Blogs (19) >>
Thu 16 Mar 2023 16:10 - 16:35 at 714 - Teaching Assistant Training & Expectation Chair(s): Margaret Ellis

We present an adaptable curriculum for training undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants (TAs) in computing disciplines that is modular, synchronous, and explicitly mirrors the teaching techniques that are used in our classes. Our curriculum is modular, with each component able to be expanded or compressed based on institutional needs and resources. It is appropriate for TAs from CS1 through advanced computing classes. In addition to being easily adjustable to institutional needs, this curriculum holds two important positions. First, that synchronous training is most effective. Second, that it is vital the curriculum is designed based on peer-to-peer learning and actively incorporates abstract pedagogical reflection into the materials. When TAs learn the content, it is grounded in the same techniques that we are encouraging them to use and that, as faculty, we ourselves use in our computing classes. Finally, we posit that student-TA interactions are a specific site of amplifying and attenuating inequality in computing classrooms. By providing a curriculum that is easily accessible and sensitive to both the technical and interpersonal needs of pedagogical training, we aim to create a more welcoming environment for all learners in computing disciplines. Based on our experience teaching this curriculum to more than 500 TAs at two institutions in four different formats, we offer insights and recommendations to using and adjusting this curriculum under varying circumstances. We release the curriculum in its entirety to the computing education community.

Thu 16 Mar

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15:45 - 17:00
Teaching Assistant Training & ExpectationPapers at 714
Chair(s): Margaret Ellis Virginia Tech
15:45
25m
Paper
A Climate-First Approach to Training Student Teaching AssistantsIn-Person
Papers
Victor Huang UC Berkeley, Armando Fox UC Berkeley
DOI
16:10
25m
Paper
Teaching Assistant Training: An Adjustable Curriculum for Computing DisciplinesIn-Person
Papers
Felix Muzny Northeastern University, Mike Shah Northeastern University
DOI
16:35
25m
Paper
Student Expectations of Tutors in Computing CoursesIn-Person
Papers
Rachel S. Lim University of California San Diego, Sophia Krause-Levy University of California, San Diego, Ismael Villegas Molina University of California San Diego, Leo Porter University of California San Diego
DOI