Responding to Student Writing
The main argument for working with UTAs in writing classes is that students receive more support with and feedback on their writing. UTAs are expected to work with their students and their students’ writing outside of class in a variety of ways as determined by each UTA-instructor pair (and, ideally, with their students). Some common methods include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- Online feedback on discussion posts, homework exercises, and other small activities
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- Online feedback on drafts (not recommended–more on this below)
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- UTA Conferences (often early in the semester to discuss semester topics)
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- Weekly UTA office hours (set schedule, 1 hour per week)
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- In-person UTA-student meetings by appointment
- Special extra help sessions
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- Often scheduled just before a major draft is due
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- Can work like office hours (unstructured, drop-in assistance)
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- Can be more structured like a standard discussion session for a lecture course
- Can be facilitated by multiple UTAs for the same instructor
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- Because the UTAs are equally knowledgeable about the course and its assignments, students don’t have to see their own UTA to benefit
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- UTAs can schedule a longer chunk of time during which they can take shifts. The longer time block makes the help session much more accessible for students.
- Previous UTAs for the same instructor have opted to do this every week in lieu of individual office hours
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About UTA Office Hours
Are UTA Office Hours Required?
They used to be. The previous standard was that each UTA would hold one office hour each week at the same place at the same time. However, many UTAs find that it’s easier to schedule appointments with students at a mutually convenient time than to hold an office hour once a week that doesn’t coincide with students’ schedules.
All that matters is that UTAs are available outside of class–in person–to help students in some way; how it’s done is ultimately determined by the UTA and his or her instructor.
Where do UTAs Hold Office Hours?
UTAs may hold office hours (regular or by appointment) anywhere on campus that is logical and appropriate (e.g., common areas in dorms are appropriate. Bedrooms are not).
UTAs commonly hold office hours somewhere in McKeldin, like Footnotes (the cafe). Tawes has some good areas such as the cafe area in the new wing (first floor) and the tables outside of the northeast second floor offices (2200s).
The two “fishbowls” on the first floor may be reserved through Scott Eklund (1123) and Helen McClung (1221). Because these rooms are in high demand, they are best scheduled on an ad hoc, as opposed to weekly, basis. They’re perfect for special extra help sessions, as described above.
Some UTAs hold office hours concurrently with their instructors in their instructors’ offices. This works best when the instructor has checked in with his or her office mates, especially if this joint UTA-Instructor office hour is meant to occur weekly. Note that UTAs may not have independent access to instructors’ offices.
Return to What UTAs Do Out of Class
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