![meerkat on hind legs](https://utaprogram.lyrahilliard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/matteo-ferrero-459123-unsplash-170x300.jpg)
I hope you’re settling into the semester well! Justin and I are having a great time with your UTAs in our respective sections of 388V. Both of the in-person seminars for first-semester UTAs are large: I have 22 in my section, and Justin has 17. We also have 12 returning UTAs between us, which makes for a grand total of 51 UTAs in Spring 19—our largest cohort to date!
This cohort is UTAing a wide range of classes. With more UTAs in MEO literature, language, and survey courses, AWP (101) UTAs are in the minority in both first-semester seminars, and PWP UTAs outnumber AWP UTAs in my seminar. This diversity greatly enriches UTAs’ experiences in 388V as they learn more about our Department’s course offerings and compare strategies for teaching different student populations.
What’s happening in 388V this week
This past week, first-semester UTAs began learning about teaching in higher ed with classic readings like Chickering’s and Gamson’s Seven Principles as well as current approaches to inclusive classrooms. This upcoming week, UTAs dive into basic learning theory and writing pedagogy. The latter topics begin their preparation for planning in-class lessons. More on this below.
What your UTAs need from you this week
Your UTAs need you to review the Checklist of Things to Go Over with Your UTAs. You’ll see that I’ve divided this checklist chronologically with recommended items to address each week. Please review this to make sure you’ve discussed everything I recommend through Week 2, including the following items that came up in 388V last night:
- All new and returning UTAs are to submit their Goals and Expectations sheet tomorrow. This is an assignment for both of you. UTAs can not make these all up on their own; their expectations must be negotiated with you. In a conversation. Preferably a live one. It’s not enough to say “I’ll let you know if you’re doing something wrong.” That’s not fair to either of you (or to me or Justin, for that matter). If you have not yet sat down with your UTA(s) to go over this, please schedule a time to do so ASAP.
- Many your UTAs are anxious about their first round of grading. Remember, your UTAs have never been on this side of the classroom! What do you mean by “grading,” precisely? Responding? Assessing? What’s the difference between an 8/10 and a 9/10? Please take the time to go over all of these things, even if—especially if!—they are second nature to you. Help your UTAs help you. They need your guidance! For more on this, please see the following pages on this website:
- Your UTAs’ next assignment that involves you is also coming up shortly: their first lesson plans. I wrote a separate guide on this just for you: Lesson Plan Assignment Guide for Instructors. Please read this so that you’re prepared for this conversation with your UTAs.
Thank you all for your hard work with your UTAs, your students, your classes, and everything else you have going on this semester. If I can be of assistance with anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Photo by Matteo Ferrero on Unsplash