What We Wish We Knew: Reflections of Brand-New Teaching Assistants

ABSTRACT

The learning curve on how to become a Teaching Assistant (TA) can be rather steep. In this paper, the authors explore three areas they wish they were advised in prior to beginning their teaching careers. The lessons are centered on balancing expectations and responsibilities in the following areas: 1) prioritizing their own work and research over teaching and vice versa, 2) the dual role of instructor and mentor, and 3) adapting prepared lesson plans when unexpected circumstances arise. The authors are three doctoral students in political science with approximately three years of teaching experience each. As such, they offer a unique perspective: each are settled into their position as TA but remember the challenges they faced while on the path to this role.

KEYWORDS:

• Doctoral students
• reflection
• teaching assistant
• undergraduate education

Notes

The roles of teaching assistants in political science varies by department: some are only graders, some teach the class mostly on their own, and some do both. Our department uses the latter model: TAs evaluate students’ work and lead a discussion section under the guidance of a supervising professor.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nakissa Jahanbani

Nakissa Jahanbani is a 4th-year doctoral student at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Her primary research focuses on international conflict and terrorism. She received her BA in International Relations from American University in 2011.

Charmaine Willis

Charmaine Willis is a 3rd-year doctoral student at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Her primary research focuses on northeast Asia, civil society, and social movements. She received her MA in International Relations, focusing on comparative and regional studies in Asia, from American University in 2011.

Donnett Lee

Donnett Lee is a 3rd-year doctoral student at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Her primary research focuses on international political economy and women’s rights. She received her MA in International Affairs, focusing on political economy and women in the Caribbean and Latin America, from the City College of New York, CUNY, in 2013.