Geology Lab TA

[NoNO]

So.... I'm expected to TA even though I have never taken a geology course....... what do i do?

[go3187]

What did you study as an undergrad? Any work experience? Is this a 1st year undergrad course? 2nd year? What are you expected to do as a TA?

I would check the course outline. You probably have some background in a related field. For example, even though I only took a general geosciences course in my first year as an undergrad (my major was Earth and Space Sciences, but I specialized in astrophysics), with some reading I could have TA'd a geology course. It wouldn't have been the ideal TA job for me, but it could have been done.

Also, things taught in this lab might be useful for your PhD and/or your future career, so this is a great learning opportunity for you too. From reading your other posts on the forum, I think you likely know more already than the students who'll be taking this lab, and it will be easier for you to understand the material.

Have you TA'd other courses as an undegrad? You won't be expected to know everything, to know everything in advance, or to be able to come up right away with an answer to any question students might ask. I've been TAing only astrophysics courses for the last 5 years, but I still have to prepare for office hours and tutorials, and it does take me a few hours each week to solve the homework assignments. It's definitely easier now than it was 4-5 years ago, but it's work nevertheless. And there are also times when I have to tell a student that I'll think about her question and email her later. I think that's okay to do.

[sansao]

there are also times when I have to tell a student that I'll think about her question and email her later. I think that's okay to do.

I wish some of my undergrad TAs would have done this for me, rather than assuming because they have a related degree that they automatically understand all of a given geoscience course. Your students are fortunate.

Edited April 8, 2012 by sansao