Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Assignments

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) play a crucial role in supporting course instructors and creating a positive learning environment. Given the vast array of courses, each assistantship is tailored to the needs of each specific course and determined by the course instructor. The specific course component (ex. lecture, seminar, or lab) and duties assigned to each GTA are discussed with the course instructor prior to the course start date and are documented in appendix c - GTA time use guideline form.

Graduate teaching assistant responsibilities

Graduate teaching assistants have diverse responsibilities that can vary widely, but some examples include:

  • Assisting instructors with classroom instruction, maintaining records, and managing assignments
  • Leading discussion sections to facilitate interactive learning and engagement
  • Holding regular office hours to provide individual or small group support and guidance to students
  • Delivering lectures or guest lectures on specific topics as assigned by the instructor
  • Facilitating group projects or discussions to promote collaborative learning
  • Marking assignments, papers, lab reports and exams
  • Managing course communications through online platforms like eClass
  • Preparing laboratory materials and ensuring their proper organization and functionality
  • Providing constructive feedback on assignments to help students improve their performance.
  • Enforcing laboratory rules and procedures to maintain a safe and productive learning environment
  • Proctoring examinations and ensuring exam integrity
  • Taking attendance or monitoring student participation during class sessions
  • Obtaining and distributing course materials to students

Graduate teaching assistants are expected to maintain professional interactions with both their students and supervisors.

Eligibility

All Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering PhD and MSc students are encouraged to apply for teaching positions during their time in the department. However, MEng students are not eligible for teaching positions.

A graduate student registered full-time may hold a GTA (including a GTA-PI) for up to a maximum average of 12 hours per week. A graduate student registered part-time may hold up to a 6 hour per week GTA.

 

Graduate teaching assistant selection criteria

The following criteria are used to assign GTA positions in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering:

  • Academic qualifications
  • Relevant training and experience (including internal and external training)
  • Completion of at least 3 hours of ggraduate teaching and learning program (GTLP) training
  • Recommendations from a course instructor
  • Recommendations from a supervisor

How to apply

When we are accepting applications, notifications will be sent to all CME graduate students through the graduate mailing list. Please follow the instructions provided in the email. Applications are accepted in May and November.

If you have any questions about grad student teaching assignments please contact Aneta Thompson, academic department manager at aneta.thompson@ualberta.ca.