In this highly interactive workshop, GAs/TAs are encouraged to bring their questions they would like support in navigating when working with students. We will begin with discussing some of the “whys” of student challenges, and then based upon participants’ identification of student challenges, we will work together to develop the “hows” to understand and respond. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a tool-kit on supporting student success.

In this workshop, participants will delve into strategies aimed at fostering dynamic student engagement within the classroom setting. Through interactive activities, community-building exercises, and active learning methodologies, participants will gain valuable insights and acquire practical tools to create a dynamic and impactful learning experience for students.

Being a GA/TA gives the unique opportunity to effect change with students while developing your skills as an educator. With that also comes the challenge of maintaining your own well-being and fostering that of your students. In this interactive workshop, GAs and TAs will gain strategies for cultivating a positive and authentic learning environment, responding to the social and emotional needs of themselves and their students, and maintaining personal well-being. During the workshop, participants will be able to learn from facilitators and fellow attendees who have been GAs and TAs in various courses and apply workshop techniques to situations and tasks that may occur during their work and personal experiences.

This session will provide an overview of key Brightspace tools and topics for GAs and TAs in the online environment. Our focus will be on communicating with students (announcements, discussion board), and grading the different types of assessments found on Brightspace (tests, assignments, and discussion boards) in addition to using the Grade Centre and related features. For optimum experience, you should be using Google Chrome for this session.

This workshop will introduce GAs/TAs to giving effective feedback when grading assignments. An overview of both positive and negative feedback will be discussed. We will go over how to communicate with your assigned professor, understanding the assignments/rubric, and knowing your audience. We will also talk about the importance of being timely, consistent, and objective when grading. We will be going over tips and tools to help you grade more effectively and efficiently. Challenges and opportunities for improvement will also be discussed. Questions will be welcomed throughout the presentation, as well as at the allotted time at the end of the workshop.