This session will provide you with information regarding the intellectual and pedagogical value of classroom discussion, as well as useful strategies for integrating meaningful discussions into diverse instructional settings. We will consider discussion as a tool that promotes constructive learning. We will examine ways to balance and assess the voices contributing to class discussions as well as strategies to ensure in-depth, scholarly discussions. We will also discuss difficulties that may hinder discussion, along with the tools needed to overcome these problems. 

Teaching in the STEM disciplines is truly rewarding, but it can be challenging to keep students engaged and meet learning objectives when they perceive the content to be "just the facts." This session will enable you to hone the craft of teaching in labs; our panel of experienced science and math TAs including Christina Martin (Physics) and Lisa Wagner-Ruggiero (Biology) will share and demonstrate an array of effective teaching strategies and ideas for sparking (and keeping) students' interest, managing lab and classroom sessions, and working with the professor of record to make your class successful.

One of the toughest parts of being a TA is the grading process. TAs need to balance fairness with adherence to learning objectives, while allowing time for their own work and other life obligations. This interactive session will include a discussion of the problems and strategies that go with the responsibilities of grading, as well as the expectations of professors, the grade disputing process, and time management. Participants will get to familiarize themselves with different kinds of rubrics, and will have the chance to construct their own rough draft of a grading rubric, sharing their ideas with other participants.

As we prepare to teach at a diverse university like Temple, many of us assume we know what “diversity” means; however, these assumed definitions are usually far narrower than real classroom experience reveals. Furthermore, many of us have only a general idea of how one might adapt for diverse student needs in the university. This session will provide you with a toolkit of specific strategies to use, while also introducing you to some of the pedagogical ideas and principles that are based on inclusive teaching. Our goal is for you to feel confident in your ability to build inclusivity and flexibility into your own courses for the benefit of all students.

The first day of class can shape the classroom atmosphere and set the tone for student-teacher relationships for the rest of the semester. This session addresses how TAs can use the first day of class to establish a classroom environment conducive to learning and teaching. Through interactive exercises, we will explore strategies for reducing first-day uncertainties while capturing students' interest in the class and strengthening their confidence. The discussion will include practical advice about icebreakers and setting ground rules for the semester.

Various difficult situations can occur in the classroom and it is important to realize that such situations are a normal part of teaching. In fact, they can often be turned into teaching opportunities, or “teachable moments.” This session is designed to provide you with a versatile set of tools to deal with complex situations, whatever the disciplinary teaching context. The session will be interactive and will draw upon your ideas and experiences.