Open to all students, these teaching workshops offer a variety of topics to choose from to develop communication and teaching skills. As a McGill graduate student, and Teaching Assistant (TA), you will have many challenges and responsibilities. SKILLSETS provides opportunities to develop teaching skills, and engage in discussions with other TAs. Take advantage of this opportunity and learn skills to enhance your graduate experience.
This year, AGSEM Teaching Assistant Training sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom from January 13 - 27, 2021.
NOTE: New TAs are eligible for a maximum of 3 hours of paid training and must attend each session for its full duration. Returning TAs are not eligible for paid training but are still welcome to attend.
myCourses Essentials for Teaching Assistants
All Teaching Assistants should now have access to myCourses Essentials. Log in to myCourses to access myCourses Essentials, a new online resource for TAs. If you do not have access, please complete the following form.
Fall 2021 Program*Workshop descriptions are available below |
Date/Time |
Registration |
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Info Session for Teaching AssistantsNote: this part of the training is unpaid Whether you're a new or returning TA, join representatives of AGSEM, the Office of the Dean of Students, and Teaching and Learning Services for a panel discussion about being a TA at McGill, with particular emphasis on the remote delivery context. |
January 13, 12:00-1:00pm |
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Accessibility in the Classroom: How to be
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January 15, 10:00am-12:00pm |
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Grading in the sciences in an Era of Remote LearningIn this online workshop, we will discuss the importance of student assessment in higher education. Participants will dissect and analyze rubrics and provide constructive feedback to students in collaborative scenarios. Participants will also discuss how academic integrity will be challenged in the remote learning setting. |
January 18, 10:00-11:30am |
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Engaging Students with Zoom as a TAIn this interactive webinar, new and experienced teaching assistants alike will become familiar with how they can use Zoom, the web conferencing tool used for remote teaching at McGill. We will review how to use Zoom’s various features as a teaching assistant and focus on interactive strategies to create engaging remote learning environments. |
January 19, 10:00-11:00pm |
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Designing and delivering effective lectures for
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January 20, 11:00am-12:30pm |
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Teaching in science labs in an Era of Remote LearningIn this online workshop we will discuss the role of the TA in complex remote lab scenarios. Participants will learn how to meet the conceptual and procedural challenges of remote labs, and will understand how to create equitable and interactive student-centered environments that promote deep learning. |
January 22, 10:00-11:30am |
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Planning/leading effective conferences/discussionsWith this session participants will improve their facilitation of groups discussions, leadership, presentations and communication skills. Successfully learning to lead and guide student discussions requires a range of fairly sophisticated communication skills; many people employ strategies using trial and error as they have never been trained to facilitate discussions. Facilitation allows everyone to express themselves, keeps discussions moving and maintains a safe, respectful group environment. It also gives a practical insight into the hidden curriculum of class or group dynamics. |
January 25, 10:00-11:30am |
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Grading in the humanities and social sciencesIn this interactive webinar, participants will learn about the role of assessment in courses, the importance of feedback for student learning, how to develop criteria and standards for assessing written assignments, and strategies for dealing with plagiarism. |
January 26, 10:00-11:30am |
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Fostering Equity Centered Classroom
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January 27, 3:30-5:00pm |
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Addressing Microaggressions in the Classroom: Attuning to Power Dynamics and Nervous Systems EnvironmentsMicroaggressions hurt student and instructor welfare and negatively impact classroom learning. Using role play and other creative methods, educators will learn how to attune to common power dynamics and intense emotions resulting from microaggressions in their classrooms. By attending this workshop, TAs will be able to:
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January 28, 1:00-3:00pm |
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Frequently Asked Questions
AGSEM Collective Agreement Stipulations on TA Training
Payment Information: TA Training was identified as a necessity by TAs during negotiations for the new Collective Agreement. New TAs are eligible for a maximum of 3 hours of paid training. Returning TAs are not eligible for paid training but are still welcome to attend. We hope all TAs will consider registering for these sessions. For accurate and detailed information on Orientation and Training, please see (Section 13.06.02) of the TA Collective Agreement (2011-2014) here.
Resources
Open discussion
- Student Wellness Hub (Winter 2020)
- AGSEM Union Information & TA Rights (Winter 2020)
- Gender, Sexuality, and Mental Health in Your Classroom (Dr. Alana Thain)
- Introduction to Collaborative Care (Dr. Calli Armstrong)
- AGSEM Union Information & TA Rights (Winter 2019)
Designing and Delivering Effective Lectures
Grading in the Humanities and Social Sciences
- Presentation (2020)
- Presentation (2019)
- Presentation (2018)
- Presentation (2016)
- Rubric Handout
- Essay Criteria
Grading in the Sciences
Interacting with Students and Course Supervisors
Planning and Leading Effective Conference Discussions
Strategies on Supporting Student Mental Health
Teaching and Learning in Science Labs
- Presentation (2020)
- Presentation (2018)
- Active Strategies Snowballing
- Activities
- Active Strategies Handout