Setting Expectations for TA's
An instructor of record may need to oversee one or more teaching assistants. While TAs can be a tremendous help to instructors, the instructor has to think about how best to utilize that resource. The instructor of record must identify tasks that will need to be done both in and out of class (e.g., taking attendance, setting up A/V equipment, proctoring exams, grading homework assignments, monitoring online discussion boards). The instructor should consider how to best to divide up those tasks. Which tasks should the instructor handle and which can be delegated to a TA? Should one task (such as monitoring a discussion board) fall to a single person, or can it be shared between two people? If dividing work among multiple TAs, what is a fair distribution? Will the TAs be allowed to decide among themselves how to split jobs, or will the instructor do it for them?
It is important to communicate expectations to TAs as soon and clearly as possible (ideally in writing). TAs should be given feedback throughout the semester to let them know if they are meeting expectations and how they can improve.