The Academic cycle
Most academic institutions are founded on the philosophy of dissemination of knowledge. Researched information is passed on to other through media such as classroom teachings, publications, seminar speeches, and etc. They found say that it is a challenge to teach others what you know. You would think it is easy since you are the expert of the knowledge, yet often times, the delivery or teaching method is just as important. Many professors are the leading expert of their research field, but they cannot communicate their thoughts clearly to their students. I will have the pleasure of experiencing teaching this coming spring quarter.
I have registered to be a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course that I myself have taken. It is a course in biology, titled Cellular Neurobiology. The job description entails that I take lead charge in two discussions and labs, grade two homework assignments, and helping the students have a fun time in learning about cellular neurobiology. It is a great course, but it is also challenging since the course deals with a lot of biophysics. To say the least, I’m very much looking forward to be on the teaching end of the academic spectrum. Furthermore, I can relate to the students’ experience with mine three years ago. Because this is my first TAship, I have a lot to learn, such as a style of teaching that suites me and the students. I will have to review the topics in class and gain a better understanding of it so that I won’t confuse the students. I guess the only dread is that I know how U of C students are, in terms of asking questions. They are a group of smart students that have a tendency of wanting to know more than they have to. And those bio-major students, they really want that “A” so that the med-school chances look better. This year’s class size is expected to be about 50 (that many students signed up). Luckily, there will be two other TAs, for a total of three.
This can only be a positive experience for me because no matter what, I’ll learn many things and improve myself to become a better teacher myself.
Most academic institutions are founded on the philosophy of dissemination of knowledge. Researched information is passed on to other through media such as classroom teachings, publications, seminar speeches, and etc. They found say that it is a challenge to teach others what you know. You would think it is easy since you are the expert of the knowledge, yet often times, the delivery or teaching method is just as important. Many professors are the leading expert of their research field, but they cannot communicate their thoughts clearly to their students. I will have the pleasure of experiencing teaching this coming spring quarter.
I have registered to be a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course that I myself have taken. It is a course in biology, titled Cellular Neurobiology. The job description entails that I take lead charge in two discussions and labs, grade two homework assignments, and helping the students have a fun time in learning about cellular neurobiology. It is a great course, but it is also challenging since the course deals with a lot of biophysics. To say the least, I’m very much looking forward to be on the teaching end of the academic spectrum. Furthermore, I can relate to the students’ experience with mine three years ago. Because this is my first TAship, I have a lot to learn, such as a style of teaching that suites me and the students. I will have to review the topics in class and gain a better understanding of it so that I won’t confuse the students. I guess the only dread is that I know how U of C students are, in terms of asking questions. They are a group of smart students that have a tendency of wanting to know more than they have to. And those bio-major students, they really want that “A” so that the med-school chances look better. This year’s class size is expected to be about 50 (that many students signed up). Luckily, there will be two other TAs, for a total of three.
This can only be a positive experience for me because no matter what, I’ll learn many things and improve myself to become a better teacher myself.
