• Plan ahead and come to laboratory on time as well as prepared.

• If you need supplies, don't wait to the last minute to order them.

• Meet with the faculty member teaching the parent class early, in order to solidify common expectations, lab report formats, etc.

• Articulate what your expectations are early in the semester to avoid confusion and potentially difficult circumstances later.

• When you use the blackboard, write large and clearly. Colored chalk breaks the boredom and gets students' attention.

• Correct mistakes as quickly as possible; don't BS.

• Make them think critically every time you meet with them.

• Don't bad mouth professors or classes in the department. Address problems relating to professors and classes professionally by looking for the positive, suggesting alternatives, and encouraging students to deal with the situation.

• Respect you students' intelligence.

• Use the resources available to you via the Teaching Resource Center at UVA.

Several of the above suggestions are paraphrased from the Physics Department TA Guide . . . thanks!

Last Modified: 9/24/96