In becoming a TA, I am looking forward to working with students and helping them learn something. Even though I am not going into eduction/teaching, I still feel that psychologists, counselors, etc. have to help connect to and teach their clients something. As a TA, I also hope to improve my leadership and speaking skills. I am not afraid of public speaking, but I think that there is definitely room for improvement. Contributing ideas to Professor Gurung’s exploration into creating a more appealing/informative Psychology book is also something I am looking forward to!
The things I am worried about, relating to becoming a TA, are keeping the students’ attention (i.e., leading) and if I will be able to contribute something important to the class (i.e., students and teacher). I am worried, because I have not had a lot of practice in teaching, that I may not be able to lead the class in a way that will not bore them, and that they will not learn, or take something important, from my lecture, etc. Also, I am worried that I will not be able to contribute more to the class as others, or at all. I know that I will be observing the class, but I also want to incorporate ideas/participation into the lecture.
Overall, I am looking forward to becoming a TA, working with the other TA’s and Professor Gurung, and learning/teaching with the class!