Orientation for New Teaching Assistants
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Scheman Building, ISU Campus
University Teaching Seminar Homepage
Detailed Description of the Schedule
Online registration for the Iowa State University Teaching Seminar and New Faculty Orientation is now closed. If you are a new faculty member please call Julie Tarbox at 515-294-6410 to register for the New Faculty Orientation. If you have questions or concerns about the UTS or Teaching Assistant Seminar, please call Jen Leptien at 515-294-1948.
7:30-8:15 a.m. Walk-in registration and continental breakfast
8:15-9:00 a.m. Plenary Address & Common Issues Faced by TAs
9:10-10:00 a.m. Session I
Teaching for the first time can be an exciting and challenging
experience. This session will discuss some of the common
issues: How to deal with fi rst-day jitters, pre-class preparation,
presentation of the course materials, resources, and studentinstructor
relationships. Choose the session that fi ts your
teaching appointment.
Leading a Lab by Jennifer Cerfogli [handouts]
(Room 250-252) 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. Session I
Stand Alone Teaching by Matt Search
(Room 260-262) 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. Session I
Working with a Professor in the Classroom by Tom Parham
(Room 275) 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. Session I
10:10-11:00 a.m. Session II
Student Expectations, Professor Expectations by Jennifer Cerfogli [handouts]
This session will provide participants with an overview of what students
expect from a TA, what professors expect from their TA, and how to cope
while wearing many hats at once. We will discuss classroom and student
confl icts, how to handle them effectively, and where and when to turn for
help. Tips on professionalism, classroom management, and grading will be
covered.(Room 250-252) 10:10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Session II and
11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Session IIITime Management by Matt Search
As a graduate student you will quickly fi nd out that 24 hours is
not enough time in a day. How does one balance research and
teaching and still have a personal life? In this session we will
discuss ways to optimize time management in graduate school.
Research and teaching are essential to success but having a
personal life is essential to happiness and your well-being. This
session will teach you that you can indeed have your cake and
eat it too!
(Room 260-262) 10:10 - 11:00 a.m. Session II and
11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Session IIIWelcome to Ames, Iowa by Abhijit Rao & Paola Paez
New to Iowa and not sure what to expect? Curious about what
Ames and surrounding communities have to offer? This session
will highlight some of the activities and resources that Ames and
Iowa have to offer. Anything from “Where can I fi nd teaching
resources” to “Are there any Chinese restaurants in Ames” or
“What outdoor activities are offered” will be covered.
(Room 275) 10:10 - 11:00 a.m. Session II
11:10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Session III
International Graduate Student Concerns by Abhijit Rao & Paola Paez [PowerPoint handouts] [tips handouts]
This session discusses the various issues that international
teaching assistants need to be aware of at Iowa State University
and in the United States. A panel of graduate students from
culturally diverse backgrounds will share their experiences, offer
advice and answer questions.
(Room 275) 11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Session IIIStudent Expectations, Professor Expectations
See description above.
Time Management
See description above.
12:00-1:00 p.m. Pizza Lunch / Q & A with Experienced TAs
After a busy morning, you may feel overwhelmed and wonder
“What’s next?” Relax over pizza while experienced TAs address
your questions.
(Rooms 250-252 and 260-262) 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
