Student Support: The Tough but Rewarding Part of Being a TA

Section Contents Effective Office Hours When a Student is in Personal Difficulty Helping Students Handle Their 'Distress' Working With Angry Students Motivating Students Maintaining Professional Relationships In the Classroom . . .

"Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own." Nikos Kazantzakis from Teaching At The University of Manitoba, University of Manitoba TAs will not usually see "student support" outlined on their list of job responsibilities but it can be one of the most significant roles they play. In focus groups with undergraduate students the characteristics that were most highly valued in TAs pertained to how TAs interacted with and supported their students. Undergraduate students tend to value TAs who: Are approachable. Create an open and supportive learning environment. Are aware of the needs of their students. Challenge students to learn. One of the earlier sections of this handbook outlines student needs (see 'University of Guelph Students: Recognizing & Supporting Their Needs'). This section will examine specific support issues. Support issues might arise during class time but most often will occur before or after class, or during office hours. The goal of this section is not to encourage you to take responsibility for all of the problems your students may have, but to make you aware of various issues you might encounter as well as resources available. As previously suggested, it is important that you find a balance between all of the roles you play. With respect to student support you will have to create limits in terms of how much time and energy you offer. (Refer to 'The Many Roles of a TA', for more specific information.) Clearly outline to your students what they can expect from you. For example: Are you available after class or only during office hours? Can your students set up individual appointments with you outside of class time and office hours? Can your students call you at home? How long will it typically take you to respond to e-mails from your students? Previous Section | Next Section