Teaching Assistant Assessment in Bio 121-123
- Formative Assessment - After
a few weeks, TAs are required to get reactions from students
in recitation about their teaching. This formative assessment
is solely for use by the TA, but they are required to do it.
- Students from teaching methods courses
are required to visit TA classes and write an objective
appraisal of the TA's teaching, emphasizing perceived strengths
and weaknesses.
- Peer Videotaping - Each TA must
videotape the teaching of another TA once during the semester,
and then discuss the lesson. Mutual benefits result.
- Summative Assessment - Students
fill out evaluation forms and specify strengths and weaknesses
of the TA. A TA profile is then compiled, quoting all the student
comments. These profiles are used for making improvements, and
as a resource for letters of recommendation that the TA may later
request.
- The Graduate Education Committee
(GEC) requires a brief assessment of the TAs teaching performance.
This is used as a guide for reappointment as a TA.
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