Teaching Resources for TAs

PIE provides instructional support for TAs in preparation for their instructional responsibilities at Florida State University and for their future careers.

• Especially for TA's (288 kb)
  This chapter of the handbook Instruction at FSU discusses the unique roles and responsibilities of Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs), and offers advice on improving professionalism and managing workloads. This chapter also covers the various components of the Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE), which supports teaching enhancement for TAs.


• Workshops
  Sponsored workshops at no cost to FSU Faculty, Instructors, and TAs throughout the year.


• Meet with a Teaching Enhancement Associate
  TAs can get confidential consultation on any or all teaching skills. Consultations are tailored to meet the needs of individual instructors or entire groups and may include videotaping of classroom teaching.


• Discover Best Practices
  Find tried and tested ways to implement new teaching strategies or technologies.


• Online Teaching Resources
  Explore a wide variety of pedagogical strategies, techniques, and technologies you can use right away - any of which can enhance student learning and increase your teaching effectiveness.


• Preparing Future Faculty (PFF)
  PFF assists doctoral students (and others headed toward academic careers) to get ready for faculty work. Through participation in coursework, workshops, mentoring, and partner institution site visits, PFF Fellows increase their awareness of expectations for faculty performance and of resources available to aid in scholarly careers, and build their readiness to address research, teaching and related demands of faculty life.


• University Teaching Policies
  The Dean of Faculties Office exists to serve faculty members by providing information about academic policies, administering personnel activities related to the University Faculty, and facilitating the operation of the Faculty Governance System at Florida State University.


• The Graduate School
  The Graduate School supports graduate students in every program at the Florida State University. We provide assistance in academic matters, advice on University-wide degree requirements, information on the availability of financial assistance including assistantships, fellowships and scholarships, as well as approval for theses and dissertations.


• Video On Demand
  
  
  • Appreciating Student Diversity
    FSU's commitment to research, service and excellence in teaching requires faculty to not just tolerate diversity but to embrace it. The concept, explained by School of Theatre Associate Professor Dr. Carrie Sandahl, is to foster an environment rich in intellectual and moral development based on a mix of ideas, backgrounds and perspectives.
  
  
  • Dealing with Distressed and Distressing Students
    Recent studies show that about 18% of undergraduates and 15% of graduate students have seriously considered suicide. Director of University Counseling Center Dr. Nikki Pritchett laments mental health issues in universities across the country and identifies common stressors as students define themselves and their boundaries, and begin selection of a career path. Learn typical and atypical developmental patterns, what to do if you notice something that's troublesome and how to offer support to students in a changing and uncertain world.
  
  
  • Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
    University registrar Kim Barber explains the intricacies of FERPA, an educational act passed in 1974, and how it affects the lives of students and professionals while governing the safety and release of student records.
  
  
  • Getting Started: Surviving Your First 3 Weeks
    CTL evaluation specialist Shenifa Taite advises teaching assistants to give what they expect to receive, be organized, remain organized, ask for help, and never lose sight of goals. Checklists created for beginning instructors outline before, during and after tips for remaining organized by class, week and semester.
  
  
  • Issues in Testing & Grading Practices
    Don't insult your students by only requiring them to memorize. Teach them how to think. FSU's Department of Psychology instructor Dr. Jeanne O'Kon explains the huge responsibility of grading students and how it determines very important things about their lives such as majors and future placement. She encourages instructors to let students know their expectations, to be fair and consistent with a clear syllabus and objectives that provide structure and clarity for the class. Test items must be aligned with instructional objectives presented to the student along with the syllabus. She encourages the use of Bloom's Taxonomy for creating test questions that incite different levels of critical thinking. The goal is to measure achievement, not to trick your students or make them guess about what you are looking for.
  
  
  • Maintaining Professional Classroom Relations
    Sixty-seven to ninety-three percent of your communication to students is nonverbal –what are you communicating in the classroom? Maximize student learning and your effectiveness as an instructor. FSU Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Mary Coburn and Associate Dean of Students Dr. Robin Leach examine classroom management issues and the role of the professional educator.
    
    
  • Sexual Harassment & Sexual Battery Policy Training
    Ransom McClung from the Office of Audit Services presents hypothetical situations and explains how sexual harassment and/or sexual battery cannot and will not be tolerated at The Florida State University, whether by faculty, students, or staff, or by others while on property owned by or under the control of the University.
  
  
  • Teaching Resources at your Command
    How do I get help with my teaching? How do I request library instructional sessions for my students? How do I place materials on reserve? How do I request a Bb site? How can I learn to use the equipment in the classroom? What should I do if I'm experiencing problems in the classroom? A camaraderie of frequently asked questions answered by various service groups on campus, with instructions for seeking more information.
  
  
  • Test Reporting, Scoring, Security & Evaluation
    An overview of services provided by FSU's Center for Assessment and Testing from center director Jean-Marc Wise.

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