check listTA Checklist: Questions to Ask

Whether you are a new TA or an experienced TA for a course that is new to you, you need to know exactly what your responsibilities may be. The following is a list of questions to help you clarify your role, taken from Handbook for Teaching Assistants, University of Delaware, 1989.

  • What is my role? Will I be lecturing, leading discussions, running a tutorial, conducting labs, and/or grading? Will I be working in the online environment through the course management system?

  • How often will I be performing any of the above roles?

  • How does my supervisor define my role? (e.g., what is involved in running a tutorial?)

  • If I am to give individual assistance, how much help is too much?

    • What kind of assistance should I not give?

    • Should I organize group help/review sessions?

  • If I will be leading discussions, how should I run the sessions?

    • Should I stay close to the text or the lectures?

    • Should I encourage all students to talk or should I do most of the talking?

    • Should I only deal with students’ problems in discussions?

  • If I will be conducting labs, what is the scope of my responsibilities?

    • Do I keep track of supplies and materials?

    • Do I obtain supplies and materials?

    • Do I design or revise experiments?

    • Do I give demonstrations?

    • What do I do in case of emergency or accident?

  • If I am to evaluate/grade papers, projects, reports, quizzes, exams, and/or student participation, are the criteria for assigning grades clear?

  • Is the process/formula for determining a final grade clear?

    • Who reviews disputed grades?

    • How much time will I have for grading?

    • Should I make two copies of all grades?

  • What audio visual equipment do I need to know how to use? Am I responsible for getting and returning it, or do I book it from someone?

  • How much autonomy will I have to present new ideas, use different teaching methods, or present perspectives different from the instructor’s?

  • How many office hours should I hold and when?

  • Who will supervise me and under what criteria?

  • What should I do, whom should I contact, if I am unable to attend a class/lab/tutorial?

  • What other responsibilities will I have?

Getting answers to these questions may take time, but knowing the answers will help you approach your new task with confidence. Avoid being caught short by a lack of information.