University Writing

Workshop on Teaching and Evaluating Writing for Teaching Assistants from All Disciplines 
Offered by University Writing, Undergraduate Education (formerly GE & Honors) 

Next TA Workshop 
Saturday, January 26, 2008; 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m, 3280 WSC
Fee
$25/ participant includes breakfast, snacks, and 2 text books (A Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker and A TA's Guide to Teaching Writing in All Disciplines by Beth Hedengren)
 
What is the purpose of the TA Workshop on Writing?

Teaching assistants in many departments on campus have responsibility to teach and evaluate writing assignments. Often these TAs, though well trained in the course subject, have little to no preparation in how to work with writing assignments. To assist with training TAs, the College of Undergraduate Education offers workshops for teaching assistants in all disciplines on teaching and evaluating writing.

 

What will the TAs learn in the workshop?

Ways to help students during the prewriting, writing, revising, and editing phases of the writing process

Methods for teaching both individuals and groups about writing

Strategies for responding to student writing

Tools for analytic and holistic grading

Techniques for dealing with less known or comfortable situations such as grading complaints, gender issues, plagiarism, and working with international students

What do TAs say about the workshop?

"I definitely feel much more confident about grading papers my students will be writing. I'm glad I came."

"This workshop will be so helpful. I'm just starting my TA-ship and felt worried about the responsibility. But the workshop gives   me more direction and encouragement."

"I wish I had had this workshop when I began teaching. It should be a mandatory training session."

"I learned a lot that I am excited to share with my professor and students"

When is the workshop offered?

The workshop is offered on a Saturday morning during the first month of both fall and winter semesters. The information for the next scheduled workshop is listed above.

How do I register my TAs?

At least three weeks before the workshop, fill out the online registration form on the accompanying page. Fill out one form for each TA.

General Education can sometimes fund the participation fee. To request this funding, you need to complete the “TA Training Funds Application Form” and submit it to General Education. This form is available at http://ge.byu.edu/faculty_departments/Faculty_Funding/funding_tatraining.aspx

 
Where can I get more information?

Contact Beth Hedengren at 422-7844 or beth_hedengren@byu.edu