Teaching assistant interview.

[kayl88]

Hi,
I have an interview for teaching assistant this week and I've never had one before. I need to provide a task, which I think I already have but I'm just wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect and what questions were asked? Thanks in advance.

[SarahAndQuack]

Is this TA in a school or university? I've interviewed for both, but they were very different. The school one I totally messed up, so can't advise there! Except don't be 19, totally wet behind the ears, and too nervous to talk (that was me).

For a TA in academia I'd say choose something fairly mainstream compared with your thesis. Look at the syllabus and find what's the closest match between their core modules and your thesis. Then check how they're going to assess it in interview - will you be doing the task with actual students, or describing it to a panel? If the former, you want to work in examples of good pedagogic practise as much as possible (eg., a good quick icebreaker; maybe something like a flipped classroom or similar to show you're up to date with different ways of teaching). If the latter, be ready to describe how your way of teaching this task answers to the requirements of TEF, if you can. I'd also make it clear how it links back to your research, but you want to make it clear it's research-led teaching rather than research you've shoehorned into a teaching presentation.

[kayl88]

Thank you so much for your reply. It's in a primary school. The task I'll be demonstrating is with year 1's and it's a small group of students I'll be doing it with. The task I've got I'm fairly confident it will be okay, however it's more the questions they'll ask that I'm worrying about!! I only too often let my nerves get the better of me. It's a total change in career for me, so I've no experience what so ever in an interview for TA. I currently volunteer one day a week in a primary school (reception class) but I have no other experience.

[SarahAndQuack]

Oh, good luck! I hate nerves.

Btw, did you know there's a Staffroom topic? I think there are more teachers in there, and they might have more tips/thoughts.

[kayl88]

Aw, no I didn't know this. Thank you very much! I'll have a look now.

[SarahAndQuack]

Any time! Hope the interview goes well.