Re: [PSTUM-list] Re: Pre-Service Courses for TAs - PSTUM-list

10 Jul 2005

I have attached some of the resources we use to train Adjunct series and can be used to
train GA instructors. We focus their training on the aspect of student learning and
self-regulation of their thinking this focus drives the pedagogy to more thoughtful
instruction. We find these instructors can become expert at thinking aloud if they have
achieved a level of self-awareness. We are now using the Learning Connections Inventory
(LCI) (www.letmelearn.com) to train instructors. The levels of insight they quickly
achieve can have a profound effect on the quality of instruction as it tends to help their
teaching sensitivity increase as they become more aware of student thinking levels. 

Another possibility for you is bringing Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans to your campus as we
are here.  

There is high interest on campus to learn about a discovery-based pedagogy rumored to
teach intermediate and college algebra without decreasing the rigor.

Many math professors are interested in how to teach mathematics in a way that promotes
deeper thinking, that invites students to discover and make sense of mathematics for
themselves, that engages students in real-life problem solving, and that engages them in
discussion and friendly argument about the validity of their mathematical hypotheses.  Dr.
Donna Dillingham-Evans from Dixie State College in Sourthern, St George, Utah. She
demonstrates these pedagogical notions in the context of intermediate and college
algebra.

Eldon L. McMurray
Director
Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence
Assistant Professor
College Success & Academic Literacy
Utah Valley State College
800 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058
(801) 863-8550
...
 >> friedber(a)bc.edu 07/09/05 7:42 PM >>>
Derek,

I've had good luck using some of the BCCase Case Studies with
the pre-service teachers here at BC.  The discussion of Emily's
Test opened their eyes to the constraints and responsibilities
of being a faculty member, sometimes a non-obvious transition
for young TAs, and allowed us to talk about campus cheating
policy.  It is not math specific, so you could use it in other
departments too.  Making the Grade was useful in bringing
up issues related to grading.  Some of the other cases about
the experiences of recitation instructors were also relevant.

The best of luck,

Sol

On Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 12:00 PM,  
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 Today's Topics:

    1. Pre-Service Courses for TAs (Bruff, Derek O)

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 Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2005 12:34:13 -0500
 From: "Bruff, Derek O" &lt;derek.bruff(a)Vanderbilt.Edu&gt;
 Subject: [PSTUM-list] Pre-Service Courses for TAs
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 PSTUM-List,

 It's been a couple of months since we've had any traffic on the list,
 and I attribute that to the busyness of the end of the semester.  Now
 that it's summer, I'm hoping folks will have more time to contribute to
 the list.  Here's a question to get things started:

 The preceptor group at Harvard is in the middle of designing a seminar
 for our "pre-service" TAs -- graduate students who haven't taught yet,
 but will be teaching calculus sections soon.  It will be either a
 semester- or year-long seminar featuring presentations/discussions led
 by preceptors on various topics (lesson planning, presentation skills,
 understanding student misconceptions, managing interactive classrooms)
 as well as practicum components (observation of other teachers,  
 tutoring
 in our math help center, guest-lecturing a few times in an actual
 class).

 They have some good ideas for structure and content of this seminar,  
 but
 I'm eager to hear your experiences with similar courses or seminars.
 Have you been involved in something like this?  If so, what has worked
 well?  What pitfalls should they look out for?

 Thanks in advance for your contributions!

 Derek

 (By the way, the reason I speak here of the Harvard preceptor group in
 the third person is that I have recently taken an assistant director
 position at the Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching.  In this
 role, I will be working with many departments on faculty and TA
 development issues, not just mathematics departments.  However, I plan
 to continue the PSTUM list, and I hope it can continue to bring people
 together with similar interests.)

 --
 Derek Bruff, Assistant Director
 Center for Teaching, Vanderbilt University
 Email: derek.bruff(a)vanderbilt.edu

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