FAQs
- How many hours should a full-time PG student (with studentship) spend on GTA duties?
- What should we do if the teaching workload is more than the specified hours per month?
- Is it important to attend the TA training courses offered by CEI?
- What should we do if the students do not attend the tutorials?
Q : How many hours should a full-time PG student (with studentship) spend on GTA duties?
A : The general rule stated in the "Terms and Conditions of Postgraduate Studentships (PGS) 2011/12" is 36 effective hours per month, on average. By effective hours, both preparation and contact hours are included. However, if duties are research-related and are directly related to student's own research focus, the hours spent should not be included in the 36 hours. GTA should check with their Department, who has full discretion on how hours should be calculated. GTA should also expect that the number of hours might be different when calculated on a weekly basis because GTA duties may vary from week to week.
Q : What should we do if the teaching workload is more than the specified hours per month?
A : If the teaching workload is more than the stated hours and is distracting you from your core study or research, you should bring your concerns to your faculty. It is perfectly all right to discuss your concerns with your faculty member and formulate a mutually agreeable solution. If the situation prevails, you could seek further advice and help from Graduate TA Coordinators or your departmental PGC.
Q : Is it important to attend the GTA training courses offered by CEI?
A : Yes. Since GTAs play an important role in the overall teaching effort, it is essential that they be equipped to meet this role. The GTA training courses offered by CEI are tailored to prepare GTAs with knowledge and skills for their first teaching assignment, including leading tutorials and laboratory session, marking and grading, and helping students to learn.
Q : What should we do if the students do not attend the tutorials?
A : As a responsible GTA, part of your job is to help undergraduate student to learn. Your students may be facing different problems, such as inefficient time management or difficulty in relating to tutorials. It would be useful for you to find out the true reason behind these absences and solve the problem together. You will find this mutually beneficial. It is always helpful to discuss your experience with fellow GTAs or seek advice from the Graduate TA Coordinators (TACs).
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