Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTA) in Team-Teaching Approach to Improve Student Learning Outcomes – Examples and Activities

• In Event: 20461 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 3: Team Teaching/Learning

Abstract

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) can be key contributors in a team-teaching approach to
improve classroom rapport and student engagement in undergraduate courses. Structurally, UTAs serve
as a unique bridge between faculty and students. UTAs are simultaneously aware of student concerns
and resources as well as resources and teaching tools available to faculty. In co-teaching processes, UTAs
can provide valuable feedback to faculty and students to elevate and more readily achieve student
learning outcomes (SLOs).

Symposium activities focus on highlighting specific teaching activities in multi-modal engagement formats (ie in-class, email, online, office-hours, extra-curricular) where UTAs have provided feedback to bolster SLOs. Our data comprise of multiple waves of 100 and 200 level Sociology courses (Social Problems, Gender and Immigration, Global Sexualities) linked with paired Instructor-UTA pedagogical materials for co-teaching settings. These activities can be even more impactful when faculty instructors and/or UTAs are from under-represented groups such as first-generation, people of color, new-immigrant, LGBTQI+, or (very) low-income backgrounds. Educational settings serving diverse populations, including Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU, HSI, Tribal Colleges) would be discussed along with considerations for supporting under-represented groups attending PWI or colleges in rural-settings.

In alignment with the theme of “Reimagining the Future of Work”, will address the impact of COVID-19 on student engagement, conveying and acclimating students to college classroom expectations, and “soft skills” of professional development in classroom settings and professional communication. Again, building on the team-teaching and co-teaching approach, discussion and symposium activities will showcase examples that UTAs are developed and used in improving student-learning and behavior-modeling for SLO attainment. Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTA) is Team-Teaching Approach to Support Student Learning Outcomes in Sociology Courses – Examples and Activities

Authors

• Lai Sze Tso, Gustavus Adolphus College

• Harper Daire, Gustavus Adolphus College

• Kennedy Hurd, Gustavus Adolphus College

• Brigette Ruacho Coronel, Gustavus Adolphus College

• Oscar Vargo, Gustavus Adolphus College

• Amanda Hukee, Gustavus Adolphus College