7 votes

I'm gonna start as an algorithms monitor at my college, looking for tips on how to better help the students

I don't know what is the correct word in English, but I'll be one of those guys who will teach a "class" consisting on answering questions and guiding them through the exercises.

The content is very basic algorithms in C, so things like functions, pointers, and structs are off the scope. Here is the repo I made with the solutions for last semester. I'm starting in the second semester, so I have everything fresh in my memory.

I welcome anything you can give but I'm not necessarily seeking technical advice since the teachers have that covered. What I'd really like to know is what you consider to be some good examples, attitudes, and approaches for this particular position. Thanks.

3 comments

  1. [2]
    pleure
    Link
    How many people will you be instructing? That will influence what kind of strategy you take to teaching. I'd probably call your job a TA (teacher's assistant), fyi.

    How many people will you be instructing? That will influence what kind of strategy you take to teaching.

    I'd probably call your job a TA (teacher's assistant), fyi.

    4 votes
    1. mrbig
      Link Parent
      Between 1 and 20, depending on how many students need my help.

      How many people will you be instructing?

      Between 1 and 20, depending on how many students need my help.

      3 votes
  2. coquelicot
    Link
    Mediate and facilitate discussion amongst students - don't talk too much! It can be tempting to do all the talking while teaching but students will only actively learn if they are problem-solving....
    1. Mediate and facilitate discussion amongst students - don't talk too much!
      It can be tempting to do all the talking while teaching but students will only actively learn if they are problem-solving. I recommend you keep the ratio 30% you talking and 70% them. If one student has a question consider asking another student to explain or initiating a discussion.
    2. Be a flexible, intuitive listener.
      Every student has their individual way of understanding something and I recommend you see your role as getting to know the cognitive style of each student.
    3. Be mindful of the power dynamics in your group of students.
      Education is as much about acquiring skills as about finding one's place in society, and I recommend you try to be mindful of the social or power dynamics at play in your group of students. For exampe, I assume (because this is a STEM subject) there will be more boys than girls in your group. Because of centuries of privilege boys tend to find it easier to speak up during class, and this will be especially so if the class is male-dominant. Encourage girls to participate and keep an eye on who dominates discussions.
      Good luck!
    2 votes