In-service Teaching Assistant Training (InsTAT) for engineering and computer science graduate students in Hong Kong: A blended-learning approach

Kai Pan Mark, Dimple R. Thadani, David Santandreu Calonge, Cecilia F.K. Pun, P. H.Patrio Chiu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In-service teaching assistant (TA) training often receives relatively limited attention from university decision makers when compared to the plethora of courses designed for junior faculty (i.e., peer-to-peer mentoring or 'buddy' system) in tertiary institutions around the world. In Hong Kong, as in many other parts of the world, TAs serve in different capacities to provide front-line teaching and learning support in the university, despite their insufficient experience in using active learning strategies or grading students' assignments. Major challenges faced by new TAs, especially non-local graduates (as many of City University of Hong Kong's (CityU) graduate research students are originally from the Chinese Mainland), include the relative absence of teaching experience, the difficulty to switch from a teacher-centered approach to a student-centered approach, the adoption of English as the medium of instruction (EMI), and role transformation. This paper presents an innovative approach in providing a compulsory In-service Teaching Assistant Training (InsTAT) course for all graduate research students at CityU before undertaking any teaching-related duties: it includes an unconventional but effective multi-directional engagement team teaching approach with the extensive support of e-learning technologies throughout the course. Comments and feedback data show that students found the course very engaging, useful, and innovative.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication41st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference
Subtitle of host publicationCelebrating 41 Years of Monumental Innovations from Around the World, FIE 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event41st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference: Celebrating 41 Years of Monumental Innovations from Around the World, FIE 2011 - Rapid City, SD, United States
Duration: 12 Oct 201115 Nov 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
ISSN (Print)1539-4565

Conference

Conference41st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference: Celebrating 41 Years of Monumental Innovations from Around the World, FIE 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityRapid City, SD
Period12/10/1115/11/11

Keywords

  • Teaching Assistant training
  • e-learning
  • multi-directional engagement team teaching
  • outcome based teaching and learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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