At the core of the TA mentoring program is the two-day initial training session for new TAs in late August/early September. The outline of this session is as follows:
- Experienced TAs (TA Mentors) discuss learning and teaching styles. Overview of TA duties, expectations and responsibilities are explained.
- An introduction to the flipped classroom model and what is expected of TAs in these activies.
- TA mentors illustrate what makes one a good TA and a bad TA in various scenarios.
- Marking exercises are performed in groups under the supervision of the TA mentor.
- New TAs give practice presentations with feedback from the experienced and new TAs.
- TAs receive training in the computer lab.
- A department tour to familiarize new TAs with the admin staff, offices, TA facilities, computer labs, etc.
For exact times, refer to the detailed schedule.
Other than this, at the start of each term, the TA mentors or experienced head TAs conduct orientation and training for TAs involved in the large Stat 2XX courses. These courses have very high enrolment, with many lab or tutorial sections. Many continuing TAs would not have had experience with Stat 2XX. Hence both new and continuing TAs benefit from this targeted training.