Evaluation of Graduate Teaching Assistant Training in Sociology: Preliminary Findings from the GTA Academy and its Impact on Students

Conference: The European Conference on Education (ECE2022)
Title: Evaluation of Graduate Teaching Assistant Training in Sociology: Preliminary Findings from the GTA Academy and its Impact on Students
Stream: Higher Education
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation
Authors:
Venetia Evergeti, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Abstract:

Relevant pedagogical studies have already highlighted the need for and importance of providing training and support for new Graduate Teaching Assistants (Sharpe, 2000; Korinek et al, 1999; Park, 2004). The literature has emphasised the challenges that part time GTAs face and the significant role training and mentoring of GTAs can have for their future career development. GTA training and support varies in different Universities and different countries from minimal instruction to more subject-specific preparation and guidance.

Given this background, the aim of this paper is to explore preliminary findings of the impact of a pilot GTA training scheme. The Sociology GTA Academy was launched in the Department of Sociology at Surrey University in Spring 2022 with the aim to provide extended subject-specific training throughout the semester. In its first pilot run, this included three 3-hour long training sessions covering, among other things: engaging students in seminars; creating interactive activities; marking and feedforward; dealing with sensitive topics and managing disruptive behaviours. This new initiative was supported by Faculty funding. Based on extensive feedback on each session, the paper will consider the learning experience of the GTAs that took part in the training and will highlight recommendations for further subject-specific training and its potential impact for both GTAs as well the UG students who are taught by GTAs. The paper emphasises the wider need to provide support and robust developmental-based training and further guidance on LT career pathways, while also enhancing the learning experience of UG students.



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