Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
What is a Teaching Assistant, Postsecondary?
Postsecondary Teaching Assistants are graduate or advanced undergraduate students who assist professors and instructors in the delivery of educational content in colleges and universities. Their primary role is to support the educational process by facilitating student learning through various forms of interactions, which may include leading discussions, conducting laboratory sessions, grading assignments, and providing individualized assistance to students. They often serve as a bridge between the students and the faculty, helping to create a more engaging and effective learning environment. Teaching Assistants may also participate in curriculum development, research projects, and academic advising, depending on their specific program and institutional requirements. They play a vital role in enhancing the overall academic experience by fostering a positive learning atmosphere and encouraging student participation and success.
Tasks
- Teach undergraduate-level courses.
- Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
- Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
- Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.
- Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.
Technology Skills
- Word processing software
- Computer based training software
- Electronic mail software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
Tools Used
- Microphones
- Televisions
- Portable data input terminals
- Multimedia projectors
- Projection screens or displays
Knowledge
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Abilities
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
-
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Master's degree
-
Doctoral degree
Work Activities
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Detailed Work Activities
- Evaluate student work.
- Guide class discussions.
- Supervise laboratory work.
- Create technology-based learning materials.
- Develop instructional materials.
Work Interests
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$29540.0 - $73450.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.