Teaching Assistants Guide
using Principles of Universal Instructional Design (UID)

Courses designed and delivered according to "Universal Instructional Design" principles are more accessible and effective for all people -- regardless of possible disability, learning style preference, or personal background.

Instructional materials and activities should
EXAMPLES FOR TAs
be accessible and fair.
  • Whether you are grading, facilitating labs or seminars, holding one-on-one office hours, or performing other kinds of teaching roles, make it easy for students to seek your assistance. For example, as you fill out your Assignment of Work Agreement, consider scheduling some "virtual" office hours in order to be available by email.
be straightforward and consistent.
  • Confirm dates, rules, assessment percentages and all other such course details in advance so that when you discuss these items with students you are confident that everyone is getting the same message from you. In addition to in-class questions, you can offer assistance through emails.
provide flexibility in use, participation and presentation.
  • In addition to answering questions through words, try sketching concepts or listing key points on the black(white)board. You can also help students identify a variety of outside resources to assist with their studies.
be explicitly presented and readily perceived.
  • Speak directly and clearly to students. Maintain eye contact throughout the room, even if it is a large class. Use large, clear lettering on overheads and on the black(white)board.
provide a supportive learning environment.
  • Your friendly attitude, words and actions help to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness. Welcome the diversity of the students in your classes.
minimize unnecessary physical effort or requirements.
  • Ensure that any hands-on work is physically comfortable for students. This may at times mean partnering people and presenting activities that allow one person to do the physical work on behalf of both.
ensure a learning space that accommodates both students and instructional methods.
  • Whether directly involved in classroom, lab or seminar activities, think of yourself as a "manager of learning". In this role you can seek ways to include all students. As a TA you are in a process wherein you can constantly improve your own work.

Top 10 Tips

  1. Consider these principles in terms of physical space and the overall student experience.

  2. Imagine yourself being unable to see, hear, move or otherwise keep pace with others. In this case, what would YOU wish your TAs and instructors would do?

  3. Make yourself available in a variety of ways, for example face-to-face and through email.

  4. Expand your techniques. For example, if you now like to answer questions through words then consider ways to add sketches on the black(white)board to explain concepts.

  5. Ask students for ideas.

  6. Discuss UID and your role as TA with the course instructor.

  7. Tell the students what you are trying to do. Mention it explicitly, especially at the first class session.

  8. Ask other TAs what they are doing.

  9. Attend Professional Development conferences and workshops.

  10. Never stop your own learning.

For further information please see the websites linked from http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/uid/uidresources.html

© University of Guelph • Last Rev: December, 2003
Funded by the Learning Opportunities Task Force, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Government of Ontario 2002-03.