Training, support and development
Training
The Faculty requires all to TAs attend a compulsory training programme which will be delivered in conjunction with the University's Institute for Teaching and Learning.
The training can be accessed on Blackboard via each Schools specific pages. In addition, Schools will provide their own training for new TAs, more information on school specific training can be found within the school for which you are working. All compulsory training will be paid.
The training which TAs will undergo has been designed to enable the TAs that complete the training and have some teaching practice to apply for additional recognition.
More information on the additional recognition will be provided once it is available.
Each Teaching Assistant will also undergo an induction within the School and this may be embedded within the School training. The induction will include clear guidance on the availability of University and School resources and the arrangement of pastoral care.
Returning TAs should also have some training provision at the beginning of every year/semester provided by their school.
The Institute of Teaching and Learning will provide a wealth of resources to aid TA’s in the development of their teaching.
Support and development
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are considered part of the teaching team and Schools will ensure that students are aware of the rigorous selection and training processes followed when appointing TAs.
Schools will also ensure that there are clear channels of support and development for TAs through the appointment of TA Coordinators and a Professional Services (PS) Contact. In addition, Schools will provide a forum through which the School’s TA Representative can provide feedback from TAs on their experiences.
The TA Review Group meets twice a year to review the TA Policy and monitor its implementation within the Schools. The Group meets in November and May the associated academic year and School TA Representatives will be invited to attend the May meeting to feedback to Faculty any issues or queries and share good practice. Schools will undertake a review of TA teaching in order to provide TAs with feedback and ensure that the quality of teaching within the School is maintained.
More information on learning and development opportunities available to TA’s can be found on Staffnet.
It is recognised that it may not always be possible or appropriate to conduct a review of TA teaching, and in these cases, TAs should meet with their mentor for a TA Development Meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for TAs to reflect on their teaching practice, with support and feedback from their mentor, and identify any areas for development.
- TA Development Meeting Pro-Forma (Word document)
In line with the Faculty policy and the University’s duty of care to PGR students to submit a high quality and timely thesis, Schools will retain the right to remove TAs from the pool at their discretion, TAs will be notified of such action and provided with the reasons why.
TAs will also have the option to remove themselves from the pool, however, they will normally be required to fulfil any existing teaching contracts. It is expected that in any such circumstance potential removal from the pool be discussed in the first instance.
Full details are available in the Humanities TA Policy: