Pedagogical training to equip teaching assistants (TAs) with skills and strategies to effectively support student learning at McGill.

These sessions are offered at the beginning of the Fall and Winter terms (September and January).

Training is open to TAs in all disciplines, whether new or experienced in the role. Students interested in developing their teaching skills may attend, but registration is prioritized for students actively employed in a TA position at McGill.

Workshop descriptions

TA Training workshops will be offered next in January 2026. Dates and registration details to be confirmed.

Teaching strategies: Designing lessons for engagement in learning

Want to learn how to craft lessons that engage students? This workshop will address the importance of learning outcomes, help you discover teaching strategies, and get you started planning effective lessons. 

Learning outcomes:  

  • Recognize the role of learning outcomes for productive and meaningful lessons  
  • Identify a range of teaching strategies to facilitate student engagement in learning  
  • Articulate first steps toward lesson planning  
     
Classroom management: Facilitating mutually supportive learning environments

Want to foster a classroom environment where there’s respect for the diversity of voices and experiences in your classroom, and where collaboration and support are the norm? This workshop will help you set up a mutually supportive classroom, facilitate equitable and productive collaboration among your students, and address potentially difficult classroom situations. 

Learning outcomes:  

  • Define norms to support respectful and supportive teaching and learning environments 
  • Explore approaches to facilitate equitable, productive collaboration in different instructional settings   
  • Describe strategies to address potentially difficult situations that may arise in the classroom 
Assessment for learning: Effective grading and feedback strategies

Want grading and feedback to be a powerful learning tool for your students? This workshop will help you understand assessment at McGill, learn how to give feedback to support learning, and find efficient grading techniques.

Learning outcomes:  

  • Describe assessment in the McGill context
  • Recognize how effective feedback facilitates students’ learning
  • Identify strategies for effective and efficient grading

 

Payment for first-time TAs 

As per section 13.06.02 of the Collective Agreement between McGill University and the Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill (AGSEM), first-time TAs are eligible to be paid the regular hourly rate for participating in up to three hours of training. 

This payment will be issued automatically to eligible TAs later in the term once training is completed.  

No-show policy 

There are no fees associated with attending TA Training sessions. However, registering for an event is a commitment to attend.  

If you register and then can not attend, make sure to cancel your registration at least 24 hours before the scheduled training. Otherwise, a $25 no-show fee will be charged to your student account. 

Exceptions to this policy will be made only for students in emergency situations (e.g., serious illness, family crisis). Situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Resources for TAs

Find links to important information and resources for teaching assistants at McGill: