The job description for any mathematician,
whether in academia or elsewhere, generally includes teaching in
some form: teaching students in a mathematics classroom, telling
others about the results of one's research, or communicating with
co-workers about one's work. Since most mathematics graduate students
are supported as Teaching Assistants throughout their graduate careers,
the Mathematics Department and the University of Washington have
an extensive training program for TAs, one that has often been cited
as a model for other departments and other universities. This
page gives a brief overview of the structure of that training.
Fall TA
Orientation
Just before classes begin in
September, all new Math Department TAs participate in an
intensive week-long training program, involving familiarization
with UW's precalculus and calculus course offerings, discussion
groups, observation of video tapes, and practice teaching.
International TA Training
In addition to the standard training
for new TAs, new international TAs (ITAs) undergo a special ITA
Training Program, conducted by CIDR
(the Center for Instructional Development and Research). This program
includes
- a pre-Autumn
workshop, taking place before the beginning of Autumn Quarter,
at which ITAs take part in discussions, practice sessions, and
workshops to familiarize them with the role of a graduate TA at
the University of Washington; and
- ongoing individual
consultations with members of the CIDR staff to work on improving
teaching and spoken English.
- courses in English
as a Second Language for ITAs who need to improve their English
skills.
Ongoing TA Mentoring
During their first quarter in the classroom,
each new TA is paired with an experienced "TA mentor," usually assisting
with the same course, who will observe, give advice, and be available
for regular discussions about teaching issues. In addition,
a veteran TA is designated as Lead TA to help oversee the mentors
and the department's entire TA program.
Graduate School Course Offerings
The Graduate School offers
three courses.
- Teaching Mentorship
is an individual project based experience for students working
under the direction of a faculty member. The experience focuses
on teaching and learning at the college level and is designed
to enhance the student's ability to make innovative contributions
in teaching.
- Teaching Mentorship
Seminar builds on the previous work by encouraging students
to reflect on their experiences in order to add breadth to what
they have already learned from their mentors.
- Special Topics
in College/University Teaching addresses particular problems
and issues of interest to graduate students preparing for roles
as faculty. The course is structured to allow discipline-specific
sections, as Sociology and Engineering have done, and includes
opportunities for faculty from partner institutions to participate.
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