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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