ta-cheat-sheet.slide

GoBridge Workshop - TA cheat sheet

GoBridge
support@golangbridge.org
http://golangbridge.org
@golangbridge


* Intro

Thanks for volunteering your time to TA a workshop. Here we've tried to
capture tips to make your experience, and your student's, better.


* First, Do No Harm

The *most*important* thing you can do as a TA is to make people
feel they are in a *safe*learning*environment*.

The *worst*outcome* is for a student to leave frustrated, confused,
or belittled and never wanting to try programming again.


* Troubleshoot Problems

The most important job of a TA is to help students who are stuck on a step so
that the whole class does not have to wait for them.


* Make yourself available for questions and troubleshooting

Some amount of struggling is part of learning, but if someone looks frustrated,
offer a simple "Anything I can help with?"

At the same time, try not to hover.


* Help the Teacher Read the Room

In general, teachers, especially new ones, tend to go too quickly.

If you can tell students are confused, try offering to repeat your own explanation
of a concept. Even just hearing it again can help and spark new questions.

* Help with Logistics
Volunteer to:

- keep track of when it's time for breaks. This is super helpful!

- monitor the backchannel on Gophers Slack for questions.

* Conduct

- Make sure you are familiar with the Go/GoBridge Code of Conduct and possible issues that can come up, and how to handle them: [[http://coc.golangbridge.org][http://coc.golangbridge.org]]

- Help maintain a safe space not only for students, but also for all the volunteers.

- Treat everyone as capable of performing their role. For example, don't jump to help a woman TA unless it is clear she needs help or help is requested.


* Learn from Your Teacher

Most teachers begin as TAs.

Note what does and doesn't work about the class and use that if you get the opportunity to teach.