Simon Fraser University

Being a Teaching Assistant: The Essentials

Tutorials Part l: The basics

Tutorial teaching supplies

Supplies for teaching and running your tutorials (pens, markers, overheads, sticky notes, index cards etc.) are provided to you by the Department. Supplies are located in the first two filing cabinets in the mail room. Keys are available from the Department Secretary.

 

Printing is available in the grad computing room. The Department Manager can assist you with setting up printing access.

 

Photocopying is available in room WMX 5651. You can obtain a code to use the copier from the Department Secretary. Note that only the overheads supplied by the department are approved for use with the photocopier. Any other overheads may cause extensive damage.

 

Printer and photocopier etiquette

Acetate rolls for use with overhead projectors are supplied by AV services (LIDC). If you notice that an acetate roll is getting low or is missing, please notify AV services: see AV in WMX or AV in the AQ

Technology

overhead projector At least one overhead projector and screen is supplied for each classroom, along with acetate rolls (see above). Using the projectors is straight forward. To focus, adjust the knob on the side of the arm and/or move the projector closer to or further away from the screen. To change the position of the projection on the screen, move the projector head up or down.
If the projector doesn't work, first check that it's completely plugged in (they're often not). If the projector is running, but there's no light or the light is dim, try changing the bulb. To do this, switch the light bulb selector switch (sometimes located under a flap). If this doesn't work, then there's nothing you can do. In either case, make sure to inform AV services: AV in WMX or AV in the AQ

Low tech items such as chalk and brushes for chalkboards are supplied by the university. As a courtesy, please erase the board after use. Newer classrooms have whiteboards instead of chalkboards. Whiteboard markers may or may not be supplied by the university but the department usually has a supply.

Tutorials landing on holidays

You aren't required to make up tutorials that land on holidays. Typically, students in tutorials landing on holidays are encouraged to go to a different tutorial that week. Specific arrangements can be made with TAs or a blanket announcement can be made. Students should be given instructions for dealing with any assignment deadlines falling on a holiday: for example, papers can be handed in the next day, papers can be picked up during office hours etc. Be sure to check with your course supervisor about course-specific policies.

When you can't make a tutorial

Be sure to check with your course supervisor at the beginning of the semester regarding his or her policy on how to handle tutorial absences. Please discuss any potential planned absences with your course instructor well in advance.

 

In general, the goal is to not cancel a tutorial if at all possible. If you are ill, please provide as much notice as you can. Try to find a TA substitute for your tutorial, and let your course supervisor know. If you are unable to provide timely notification (for example, you wake up horribly ill and have an early morning tutorial) please contact your course supervisor and contact the Department Secretary.

Staying on schedule

It is extremely important that you are on time for your tutorials and that they start on time. It is also important that you end on time. With only 10 minutes between classes, keeping the tutorial a few extra minutes at the end means that students may be late for their next class, and the class following yours may not start on time. Note that most rooms don't have clocks.

 

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