University Teaching Seminar 2011
Leading a Lab
Possibly the most formative method of
instruction for your students
Draft Version 2
Introductions
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Bernie Anding – Chemistry
• Session 1 and 2
Ling Li – GDCB (Genetics, Development, and Cell
Biology)
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Session 2
University Teaching Seminar 2011
What will you learn here?
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The structure of a common lab session structure
Student assessment
Your TA duties
The two most important things
Teaching Styles
Time management
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preparation is key to successful learning
grading
your expected effort
Funding and significance
Draft Version 3 University Teaching Seminar 2011
Think Pair Share (TPS)
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Think - take a few moments to consider the
questions
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Pair - find a partner, compare thoughts, and
identify the best answers
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Share - contribute to the discussion (sugary
bribe)
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Big Picture
http://wn.com/Muppet_Show__Nuclear_Powered_Shaver
• TPS: Why have labs?
• TPS: Why were the structures of those courses?
Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
A common scientific lab session…
Pre lab/ Introduction
• Deliverables Exchange
• new to you, graded to them
• Laboratory discussion - objective,
background, lecture relevance
• Demonstration & Training
• Lay out activity sequence
• Activity time
• Observe demonstrations
• Provide technical support and guidance
• Clean up
• Don’t let your students be lazy
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This must all be
completed in the
allocated lab time
Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
Student Deliverables
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Demonstration / Presentation
Formal documentation of results
Assessment
• In-person formative criticism
• Observation
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teamwork, behavior, methodology, skill, demonstration
• Documentation review
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accuracy, methodology, completeness, clarity, professionalism
Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
General
Rubric:
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Importance of Feedback
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“Academic feedback is more strongly and
consistently related to achievement than any
other teaching behavior….”
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Bellon, Jerry, Bellon, Elner, and Blank, Mary Ann. Teaching from a
Research Knowledge Base: A Development and Renewal Process.
New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1992. (pp. 277-278)
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Think Back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
dxPVyieptwA&feature=related
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TPS:
• What were your favorite lab courses?
• How did your most-liked teachers influence
your excitement and learning?
University Teaching Seminar 2011
What do you expect for yourself?
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What do you know about your lab TA duties?
• Course name?
• Instructor’s name?
• How many sections you will be responsible
for?
• Your role(s)?
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Teaching team?
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instructor, grader, lab content developer
team teaching, designated grader, solo
Lecture attendance?
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mandatory, requested, voluntary
Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
The Two Most Important Things
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Your attendance!
http://www.tribuneindia.com/
2003/20030422/world.htm
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Two Most Important Things
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SAFETY!!!
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Muppet_Labs
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Safety
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PPE
Hazardous material &
equipment handling
Proper waste disposal
Delicate equipment
tolerances
Response procedures
Emergency resources
• Public safety – : 911
• Environmental Health &
Safety - : 294-5359
Ask the course instructor
Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
Teaching Style Variables
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Supervision
Hands-off  Hands-on
Grading
Lenient  Strict
Professionalism
Peer  Authority Figure
Choose what suits you
Establish your style on day one!
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Time Management
Lab preparation
• Lab execution
• Pre-lab instruction
• In-session assessment (e.g. demonstrations)
• Assistance
• Clean-up
• Grading
• The rest of your life
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Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
Preparation
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Ideally you have completed the lab yourself
Familiarize yourself with the lab environment
Be ready to explain lab at many levels
• Connecting lecture to lab is powerful
Be ready to assist students with challenges
Collect and assemble appropriate materials and
working equipment
• Prepare laboratory challenges (e.g.
unknowns)
• Get comfortable with any demonstrations
Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
Finances
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How are you funded this semester?
Where is your funding coming from for your 2nd,
3rd, 4th, etc. semesters?
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Your Funding
Degree and Department dependent
Types of TA funding levels:
• None
• Partial (less than 20 hours)
• Full (20 hours or more)
• Funding sources:
• TA – Department (typically)
• RA – Major professor (typically)
• Fellowships
• Private/Personal
• Funding sources drive expectations
• Split funding can be very stressful
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Draft Version 2 University Teaching Seminar 2011
Why does this job matter?
University Teaching Seminar 2011
Questions
http://0.tqn.com/d/collegeapps/1/5/S/B/-/-/santa-clara-university-linda-brunauer-chemistry-lab.jpg
University Teaching Seminar 2011
If you don’t remember anything else…
1)
2)
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Show up
Be safe
Provide feedback
Please fill out the session review form before you leave.
University Teaching Seminar 2011