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ALL TA Orientations
TA Orientation 2005
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 2005-2006 academic year.
Syllabus 2005
Daily schedule of activities, reading, and homework for the TA orientation.
Activity Book 2005
Booklet of activities conducted during the orientation.
| Entire Activity Book | PDF (23.8 MB) | ||
| Table of Contents | PDF (30 KB) | Word (74 KB) | |
| Activities 1-2: |
Intro to UMn Model, TA Duties, Light Patterns |
PDF (343 KB) | Word (609 KB) |
| Activities 3-5: | Delta Design Project (with Karl Smith), Rationale for UMn Model, FCI and Alternative Conceptions | PDF (15.3 MB) | Word (8.4 MB) |
| Activities 6-9: | Problem Solving - Cowboy Bob & Expert vs. Novice; Designing a problem solving framework and answer sheet | PDF (689 KB) | Word (816 KB) |
| Activities 10-13: | Teaching Lab Sessions, Preparation for Peer Teaching, Teaching Discussion Sessions, Revising an inappropriate group problem | PDF (515 KB) | Word (407 KB) |
| Activities 14-16: | Evaluating a Sample Lab Report, How to Grade a Student Lab Report, Classroom Climate & Cheating, Case Studies: Diversity & Gender Issues | PDF (3.8 MB) | Word (9.1 MB) |
| Homework: | Analyzing Students' Alternative Conceptions, Solving Problems Using Your Problem Solving Framework, Initial Evaluation of Example Student Laboratory Reports | PDF (3.1 MB) | Word (6.2 MB) |
| Instructor's Guide for Activity 3 | (Delta Design Project) | PDF (2.0 MB) |
Instructor's Handbook 2005
General guide to assist instructors in teaching under the Minnesota Model.
| Entire Instructor's Handbook | PDF (3.27 MB) | |
| Cover Page | PDF (29 KB) | PPT (26 KB) |
| Table of Contents | PDF (32 KB) | Word (54 KB) |
| I. TA Responsibilities | PDF (502 KB) | Word (257 KB) |
| II. Cooperative Problem Solving | PDF (2.3 MB) | Word (945 KB) |
| III. Teaching a Lab | PDF (308 KB) | Word (530 KB) |
| IV. Teaching a Discussion | PDF (788 KB) | Word (560 KB) |
| V. Teaching Resources | PDF (1.09 MB) | Word (910 KB) |
Selected Reading List 2005
Reference list to the articles that are required reading for the orientation; includes reading questions.
Peer Teaching Materials 2005
Lab Problems Book
Context Rich Discussion Problems
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.