As we approach Semester One, it’s worth reflecting on the diverse aspects of our teaching roles.

Creating an outstanding teaching and learning environment goes beyond content delivery. It involves contemporary teaching practices such as providing guidance, support, and mentorship to students, and contributing to their overall academic experience and personal growth. Innovation in teaching is an ongoing process that requires continuous professional development and adapting our approach to new technologies. This includes exploring ways to integrate generative AI and other emerging tools to enhance the learning experience.

Seeking support through teaching communities

Faculty teaching and learning communities, such as the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences’ Teaching and Learning Community (whose recent post inspired this article), often contribute directly to creating and maintaining an outstanding teaching and learning environment, course development, and application of professional skills and innovation to teaching.

If you haven’t already, consider joining your faculty’s teaching community and a community of interest or practice, to gain support from peers. These communities can provide valuable resources, shared experiences, and collaborative opportunities.

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs)

For GTAs and TAs, responsibilities are outlined in the GTA/TA Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy, alongside the academic staff collective and individual employment agreements. GTAs and TAs must work under supervision and are not expected to have course control or focus on lectures. Their duties may include:

• Conducting tutoring sessions
• Laboratory and field work supervision and demonstrations
• Marking and routine correcting
• Delivery of a limited number of lectures and/or seminars (primarily for GTAs)
• Test supervision/invigilation
• Attendance at required training sessions and lectures

The key distinction between GTAs and TAs is that GTAs may have broader responsibilities, including delivering a limited number of lectures or seminars, while TAs are focused on routine tasks such as marking, demonstrations, and test invigilation.