Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

Perform instructional support tasks, such as preparing teaching materials and conducting discussion groups, in higher education settings as needed to aid teachers or other instructional staff.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT POSTSECONDARY TEACHING ASSISTANT CAREERS
Video transcript

Graduate teaching assistants, or TAs, are graduate students who teach introductory and intermediate level college courses in universities. TAs develop course materials, lead student discussions or laboratory work, and grade papers and tests for undergraduate, or bachelor's level, courses. For large classes taught by a faculty member, TAs assist faculty members with materials and equipment during class, and in conducting their research. They also provide feedback to students and, for very large classes, act as a bridge between the professor teaching it, and the students enrolled. Graduate teaching assistants hold office hours for answering students' questions, and offer extra help or tutoring outside of class. Graduate teaching assistants must be enrolled in a graduate school program, and have at least a bachelor's degree in the field they teach. Typically, they have completed a portion of the coursework required for a doctoral program.

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Characteristics

Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Communication with others
Leadership
Competition for this position
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Critical decision making
Level of responsibilities
Dealing and handling conflicts
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Comfort of the work setting

Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More
Training and Teaching Others Know More

Areas of Study

Clerical Know More
Communications and Media Know More
Computers and Electronics Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Mathematics Know More
Psychology Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Instructing Know More
Learning Strategies Know More
Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Speaking Know More
Writing Know More