CSE590IT:  TA Training Seminar, Invitation to Teaching

Autumn 2001



Instructor:  Tammy VanDeGrift
e-mail address:  tammy@cs.washington.edu
Office hours:  Tuesdays 1:30 - 2:20 pm and Thursdays 2:30 - 3:20 pm in Sieg 226D *or* by appointment -- just contact me and we'll set up a time.
Course websitehttp://www.cs.washington.edu/education/courses/cse590it/01au/

Meeting Times and Location:  Tuesdays 2:30 - 3:20 pm in EE1 042, (For those with course conflicts, a small section of 590IT will meet 12:30 - 1:20 pm on Tuesdays in Sieg 226D.)

Content Overview:  This seminar provides teaching assistants in the Computer Science & Engineering Department a weekly training meeting to discuss issues and build skills related to their teaching assistantship duties.  During the early part of the quarter, topics of immediate concern to new TAs will be discussed such as how to lead a quiz section and how to help students outside class.  This seminar gives teaching assistants an opportunity to reflect on their teaching skills and a place to develop, practice, and refine some of these skills during the quarter.  Some topics of discussion will be guided by the students to best address their concerns as new TAs in the department.

Participation:  Students will earn one hour of credit by completing two activities, attending the weekly meetings, and participating in discussions and activities.  Discussions are usually centered around a theme involving some pre-assigned reading.  Please read/skim assigned material before attending class.  Additionally, students should meet with the instructor at least twice during the quarter to discuss their progress as a teaching assistant.

Questions/Problems/Concerns:  As a teaching assistant in the department, you play a crucial role in the education of the undergraduates at UW.  You also play a critical and exciting role in the department.  If you are experiencing any problems with your TA duties, please do contact Tammy and she'll try to help you out.

Mailing List:  Please sign up for the cse590it mailing list through majordomo.  E-mail majordomo@cs and include in the body of the message subscribe cse590it
Click here to see messages posted to the course mailing list.

Feedback:  Tammy welcomes feedback about this course.  If you prefer to e-mail her anonymously, please do so.  Click here.

Sign up to be Observed:  One activity requires students to observe other TAs teaching quiz sections.  If you are willing to be observed, please sign up using the  form linked here.

Tentative Schedule:

October 2:  First Day of Class -- What To Do

October 9:  Lecturing and Leading Discussions

October 16:  Grading and Assessment

October 23:  Challenging Situations

October 30:  Learning Styles and Teaching Styles

November 6:  Active Learning in the Classroom

November 13:  Developing Homework and Exams

November 20:  Uses and Abuses of Humor in the Classroom (led by Andrei Alexandrescu)

November 27:  Gender/Diversity Issues in CS

December 4:  Preparing for Quiz Section

December 11:  The CS Curriculum

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