ERIC Number: EJ719998
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 6
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0736-7627
EISSN: N/A
Meeting the Changing Needs of Mathematics Graduate Student Teaching Assistants: The Evolution of Professional Development Activities for Instruction Using Collaborative Groups
Speer, Natasha M.
Journal of Faculty Development, v20 n1 p5-10 2004
As a result of recent changes to U.S. undergraduate mathematics instruction, graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) may now be asked to teach in ways that they did not themselves experience as students. One such example is the use of collaborative group learning. The preparation TAs receive to teach in these new ways has the potential to shape instructional experiences for a substantial number of undergraduates now and in the future as TAs become mathematics faculty. This paper describes how professional development activities evolved in response to TAs' needs. These TAs taught classes where students spend significant time working mathematical problems in small collaborative groups. As more was learned about challenges TAs faced, activities were designed and revised. The activities were designed to promote reflection on issues of teaching and learning and included viewing class videotapes and observing collaborative groups for extended periods of time.
Descriptors: Teaching Assistants, Student Teaching, Professional Development, Graduate Students, Mathematics Instruction, Cooperative Learning, Classroom Observation Techniques, Learning Activities, Reflective Teaching
New Forums Press, Inc., P.O. Box 876, Stillwater, OK 74076. Tel: 405-372-6158; Fax: 405-377-2237; e-mail: info@newforums.com.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A