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ALL TA Orientations
TA Orientation 2004
Below are the material that we use with the TA Orientation, with the purpose of familiarizing incoming graduate students to the teaching environment of the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota. The orientation lasts for 2 weeks prior to the start of each Fall Semester.
These materials were used for the 2004-2005 academic year.
Syllabus & Schedule 2004
Syllabus and daily schedule of activities, readings, and homework for the TA orientation.
Activity Book 2004
Booklet of activities conducted during the orientation.
| Entire Activity Book | PDF (11.8 MB) | ||
| Cover & Table of Contents: | PDF (136 KB) | Word (350 KB) | |
| Activity 1: | Intro to UMn Model; TA Duties | PDF (217 KB) | Word (141 KB) |
| Activity 2: | a) Light Patterns; b) Alternative Conceptions | PDF (375 KB) | Word (382 KB) |
| Activity 3: | a) Analyzing the FCI; b) Other Measures of Alternative Conceptions | PDF (369 KB) | Word (247 KB) |
| Activity 4: | Rationale for UMn Model | PDF (632 KB) | Word (560 KB) |
| Activity 5: | Teaching Discussion Sessions at UMn | PDF (155 KB) | Word (38 KB) |
| Activity 6: | Problem Solving a) Cowboy Bob; b) Expert vs. Novice | PDF (258 KB) | Word (111 KB) |
| Activity 7: | Solving Problems with Methods Questions | PDF (146 KB) | Word (179 KB) |
| Activity 8: | a) Expert-Novice Problem Solving and Methods Questions; b) Using Methods Questions for Grading | PDF (351 KB) | Word (289 KB) |
| Expert-Novice Powerpoint Presentation | PDF (262 KB) | PPT (171 KB) | |
| Activity 9: | Teaching Lab Sessions at UMn | PDF (152 KB) | Word (47 KB) |
| Activity 10: | Preparation for Peer Teaching | PDF (291 KB) | Word (81 KB) |
| Activity 11: | a) Problem Solving Frameworks (overheads); b) Lab Methods Questions and Problem Solving | PDF (240 KB) | Word (89 KB) |
| Activity 12: | Why CPS May Not Work | PDF (321 KB) | Word (2.05 MB) |
| Activity 13: | What Questions Should You Ask? | PDF (145 KB) | Word (253 KB) |
| Activity 14: | a) Good and Bad Writing: Expanding our Vocabulary; b) Writing factors and lab reports | PDF (1.99 MB) | Word (2.82 MB) |
| Activity 15: | a) How to Grade Student Laboratory Reports; b) Grading Two Example Lab Reports; c) Campus Writing Resources and Other Information | PDF (2.07 MB) | Word (6.64 MB) |
| Activity 16: | a) Classroom Climate and Cheating; b) Case Studies: Diversity and Gender Issues | PDF (167 KB) | Word (57 KB) |
| Activity 16a Powerpoint Slide | PDF (42 KB) | PPT (33 KB) | |
| Homework: | #3 Solving Problems; #6 Initial Evaluation of Example Student Lab Reports; #7 Judging Problems | PDF (1.70 MB) | Word (5.34 MB) |
Instructor's Handbook 2004
General guide to assist instructors in teaching under the Minnesota Model.
| Entire Instructor's Handbook | PDF (2.48 MB) | |
| Cover Page | PDF (29 KB) | PPT (19 KB) |
| Table of Contents | PDF (108 KB) | Word (249 KB) |
| I. TA Responsibilities | PDF (74 KB) | Word (54 KB) |
| II. Cooperative Problem Solving | PDF (825 KB) | Word (2.10 MB) |
| III. Teaching a Discussion | PDF (441 KB) | Word (324 KB) |
| IV. Teaching a Lab | PDF (367 KB) | Word (822 KB) |
| V. Teaching Resources | PDF (643 KB) | Word (684 KB) |
Selected Reading List 2004
Reference list to the articles that are required reading for the orientation; includes reading questions.
Peer Teaching Materials 2004
Lab Problems Book
| Entire Peer Teaching Book | PDF (661 KB) | |
| Cover | PDF (36 KB) | Word (19 KB) |
| Table of Contents | PDF (55 KB) | Word (21 KB) |
| Lab Problems | PDF (575 KB) | Word (602 KB) |
Mentor TA Guide 1999
Guide for the instructors of the orientation.
Writing Intensive Booklet
Material on grading laboratory reports in accordance to the Writing Intensive nature of the introductory physics course. Based on material developed by Dr. Kastman-Breuch of the Department of Rhetoric, University of Minnesota.