Teaching an intro physical geography lab

Geography GTP workshop for 1^st time TAs

9/9/04

I. What NOT to do (examples, re: evapotranspiration)

A. try to cram in too much / too little info

B. pandering / giving away answers

C. re-invent the wheel

D. be unprepared/unorganized

E. underestimate / condescend / ridicule them

F. forget about questions as they work on the lab

G. other?

II. General tips

A. borrow former resources from former instructors

B. try to relate info to: them / world around them / current issues

C. stay relaxed yet professional

D. be prepared & organized

1. do the lab ahead of time

2. equipment is there & works

3. keys, overheads, etc.

E. don’t fear technology/AV equip.

F. engage different learning styles:

1. visual

2. audio

3. theoretical

4. demo

5. hands-on

6. problem-solving

7. emotive

8. creativity

G. make yourself available for questions throughout lab

H. put lab tips / clues on board

I. encourage Q’s beyond the lab exercises

J. grading

1. be consistent & fair

2. clear expectations

K. bend but don’t break the course rules

L. allow class to be your own- it should have your fingerprint

III. Practice teaching (new TAs, re: topics they’re comfortable with)

IV. for more: see Chapter 5 of Curzan & Damour (2003)