Preparation of teaching assistants at the University of Wisconsin, College of Engineering

Abstract

The University of Wisconsin (UW), College of Engineering (CoE) aims to prepare over 100 incoming and continuing teaching assistants (TAs) through several programs designed to incorporate the experience of fellow TAs, faculty and administrators. These programs have evolved over the course of a decade through the voluntary efforts of many educators, not only in the CoE but also from various units throughout the UW. The three main programs are a series of workshops at the beginning of each fall and spring semester, optional departmental meetings throughout the semester, and a graduate student chapter of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). The required workshops are organized primarily by CoE faculty and a group of experienced TAs from all disciplines of engineering with assistance of CoE administrators. Department meetings are less formal. Their content and frequency are determined by each department individually. The ASEE chapter was initially organized by TAs with significant guidance from faculty belonging to ASEE and continues to be maintained primarily by TAs. This paper describes the details to help others who wish to begin or compare similar programs. It further discusses the current UW CoE programs and their historical development, several related efforts within the college, as well as challenges and keys to successful programs.