Effective Use of Graduate Students as Teaching Assistants in Undergraduate Engineering Education

Abstract

Undergraduate Engineering Education can be significantly enhanced through the effective use of Teaching Assistants. Traditionally, Teaching Assistants have been viewed as support for the instructor, but as student-centred learning models take more precedence, the role of the Teaching Assistant is changing to adapt. Recognizing the challenges presented by large class sizes and Teaching Assistants’ limited teaching experience, how can we effectively employ graduate students as Teaching Assistants to enhance undergraduate learning in engineering? This paper provides details on the approach taken by Memorial University to support Teaching Assistants as educators and to draw on their experience and enthusiasm for engineering education. It also examines the approach taken in one undergraduate engineering course to engage Teaching Assistants with the content, the students, and the professor.