<%@ page import="org.jasig.portal.security.provider.*" %> <%@ page import="org.jasig.portal.security.*" %> <%@ page import="java.util.*" %> <%@ page import="com.pipeline.bom.Person_3" %> <%@ page import="com.pipeline.bom.PersonManager_3" %> <%@ page import="com.pipeline.bom.BomManagerFactory" %> <%@ page import="com.pipeline.web.WebUtil" %> <%@ page import="java.net.*" %> <% //Check to see if this is the Google search appliance String googleApplianceAgent="gsa-crawler"; String userAgent = request.getHeader("User-Agent"); //index will be greater than 0 if the GSA is detected int index=userAgent.indexOf(googleApplianceAgent); //pass-through authentication ------------------------------------------------------ if (index < 0){ //if this is not the Google search appliance String username = ""; try{ SimplePersonManager doriPerson = new SimplePersonManager(); IPerson i = doriPerson.getPerson(request); String uid = (String)i.getAttribute("urn:sungardhe:dir:loginId"); //out.println(uid); username = uid; }catch (java.lang.NullPointerException e){ //user not logged in - redirect to login String theRedirectURL = "/cp/home/displaylogin?goto=" + URLEncoder.encode(request.getRequestURL().toString().replace("http://", "https://")); %> <% }catch (Exception e){ out.println("Error: " + e); } } //END pass-through authentication ------------------------------------------------------ %>
<% //put content in school frame if this is not the Google search appliance if (index < 0){ %> <% } %>

Leadership Student Resource Center

Effective Use of Teaching Associates (TAs)

If you would like to request the assistance of a teaching associate (TA) for your undergraduate course, please first consider how a TA will support learning in your course.

A faculty member and his or her Teaching Associate (TA) comprise an “instructional team,” with the faculty member as “team leader.” We have determined that the most effective instructor/TA relationships involve clear communication over resposibilities and roles. Please carefully review the TA Position Description and Development Guide and use it a starting point to begin your thinking about the role a TA would play in your course. The document also serves to initiate conversations both about what an instructor expects the TA to do and about the TA’s performance. Use of this tool presumes that the TA is interested in gaining competence in traditional TA and/or instructor skills and that the faculty member is willing to coach the TA. 

Next, complete and return the Request for Teaching Associate (TA) form (as far in advance of your the course start date as possible). Note: The assigning of a TA is subject to the approval of the office of the assistant dean and typically requires a minimum enrollment of 10 students.

The Role of a Teaching Associate in Online Courses

The role of a teaching associate (TA) in online courses varies from that found in a traditional, face-to-face campus course. Since the role of the TA might appear ambiguous to him or her, we ask that you meet  to discuss the division of labor and expectations that you have for him or her in the course. 

The most successful instructor/TA relationships involve clear communication of expectations in advance of the course. Below we have listed ideas for suggested duties to be covered by a TA. These duties are intended to serve as a starting point for the conversation between you and your TA.

  1. In advance of the course: TA completes Blackboard certification training as a way to support both students and faculty.
  2. TA is an active discussion board participant, charged with keeping the discussion meaningful and on topic.
  3. TA emails each student weekly with meaningful feedback on the student’s participation.
  4. TA reviews student paper drafts and provides both content and form recommendations.
  5. TA grades discussion board postings under instructor’s guidelines.
  6. TA supports group projects with comments, recommendations, and general guidance.
  7. TAs takes responsibility for tracking students and their “appearances” online. If a student is not logging on, the TA tracks the student down (by email, phone, etc.).

Additional Resources

Mentoring Faculty and Graduate Student Teaching Assistants
By Center for Teaching Excellence

TA/Graduate Student Events
By Center for Teaching Excellence

Orientation for Incoming Faculty and Teaching Assistants
By Center for Teaching Excellence