Improving Pedagogy Training for First-Time Teaching Assistants in Biology GIR Subjects

Principal Investigator
Prof. Stephen Bell, Biology; Dr. Summer Morrill, Biology; Dr. Mary Ellen Wiltrout, Biology; Dr. Darcy Gordon, Biology; Dr. Monika Avello, Biology
Fund: d'Arbeloff Fund
Funding Period: AY2022
Department/Lab/Center: Biology

The combined undergraduate enrollment of Biology GIR subjects each year is approximately 1000, with many students in their first year. Each subject employs up to 20 graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs), teaching for the first time. We propose to develop a semester-long pedagogy course for TAs, providing training in active, engaging, and inclusive pedagogies. We will use feedback from a Spring 2021 pilot course to revise and expand the pedagogy curriculum and integrate it with an interactive online module in inclusive teaching. Teaching materials from Biology GIR subjects used by TAs will also be made in alignment with inclusive principles. This increased support, training, and revision of materials for teaching staff is critical to improving student learning outcomes in the Biology GIR.