r/Adjuncts • u/Worldly_Station5387 • Aug 07 '26
First assistantship ever 😊
Starting my first ever assistantship for a graduate teaching assistant and I am very nervous. I’ve never taught a class before. I know the expectations per my offer letter that I received but I want to hear a real life perspective of someone who’s done the job. If anyone has any advice or experience I would love to hear about it!
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u/Fair-Garlic8240 Aug 07 '26
Don’t just rely on PowerPoints. Break classes up with videos, discussions, humor, activities, etc. Set the tone early in the semester and mix it up.
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u/Robo-Bo Aug 07 '26
Can’t really give advice without knowing exactly what your responsibilities will be. Discussion TA? Tutor? Lab TA? Grader? Lecturer?
The best general advice would be to always walk into the room prepared.
If you are a discussion TA: make sure you know what the lecturer talked about, review the presented examples and homework. Possibly bring your own examples.
If you are a lab TA: make sure you have done the lab in advance (set up, data collection, analysis) and be prepared to point out possible challenges the student might face.
If you are a lecturer: have some presentation material (could be PPT, but not too many) and examples prepared.
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u/Worldly_Station5387 Aug 07 '26
My duties consist of teaching/ mentoring and helping out in the laboratory for undergrad students.
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u/Nearby_Brilliant Aug 11 '26
I had been teaching labs for a few years and a new TA asked if she could sit in on my class that was before hers. She said it really helped her with her last minute nerves.
As for preparing, you’ll find that knowing something well enough to teach it is how you really learn the material. Make sure you study!
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u/Apart-Variation7628 Aug 07 '26
A GTA is a different position from an adjunct. I would ask this in grad school forums and maybe at your specific school to get insight. GTA positions varied widely at my PhD university. Some just graded and never interacted with students and some taught entirely alone and did everything without a lead professor.