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Getting Started in the Classroom & Overview of Teaching and Technology
ResourcesDr. Brenda Leady
Department of Biological Sciences
New phase in your education
• For many, this involves being an instructor or teaching assistant
• You have learned the material
• Now you need to learn to teach the material
• New set of challenges
Instructor = Employee
• You are now an employee of UT
• RESPONSIBILITY
• You are the face of UT to your students– Your attitudes influence them– They reflect that attitude back to you and to
others
• Your actions reflect back on UT– It’s not just you to think about now
3 Areas of Concern
1. Department/ course
2. Physical classroom/ technology
3. Student Issues
1) What is your role?
• Who is the instructor of record?• What rights and responsibilities do you
have?– Is this your course to design a syllabus for and
make all decisions?– Is this a course with a set syllabus and some
freedoms?– Is this a multi section course with a set syllabus
and specific/consistent rules for all sections?
• Make sure to meet with your department chair/ course coordinator/advisor to get a clear understanding of your role
Syllabus
• Contract between you and your students
• Specific information regarding the course content, objectives, grading policy, etc.
• If your course does not have one, ask for copies from other instructors as a guide
• Exam/quiz/assignment dates
2) Be Prepared: Know the Room and the
Technology• Room: check lighting,
shades, outlets, network connection
• Check out exact hardware and software you’ll use
• Classroom Support Services
Treat people nicely and get better cooperation
3) Student issues
• In the classroom– Inclusivity and Civility– Academic dishonesty
• Outside the classroom– FERPA– Accessibility– Sexual Harassment
Inclusivity and Civility
• How do students treat each other?
• How do students treat you?
• How do you treat students?
• You are modeling correct behavior
Academic dishonesty/Plagiarism
• VERY serious issue at UT
• Students may never have run into problems before
• Departments may have specific policies
• Know your rights and responsibilities
• SafeAssign on BlackBoard
FERPA
• Be aware of your student’s right to privacy– Sometimes creates difficulties but it is to
protect the student’s rights
• Be aware of who you discuss details with
• Be aware of where you discuss details
Accessibility
• Are you doing what you need to do to make every student successful?
• Student Disability Services– How to post notes?– How to give exams?– How much time to allow?
• It is a challenge
Sexual Harassment
• Between the student and professor
• Between students
• It cannot be tolerated– Remember your new role
What to do?
• ASK!
• Ask a mentor
• Ask what looks to be the right office– We are very helpful
• You have a whole list of people
Teaching
• What do you teach?– The course description guides what you teach
• How do you teach?– No single “right” way– Model your best professors– Things to keep in mind
• Diversity of backgrounds, abilities, experiences• Be respectful of students
Teaching
• No one “right” way to teach– Active Learning
• Students are more than passive lumps in chairs• Ask them questions• Challenge them to find answers
• Be confident but willing to ask questions if you are unsure
Tips and Advice for the First
(and Most Important) Class Day
• Arrive 20 minutes early (and stay 20 minutes after class)
• Put up a “Welcome to [Course and Section]” sign or slide
• Start class on time
• Go over the syllabus (don’t just pass it out!)
• Some course content – at minimum give a brief overview and review prerequisites
Bon voyage!
• You are here because someone has a great deal of confidence in your abilities
• Work hard
• Be willing to learn
