Being a New TA: Tips and Techniques

At Rutgers, there are many services available to assist teaching assistants in their personal and professional lives. Most services are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, such as writing assistance, tutoring or disability services, and counseling and psychological services. The tutoring services are for your undergraduate students. Others, including psychological and counseling services, may be useful for both you and your students. Finally, there are programs offered specifically for teaching assistants available to you through the Teaching Assistant Project.

Resources for Students with Disabilities

If you have a student with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, psychological issues, physical disabilities (such as impaired vision, hearing, or mobility; diabetes; Crohn’s disease), they should contact the Office of Disability Services for Students at 732-932-2848 or dsoffice@rci.rutgers.edu. This office provides evaluation services on a case by case basis and, if students are found to be eligible, they will supply the necessary accommodations to help students succeed with their coursework. Typical accommodations might be extra time on exams or a sign language translator for class. Students eligible for these services will have a letter from the office to let you, the instructor or TA, know what kind of accommodations they require. If you have a student who you believe would benefit from these services, feel free to call the office yourself or send your student to them.

Student Writing Assistance and Tutoring

Students with writing problems or those who could benefit from additional tutoring should be referred to the Rutgers Learning Centers. These centers provide writing services to students not enrolled in writing program classes—expository writing, basic composition, etc.—and group tutoring opportunities. Students can find group tutoring sessions by going to http://rlc.rutgers.edu/tutoring.shtml. If they need additional assistance or wish to find an individual tutor; they must make an appointment.

Academic coaching is also available to help students learn “better self-management skills, reading and test preparation strategies, and public speaking and memory techniques.” A full description and sign-up may be found on the main webpage

Mental Health for Teaching Assistants and Students

College can be stressful for students and teaching assistants. The university offers a number of services at 17 Senior Street, College Avenue Campus, including psychological counseling, alcohol and drug assistance, and psychiatric services. Common reasons for visiting or referring your students to the center or making an appointment for yourself include:

• Concentration problems while studying
• Anxiety about tests or speaking in class
• Trying to begin or maintain a relationship
• Feeling the loss of someone close
• Questions about "coming out" or other identity issues
• Procrastinating too much
• Wondering why one is in college
• Becoming aware one may have a problem with alcohol or drugs
• Struggling to become independent from parents, or not to lose touch with one's family
• Concern about family members or friends who are struggling with issues such as a drinking problem, divorce, serious illness, or death
• Reacting to an unwanted pregnancy or a traumatic experience such as rape.

Appointments are free for full-time students and confidential. To schedule an appointment, call 732-932-7884. More information is available on their website.

Resources and Teaching Development at the Teaching Assistant Project

The Teaching Assistant Project offers many resources and opportunities to assist you in developing your teaching style.

Throughout the year, we offer workshops on topics such as Creating PowerPoint Presentations (September 29), Dealing with Difficult Students (September 30), Improving your Teaching Evaluations (October 8), Motivating your Students (October 15), Creative Teaching Techniques (November 10), and Interdisciplinary Teaching (November 18). These workshops help to improve your pedagogical techniques and demonstrate to future employers your interest in teaching. Visit the TA Project's calendar of workshops for a complete listing of all workshops available during the Fall 2009 semester.

Graduate students who attend at least four workshops in a particular series will be eligible to receive a certificate indicating their commitment to teaching. These certificates include The 21st Century Professor, International Teaching Assistant, The Prepared Teaching Assistant, Master Faculty Observation Program, Preparing for the Professoriate, Professional Responsibility, and Teaching with Technology. More information and a list of eligible workshops are available here.

One program we are particularly excited about is the Academic Integrity Conference to be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Cook Campus Center on Friday, October 2, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be served. This conference will count toward the Professional Responsibility certificate. For more information and to register, please visit http://ctaar.rutgers.edu/council.

We also offer videotaping services. A technician will videotape your lecture, recitation section, or laboratory session. The video may then be viewed with a faculty member in your department or a member of the Teaching Assistant Project to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. We can also suggest particular workshops that might be of use to you. For more information, visit our videotaping webpage.

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