The Teaching Assistant Orientation and Preparation Course (GRAD T580) are offered once per year in the fall and are required for all new, incoming graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs)/Teaching Fellows (TFs) and those who started after the fall term and have not yet had the training. Training begins with an orientation program followed by the TA Preparation Course, GRAD T580, a free, one-credit special topics course that meets a select number of times during the fall quarter. Please refer to the program syllabus below for more information.

In addition to the orientation and prep course, TAs/TFs are encouraged to attend teaching and learning professional development workshops throughout the year for additional training, professional development, and networking opportunities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Through participation in this course, TAs/TFs will be able to identify and articulate:

• The nature and importance of their roles as "teachers";
• The importance of clear and measured objectives for lessons, tutoring and other activities and the ability to assess them;
• The importance of designing assessments (formative and summative) that provide evidence of the achievement of lesson goals;    
• The  expectations and needs of a diverse student population and the instructional teaching techniques and strategies for meeting these needs;
• Effective styles of communication and interactions with instructors, students and peers;
• The importance of being a reflective practitioner;
• The many and varied support services available on the University level for them and for their students. These include the Office of Equality and Diversity/ Disability Services, the Counseling Center, etc.

Fall 2021

Orientation

Friday, September 17, 2021

The TA orientation will be required. Students who are unable to attend should contact the Graduate College at graduatecollege@drexel.edu in advance if they have a conflict. These students will be able to watch a recording of the orientation sessions and will be required to submit a reflection paper (details to follow).

More information coming soon

Course Sessions

More information coming soon

Workshops

In addition to the orientation and prep course sessions, all new, incoming TAs/TFs will be required to attend professional development workshops during the fall quarter.

More information coming soon

Course Materials

• GRAD T580 Syllabus Fall 2021 [PDF] - Coming soon

If you have any questions about the TA Orientation or Prep Course, please contact the Graduate College at graduatecollege@drexel.edu.