This is a collection of tips and tricks written by TAs for other TAs. All tips come from the TA Tips and Tricks: Resource and Idea Exchange Form or were collected from our in-person TA Orientation and Training sessions.
- The students are not as scary as you think.
- Ask other TAs for advice and support.
- Teach the students, not the subject.
- It’s okay to say you don’t know. You are also learning.
- It is okay to make mistakes, that is also part of learning.
- Time management and self-care are vital.
- Be confident.
- Be prepared.
- Be patient and listen to your students.
- Remember what it was like the first time you learned something.
- Don’t underestimate your students— maybe they want extra reading!
- Give constructive feedback to students.
- Read your emails.
- Be true to who you are.
- Grade early and often.
- Make rubrics for grading exams.
- Stay organized.
- Be approachable for students. Getting to know your students means a lot to them.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate.
- Smile and say hello when students walk in.
- Sometimes things go wrong, and that’s ok.
- Don’t wait for students to ask questions – go to them!
- Meal prep.
- Entice students with snacks to get them to come to office hours.
- Make lesson plans and remind students what you really expect.
- Make students do work on the board.
- Be fair.
- Treat them with respect and they will respect you.
- Be patient.
- Use Speedgrader in Canvas.
- Have fun!