Workshop for 

New Graduate Teaching Assistants

Since 1987, the Graduate School has offered special training for graduate teaching assistants. Each August more than 225 new GTAs complete the "Workshop for New GTAs.”  The Workshop is required for all new GTAs, including those who have not yet completed the 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching field required before the GTA can be responsible for teaching a class and/or assigning grades. 

The Workshop is held at the Paul W. Bryant Conference Center on Thursday and Friday of the week before fall classes begin.  It includes a variety of formal presentations and interactive activities. Please check out latest GTA Workshop Program.

Formal Presentations

Faculty and staff who have been recognized for their superior teaching provide formal presentations on topics such as syllabus and course preparation, effective communication in college teaching, active and collaborative learning techniques in both small and large classes, electronic support for college teaching, and legal issues for GTAs. See videos from the GTA Workshop 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Interactive Activities

Graduate Teaching Fellows, who are experienced GTAs recognized for superior teaching in their respective colleges, lead one day of sessions at the Workshop.  The Fellows videotape all new GTAs who have prepared a short presentation.  Each GTA receives both written and verbal analyses of teaching strengths and areas for improvement.  The new GTAs then have the opportunity to analyze videos that show some of the most frequently occurring problems in the classroom.  The Fellows conclude their day with the new GTAs by discussing important University policies such as services for students with disabilities, sexual harassment, academic misconduct, academic grievances, and the confidentiality of student records.

See Also: List of Departmental GTA Coordinators

 

For more information about the Workshop for New GTAs, call (205) 348-8283 or email jschmitt@ua.edu