The Selection of Teaching Assistants Across the University the selection of teaching assistants is achieved through various means. Undeniably, the quality of a teaching assistant should be defined by her grasp of the subject matter within a discipline and her ability to impart that understa nding. Given this assumption, the appointment of teaching assistants should be based solely upon merit. While graduate students would seem to be more worthy candidates based on their additional years of study, undergraduates may be equally capable of fa cilitating the work of a professor. Furthermore, TAs should be assisting in courses that are within their area of specialization for the University to capitalize on their experience.
Many departments contain distinct areas of concentration within a broad discipline.
Consequently, TAs who are accurately paired with their particular expertise would be best prepared to stimulate student interest and direct class discussion. All new teaching assistants are required to attend three of the eight workshops available during the day. Topics of current workshops include Grading in the Humanities and Social Sciences, Leading a Discussion Session, Multiculturalism and Writing Back to Students. Students are videotaped and advised on their presentation skills by an external professional. Improving the Training of Teaching Assistants Reevaluating the role of teaching assistants necessitates the enhancement of TA training programs.