View source for Being A CS TA

It�s ok to say �let me take a minute and figure that out and get back to you�. Professors do this all the time, they�re just practiced at concealing that they�re doing it.

* Accessibility (no headphones, phones�)

* Know/prepare for what students are learning in class.

* Don't be condescending.

* Make sure to spread your time with as many students as possible.

* Act as if you want to be there and you want to help these students. If someone comes to you and says they are struggling or have a problem, take the time and show interest in going through the students code together and help figure out the problem.

* Do not just give the student the answer; you want to teach the student, in a sense.

* Do not type the answer or write the answer for the student.

* If you're getting the same question from many students, explain and work on the board in front of all of the students, because it's likely more of them will have it.

'''Teaching''' -- Showing the way; directing, guiding; imparting instruction or knowledge.

'''Assistant''' -- One who is present to help; aiding, auxiliary. (Oxford English Dictionary)

'''As a teaching assistant, you will have many roles: '''

<blockquote>� '''Educator''' -- First and foremost you must educate your students by imparting knowledge and understanding.

� '''Subject Matter Expert''' --You need to be knowledgeable in the area you�re teaching. You don�t need to be all knowing. In computer science it�s often enough to know how to find and vet information rather than carrying all the details around with you.
</blockquote>
� '''Communicator''' -- It is essential that you convey concepts and facts clearly.

<blockquote>� '''Motivator''' -- By making material interesting and showing enthusiasm, you can encourage students to learn.

� '''Evaluator''' -- Providing feedback and assigning a grade are end products of the course. While grades may not be an important end product to the instructor, many students hold them to be of utmost importance.

� '''Listener''' -- You must hear what students are saying both verbally and non-verbally. For instance, the rustling of books and papers at the end of a class is the students� way of saying they�ve stopped paying attention.

� '''Facilitator''' -- Coordination of class interactions such as leading and controlling discussion are important to two-way communication.

� '''Counselor''' --You�ll provide guidance on how to be successful in the course as well as with future careers.

� '''Role Model''' -- Perhaps the thing you teach most profoundly is �what kind of person is interested in this subject?� Don�t underestimate the impact you have on students. Because of your position, your behavior influences students. How you feel about lifelong learning, how you relate to other people, are all-important lessons your students, and the professor you are assisting, will learn.

� '''University Representative''' -- Every moment you teach, you represent X and your department to the world. This is a heavy responsibility, but also an honor.
</blockquote>
Some of the prose from this document are taken from: [http://www.drexel.edu/provost/graduatestudies/assets/pdf/ta_manual.pdf ''http://www.drexel.edu/provost/graduatestudies/assets/pdf/ta_manual.pdf'']

We should filter it out

=== Grading ===

Uniformity

CS310 - speak louder, more engaging, �dynamic speech�, ok to wake-up sleeping people

CS370 - smaller room, bring them in