I have 4 TAs in a class of 84 students.
They score the iRATs during class.
They field test the RATs, which is invaluable.
They conduct outside optional weekly review and practice sessions.
For some of the team projects and student assignments, they give feedback - comments only - on students' written work.
Sophie M. Sparrow
Professor of Law
Franklin Pierce Law Center
2 White Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-513-5205
603.225-9647 FAX
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>>> Molly Espey <[log in to unmask]> 9/24/2008 9:45 PM >>>
I had two TAs in a class of 110. They were able to get through all of the
iRAT grading while I administered the GRATs and they were also very
helpful in answering questions during group activities. I might have been
able to do as well with one TA, but I would want at least one for a class
that size to help manage the teams and be able to be more responsive to
questions.
I have also taught (economics) many times to as many as 60, like this
semester, without a TA, and it seems to be working okay. I can't get the
iRATs back the same class period, but that doesn't seem to matter since
they know how they did after the GRAT anyway. Knowing that I can't get
them all graded frees me to be more attentive to the groups during the
GRAT too.
I would say to give it a try with a TA. It's also an educational
experience for the TA, so you are teaching at two different levels at
once.
Molly Espey
Applied Economics and Statistics
Clemson University
> Hello All,
>
> I have a somewhat lame question. I have always done my classes alone
> without a TA because I've had quite small classes--I'm a language
> teacher. I'm turning to TBL in the hopes of keeping up the small class
> atmosphere while dealing with a very large class. Now I have to write a
> rationale for why I need a TA. Frankly, when they told me this-- I
> began to doubt whether I really do need one and am wondering if you all
> can advise me.
>
> I couldn't get a scanner for grading the iRATs so I was hoping the TA
> could be hand-grading those while I administer gRATs and start students
> on other tasks. I also thought the room set-up (getting tables set up
> for teams and putting them away again at the end) might be a little
> tough on my own--though once it becomes a routine I'm sure the students
> could do this. My TBL is all hand-made. No clickers, just laminated
> A,B,C,D cards for teams to hold up. I do have the IF-AT forms--but
> that's all the budget I've been given.
>
> I'm not as young and spry as I used to be, but am I just being wimpy in
> thinking that I need a helper? Do I have good reasons for getting a TA?
>
> Thanks for your input!
>
> Christine
>
> --
> *******
> Christine Kuramoto, Assistant Professor: Medical English
> Kyushu University, Department of Medical Education
> Faculty of Medical Sciences
> 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
> Phone: (+81)92-642-6186 Fax: (+81)92-642-6188
> E-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
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