One of my greatest enjoyments in teaching is learning from my peers who are students in the class. In Pitt to the Point: Television News Practicum, it is vital that I continue to grow and learn from teaching. The broadcast curriculum is exceptionally unique as it is part of Film and Media Studies instead of its own program. So, the students in it become extremely close-knit and tend to take more than one class together over their time at Pitt. Because of that, I was slightly nervous about switching from a classmate to a fellow instructor role with my friends.
My mentor and professor, Kevin Michael Smith, and I have worked together on another class and numerous projects throughout my time at Pitt. So, I knew going into it that we would work well together. I met with Kevin before attending the University when I had toured. I can confidently say that Kevin was one of the primary reasons I attended the University. As a student at Pitt to the Point last spring semester, I saw the most significant growth in myself: my confidence skyrocketed, and I became a leader and mentor to many of my peers. Because of that, Kevin approached me towards the end of the semester and asked me to be his teaching assistant for the class, and I immediately said yes. So, to any fellow students who would like to be a teaching assistant for a class, pick a class you found yourself enjoying that allowed you to grow. It will make helping students do the same even more rewarding.
Moving from student to instructor has been seamless for me. I was lucky enough to know I would be the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant before the fall semester began, so I had the chance to prepare. Kevin and I met throughout the summer, where I was able to address my many questions. Most of my questions regarded how much power I had in the class, especially if I could make some changes I wanted. Kevin and I discussed how best to divide some of the preparation work for the class and what changes we wanted to make. Kevin assured me he trusted my judgment and that I should prepare anything I felt was necessary for the class to improve, and then we would go over it when it got closer. I spent a majority of my winter break making new documents, folders, and courtesy requirements for the class, to enhance it. My questions came from how to make a class that you can take twice, a cohesive group, while making it structured but with the ability to adapt. As we say, this class is not a class in which Kevin or I will hold your hand throughout everything, but we are here to help, and if you have questions, we are happy to answer them. Without Kevin and his support, I would not have been able to make any changes I wanted to or grow the class.
My advice lies in all the hard work I have done. Professors have teaching assistants because they want the student's point of view to improve the class. So, talk to the professor, but make the changes, helpful documents, and lesson plans you think might benefit the class. Doing this will enhance the class you are teaching and show the professor how much you care and desire to grow while being a teaching assistant. I have learned how to help students, teach, and be supportive without making decisions for them. Pitt to the Point is their class and their show. Kevin and I are just there to teach and give advice!
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