Faculty
STEM Laboratory Teaching Assistants
Hello! from the STEM Lab TA Workshop
The STEM Laboratory TA Workshops provide professional development designed to recognize and take advantage of the TA's close interaction with, and influence on undergraduate students. By providing thoughtfully designed and consistently implemented professional development for TAs they are better prepared to serve as teachers and role models helping to engage students, enhance their learning and maintain their interest in science.
In the STEM lab TA training program, TAs receive content-specific training, including strategies for facilitating inquiry-based labs, discussions, and group work, as well as classroom management, grading, and presentation skills. To better support and meet the needs of their students, TAs also receive training on inclusive teaching practices for the diverse classroom.
The initial 3-day workshop, prior to fall semester each year, is for all new TAs in Chemistry; Cell, Molecular Biosciences, Integrative Biology; and Physics. The morning sessions are facilitated by seasoned faculty providing TAs with classroom interactions, followed by afternoons becoming acclimated to the lab environment guided by their lab coordinators. Content of the follow up sessions is informed from TA feedback to address areas they want to explore further and are offered once each semester.
STEM Laboratory TAs - August 2019
Facilitated by: Dr. Robert Potter, Professor of Chemistry, Sr. Associate Dean, College of Arts and
Sciences and Dr. Ruthmae Sears, Professor, College of Education.
Lab Coordinators: Dr. Laura Anderson and Dr. Chris Tang, Chemistry; Jessica Bains, MBS; Mary Mangiapia,
Integrative Biology; Dr. Gerald Woods, Physics.
Professional Development for STEM Lab TAs
STEM Lab TA Trainings
- August 2024 Workshop: August 19, 20, 21 from 9am - 1pm
- Bring your laptop. Lunch provided
- Fall Follow up: November 1, 2024
- Spring 2024 Workshop TBD
Teaching STEM at USF Handbook
Here is an electronic copy of this handy resource used at the trainings:
Edited by Dr. Amanda Helip-Wooley
Topics include:
- The Science of Learning
- Framing & Solving Problems w/Greater Expertise
- Effective Presentations
- Evidenced-based Teaching - Examples
- Questioning Strategies
- Tips for Facilitating Group Work
- Classroom Management in Science Courses
- Assessment and Grading
- Professional Development
- Emergency Situations and Lab Safety
2020 NSEC National Conference presentation
Using Professional Development to Support Equitable Learning Opportunities in STEM Lab Settings - June 2020
STEM Lab TA program contact: Kelley Schuler, kschuler@usf.edu, 813-974-7183