U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  P I T T S B U R G H

Volume XI, Number 2

Planning a Successful Recitation: Tips for TAs and Faculty

By Patricia Pugh Mitchell, CIDDE TA Services

Photo by Jason Blair, CIDDE

A key part of the Teaching Assistant (TA) experience involves leading meaningful recitations. Some TAs are assigned as many as 80 students and are scheduled to conduct four recitations on the same day. This presents a real challenge in classroom management for first time TAs.

Faculty supervisors can play a large part in helping new TAs realize success in the classroom. A prime opportunity for this kind of impact takes place in the initial meeting between the faculty supervisor and the TA. During this meeting the course syllabus and required texts usually are thoroughly reviewed. However, sometimes there is only a brief discussion of recitation expectations, course goals, objectives, or grading, leaving the TA to make assumptions about how best to conduct a recitation session.

The following are tips for both TAs and faculty supervisors in facilitating a successful partnership in teaching excellence:

Faculty Supervisors:

Create an atmosphere of mutual trust. First time TAs need to feel confident and reassured that they have the support of their faculty supervisor.

Meet regularly to discuss lecture attendance expectations, course goals, grading, and additional responsibilities. Discuss ways to keep accurate records of student attendance, participation and quizzes, since recitation is a significant component of the students’ overall grades for the semester.

Review the course syllabus to clarify what the TA should cover in each session. Be clear on whether or not the TA can offer supplemental materials, such as handouts or film clips, to enhance the students’ learning experiences.

Briefly discuss dress code expectations. This could prove valuable to many new TAs who are not far removed in age from the students with whom they will interact. They may welcome some guidance in proper attire from the faculty supervisor.

New TAs:

Typically, most faculty supervisors formally introduce their TAs to the class during the first lecture. It may be wise to remind your faculty supervisor to inform students that recitation will begin the first week of class, provided that the first lecture is not scheduled on a Friday.

Inevitably, you will have late registrants and have to review material and rules of engagement given before they were enrolled. Those late registrants can see you after class to pick up the syllabus and assignment, and you will not have to repeat instructions to the entire class. This tactic will help to keep your students engaged and you on schedule.

Keep your CIDDE TA manual, The Teaching Assistant Experience , close by as a reference tool. Practically every conceivable problem a new TA may encounter during recitation is covered in this guide.

Contact CIDDE TA Services for consultations, referral services or help in dealing with difficult situations at 412-624-6671 or tahelp@cidde.pitt.edu

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