Teaching Assistant Training ONLINE (TATO)

Teaching Assistant Training Online (TATO) is a collection of self-paced modules about teaching and learning. These modules are made available to TAs via D2L, the centrally supported course management system at the UofA. All students who want to be hired as TAs, must complete and pass the module Staying Out of Trouble: UA Policies module. TAs must earn 95% or higher on the final test of this module not later than two weeks after the start of classes. TATO modules and associated resources can be accessed at any time, when need or curiosity arise.

The deadline for this training for the Fall 2009 semester is August 30, 2009.

Instructions for login, self registration, and access to TATO modules:

1. Go to http://d2l.arizona.edu
2. Click on the button labeled UA NetID Login in the upper left side of the screen
3. Enter your NetID and password (If you are denied access, send an email message to tato@email.arizona.edu. Your message will be answered as soon as possible.)
4. Click on Self Registration in the blue navigation bar near the upper left corner
5. Click on the hyperlinked course offering name TATO Staying Out of Trouble...
6. Click on the button labeled Register; Click on Submit; Click on Finish
7. Click on Register for another course and repeat steps 5 and 6 until you appear as enrolled in EACH and EVERY of the course offerings labeled TATO.
8. When you are done, click on My Home. In the center of the page, find the Student tab and follow the links to complete the TATO modules.

If you have trouble or cannot login to D2L, send a message to tato@email.arizona.edu or d2l@email.arizona.edu.

Procedure for Scores of less than 95%

The TA should login to the online module, print a copy of their highest scoring test and take it to their program graduate coordinator. We are relying on the department to go over the missed questions and ensure that the student understands the policies related to that area. Once the department has met with the student complete the Department Remediation Form and send it to the Graduate College.

Description of current modules:

Staying Out of Trouble: UA Policies
These interactive lessons on UA policies teach by asking TAs to apply each policy appropriately in a variety of situations drawn from actual experiences. This module is required. TAs must earn 95% or higher on the final test not later than two weeks after the start of classes. The Graduate College monitors test scores. 

Discussion as a Way of Teaching
This module helps a TA prepare for and manage discussion sections. It offers step by step methods for guiding students' comprehension of course materials and offers solutions to common problems.

Describing Learning Outcomes
This is the first step in assessing and evaluating students. We cannot judge whether or not students are learning if we haven't defined what they are expected to learn. This module addresses: the difference between a goal and an objective, how to write an objectives, and why it's important if teaching is to be effective and engaging.