students' creativity, and grading participation fairly.

Making Your Presentations Count
Judith Reagan, TRC Associate Director (Drama)
Brush up on your classroom "presence." Participate in exercises geared to reduce stage fright, increase concentration, and center and strengthen your voice.

Friday, August 19, 2005

8:15-8:50 Check-In/Registration & Refreshments

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

9:30-11:00 Difficult Classroom Situations
Jeanine Stefanucci, Graduate Instructor (Psychology)
Kelly Erickson, Graduate Instructor (Politics)
Cedar Riener, Graduate Instructor (Pyschology)
Carey Sargent, Graduate Instructor (Sociology)
Courtney Spearman, Graduate Instructor (Architectural History)
Ryan Emanuel, Graduate Instructor (Environmental Sciences)
Alena Nye-Knutson, Graduate Instructor (Religious Studies)
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.

11:00-11:10 Break with refreshments

11:15-12:45 CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Tips and Techniques for Grading Student Writing
Does the class, lab, or discussion section you teach require you to grade student writing? And piles of it? In this workshop, we'll discuss strategies for grading and commenting on student writing quickly, fairly, and effectively. We'll also discuss ways to prepare students better for their writing assignments.

Science, Engineering and Math
A focus on scientific writing, including essays, lab reports, and short answer exams
Linda Green, Graduate Instructor (Biology)
• geared towards TAs grading such subjects as biology,
physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, economics,
etc.
Michael Palmer, TRC Faculty Consultant (Chemistry)
• geared towards TAs grading such subjects as engineering,
computer science, etc.

Humanities and Social Science
A focus on essays, short answer and essay exams
Elise Pugh, Graduate Instructor (English)
• geared towards TAs grading such subjects as literature, art
or architectural history, philosophy, religious studies, etc.
Brian Glover, Graduate Instructor (English)
• geared towards TAs grading such subjects as history,
anthropology, politics, sociology, psychology, etc.

Teaching Math to Majors, Non-Majors, Pre-Meds, Engineers
Michael Smith, Graduate Instructor (Mathematics)
Explore innovative pedgogical techniques to create an effective learning environment in a variety of math course settings.

Moving Beyond Learning Disabilities in Foreign Language Courses
Emily Scida, Assistant Professor (Spanish)
How to spot learning disabilities and accommodate students with them in your course.

12:55-1:25 TAs & the Honor System
David Hobbs, Honor Committee Chair
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.

1:30-2:30 Lunch
The TRC and your Dean want to provide you with an opportunity to talk informally with each other. Workshop participants who pre-register can pick up their lunches following the Honor Committee's presentation.

1:30-2:30 Lunch for International TAs
International Teaching Assistants who will teach for the first time at U.Va. during the Fall 2005 semester should plan to attend this session to participate in an informal discussion with new and experienced international TAs about teaching in an American university classroom. A panel of experienced ITAs will share their experiences, offer practical suggestions and answer questions.