Image by B Dowling / UW–Madison

 Tools for Effective Office Hours 

Your office hours are a key way to support student learning, especially at this point in the semester. How can you encourage students to use this resource? How can you make these meetings effective and efficient? Research suggests:
  • Tell students the purpose of office hours and how they can attend
  • Hold office hours outside the office or virtually
  • Create a structured plan for your office hours
For more discussion—and considerations for different teaching contexts—check out this article from the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative.

Beyond Office Hours: Referring Students Elsewhere

You don't have to be the only resource for students! Encourage your students to use the wide array of campus learning support options available. These resources include small group and drop-in tutoring, study skills workshops, and exam preparation sessions. When a student seems overwhelmed or needs sustained help, please refer them to these resources.

 Teaching Tips from Experienced TAs 

Teaching Mentors facilitate the annual Fall TA Training by L&S. Those selected to be Teaching Mentors have a proven track record of excellence as educators and a strong desire to mentor TAs.

This Week's Teaching Mentor:

Isaac Barnhill is a PhD student in Physics.

"Office Hours" with Isaac Barnhill

"Good scheduling is an unsung hero of effective office hours. I’ve found the most success with times when students are likely to be thinking about the class already — right before or after lectures/labs/discussions, or before recurring deadlines such as weekly homeworks. Offering asynchronous options like Piazza or Canvas discussion boards is another great way to remove barriers for students. I also think that being welcoming is equally important to being knowledgeable. Learning people’s names, even when they aren’t in your section, is surprisingly effective at earning a regular!"

Upcoming Events

International TA Network

Connect, Share, and Thrive: Join the International TA Network for a supportive community where you can discuss the unique experiences of teaching abroad, learn practical strategies to navigate the classroom, and find solidarity with peers who understand the journey. This event will take place Wednesday, November 5 from 2:00-3:00PM in Social Science 6121.

Sanity Hour (Therapy Dog Edition)

Paws and De-stress! Take a break with us at the next Sanity Hour, featuring a very special guest: a certified therapy dog! Unwind, recharge, and get some furry affection—no agenda, just good vibes and community. This event will take place Thursday, November 20 from 4:00-5:30PM in Van Vleck B115.

The Open Seat Food Pantry

Both undergraduate and graduate students nationwide face food insecurity at rates higher than the general population. The Open Seat Food Pantry, provides UW students with access to free food and hygiene products at two locations across campus. Keep them in mind if you encounter a student in need, or if you or a TA colleague are ever in need of this support.

Find Solutions through the Employee Assistance Office

When personal or work-related concerns become difficult to manage, UW–Madison’s Employee Assistance Office (EAO) can provide timely solutions for life transitions, physical or emotional health issues, and relationship challenges.

This no-cost, confidential counseling and consultation is available to graduate student employees, significant others, and family members. Learn more or schedule an appointment.

  Less than 3 Weeks to Submit TA Award Nominations  

The Campus-Wide Teaching Assistant Awards recognize outstanding graduate student teaching in four categories. Nominations for TA Awards are due Monday, Nov. 17.
Students pick pumpkins from Bascom Hill. Bascom Hall is in the background, ca. 1982. Photo courtesy of UW Archives / Smith, Gary E.
Students pick pumpkins from Bascom Hill. Bascom Hall is in the background, ca. 1982. Photo courtesy of UW Archives / Smith, Gary E.
Learning Forward is brought to you by the L&S TA Training & Support Team.
L&S Teaching, Learning, and Academic Planning
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