TEACHING LABS AND RECITATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Labs and recitations complement the lecture component of a course. While the lab component of a course typically has a well-defined schedule of experiments to be conducted each week, the recitation is intended to allow students to discuss and obtain clarification of material presented in the formal lecture. Consequently, its structure is generally more flexible than a lab. Some courses may have both a lab and a recitation. While labs and recitations support the formal lecture, their importance, and hence the teaching assistant’s importance, in helping students achieve the overall learning objectives of the class should not be underestimated. In addition, experiences early on in the undergraduate curriculum …show more content…
Other institutions assign new teaching assistants directly to labs and recitations. For new TAs, this role can be both exciting and daunting, especially for an international teaching assistant who is also new to the US educational system.
This chapter will discuss how to successfully organize and lead a lab or recitation. Although the specifics are different, this sections will start by discussing common topics such as the importance of understanding the course syllabus, how the course fits into the overall curriculum of the students in the class, and the importance of working as a member of the instructional team. Many other sections of this book are also relevant to successfully leading a lab or recitation such as: Getting to Know Your Students, Engaging Students, Time Management Skills, and Interacting with Students.
UNDERSTANDING THE COURSE …show more content…
Knowledge of the course and how it plays into the larger curricular design will provide an understanding of the motivations of the students taking the course. Successfully teaching a chemistry laboratory for engineering students will require use of different examples to engage and motivate the students in comparison to a lab for chemistry majors. Teaching students from a wide range of majors, such as a course that satisfies a general education requirement, will required a willingness on the part of the TA to understand the students’ background and
INTRODUCTION
Labs and recitations complement the lecture component of a course. While the lab component of a course typically has a well-defined schedule of experiments to be conducted each week, the recitation is intended to allow students to discuss and obtain clarification of material presented in the formal lecture. Consequently, its structure is generally more flexible than a lab. Some courses may have both a lab and a recitation. While labs and recitations support the formal lecture, their importance, and hence the teaching assistant’s importance, in helping students achieve the overall learning objectives of the class should not be underestimated. In addition, experiences early on in the undergraduate curriculum …show more content…
Other institutions assign new teaching assistants directly to labs and recitations. For new TAs, this role can be both exciting and daunting, especially for an international teaching assistant who is also new to the US educational system.
This chapter will discuss how to successfully organize and lead a lab or recitation. Although the specifics are different, this sections will start by discussing common topics such as the importance of understanding the course syllabus, how the course fits into the overall curriculum of the students in the class, and the importance of working as a member of the instructional team. Many other sections of this book are also relevant to successfully leading a lab or recitation such as: Getting to Know Your Students, Engaging Students, Time Management Skills, and Interacting with Students.
UNDERSTANDING THE COURSE …show more content…
Knowledge of the course and how it plays into the larger curricular design will provide an understanding of the motivations of the students taking the course. Successfully teaching a chemistry laboratory for engineering students will require use of different examples to engage and motivate the students in comparison to a lab for chemistry majors. Teaching students from a wide range of majors, such as a course that satisfies a general education requirement, will required a willingness on the part of the TA to understand the students’ background and