BIOMG 6980 - Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Experience in Molecular Biology and Genetics

Fall, Spring. 3-5 credits, variable. S/U grades only (no audit).

Permission of department required. Enrollment limited to: graduate students.

S. Jesch.

This course is designed for graduate students in Graduate Fields of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology (BMCB) and Genetics, Genomics, and Development (GGD) who will serve as teaching assistants (TA) in undergraduate courses offered in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG). BMCB and GGD teaching assistants will take this course concurrently with their first TA assignment. The goal of the course is to provide teaching assistants with pedagogical skills in active learning, assessing student learning, leading discussions, grading, and best teaching practices for TA’ing MBG courses. Students will discuss their teaching experiences with their peers and gain feedback on their teaching effectiveness. An initial class meeting will help prepare students for the first day of class and provide tips for working with a teaching team. Throughout the semester, semi-weekly milestone meetings will focus on issues pertaining to graduate TAs, such as balancing research with teaching, interacting with students and course instructor, and special circumstances that may arise throughout the semester. Students will be encouraged to meet with their course instructor to gain feedback and to share their experiences with members of the course.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to apply modern pedagogical methods to their teaching experience in MBG courses.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to apply active learning strategies and other effective teaching strategies to any MBG course where they serve as a teaching assistant.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to evaluate the learning of undergraduates by designing and grading various assessments.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to communicate effectivity through oral and written forms.

Outcome 5: Students will be able to interpret and apply feedback that further develops their teaching skills.