Key Areas Overview
In research it is obvious that we cannot simply read background papers without starting our own project or collect data without moving on to analysis. So to with teaching we must work to build a well-rounded set of skills that will fully develop our teaching practices. Below are descriptions of four key Areas of Focus for your teaching development. As you consider what activities you might include in your training, consider options from each of these four areas.
Knowledge
You are likely starting with a solid foundation in discipline specific knowledge in the course(s) that you are being asked to teach and probably excelled as a student in that subject. However, as you transition to the teacher role, your knowledge base must expand and begin to build knowledge in both general and discipline specific teaching pedagogy – teaching practices and skills that are shown to be effective at helping students learn.
Practice
As teaching is itself an ‘active’ skill, it is important to find opportunities to actively engage in teaching techniques and activities to help build your confidence in the classroom. If you are proactive in looking, you will find many opportunities to put your growing knowledge of teaching into practice and build a portfolio of experience.
Community
As in the research community, it is equally important to engage with fellow TA’s and instructors to discuss teaching strategies, challenges and other topics. There are many opportunities ranging from informal conversation to conference presentations that will help you to become a professional member of the teaching community and further augment your development.
Reflection
As you hone your teaching skills it is critical to gain feedback on your work and reflect on what is going well and what can be improved. Setting regular teaching goals and soliciting input from your students and fellow instructors will not only help to solidify best practices in the classroom but also document your experience. As you begin to apply for future positions, you will find that this documentation is critical to developing a strong teaching portfolio and application – making your teaching experience count all the more!
Summary
A well rounded teacher will spend some time engaging in activities that will develop each of these four Areas of Focus.
