For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Teaching Assistant Orientation and Preparation Course

The Teaching Assistant Orientation and Preparation Course (GRAD T580) are offered once per year in the fall and are required for all new and incoming graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs)/Teaching Fellows (TFs). Training begins with a two-day orientation, or pre-term workshops, followed by the TA Preparation Course, GRAD T580, which is a free, one-credit special topics course that meets four times during the fall quarter.

In addition to the orientation and prep course, TAs and all graduate students are welcome and encouraged to attend the Graduate College's monthly Coffee Hour Seminar Series workshops for additional discussion and professional development in teaching, learning and other relevant topics for graduate students.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the roles and value of the TA in the Drexel undergraduate and graduate academic experience.
  • Recognize the expectations and needs of a diverse student population and identify instructional teaching techniques and strategies for meeting the expectations and needs of a diverse student population.
  • Identify student needs and problems that university support services/resources handle and identify and recommend the appropriate services/resources.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of clear and measured objectives for lessons, tutoring and other activities and the ability to assess them.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of designing assessments- formative and summative that provide evidence of the achievement of lesson goals.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of effective teaching skills and to some degree the development of these skills.
  • Recognize and apply effective grading/ assessing instruments and methods for assignments and tests.
  • Recognize and demonstrate effective styles of communication and interactions with instructors, students and peers.
  • Reflect and self-evaluate acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to the course.

2018 TA Orientation Schedule

Day 1 - Thursday, September 20, 2018 (Welcome Week)
8:30AM -  2:00PM
Graduate Student Lounge
Main Building, Room 010A (Lower Level)

View the Recording [YouTube]

Day 2 - Friday, September 21, 2018 (Welcome Week)
8:30AM - 3:00PM
Graduate Student Lounge
Main Building, Room 010A (Lower Level)

View the Recording [YouTube]

2018 TA Prep Course Schedule

Workshop #1 - Backwards Design and Instruction
Friday, September 28, 2018 (Week 1)
1:00 - 3:00PM
Graduate Student Lounge
Main Building, Room 010A (Lower Level)

View the Recording [YouTube]

Workshop #2 - Teaching Across Cultures
Friday, October 5, 2018 (Week 2)
1:00 - 3:00PM
Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB), Room 112

Workshop #3 - Online Engagement
Friday, October 12, 2018 (Week 3)
1:00 - 3:00PM
Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB), Room 112

Workshop #4 - Assessment
Friday, October 19, 2018 (Week 4)
1:00 - 3:00PM
Graduate Student Lounge
Main Building, Room 010A (Lower Level)

2018 Course Materials

Additional Materials

The TA Orientation and Preparation Course sessions will be recorded and archived for later viewing. Link to follow.

If you have any questions about the TA Orientation or Prep Course or if you are unable to attend for any reason, please contact the course instructor, Professor Alexis Gerard Finger at fingerag@drexel.edu.