Welcome to TAAG at LUMS - Empowering Excellence in Teaching Assistants
The Teaching Assistant Advisory Group (TAAG) is a dynamic initiative designed to elevate teaching and learning standards within LUMS by empowering our Teaching Assistants (TAs). As part of TAAG, you'll play a vital role in mentoring, professional development, and fostering a supportive community among TAs university wide.
Join TAAG: Shape the Future of Learning
Eligibility:
- Open to juniors, seniors, super seniors, and graduate students at LUMS.
Role Overview:
- Mentor and support new TAs.
- Lead workshops and training for TA professional growth.
- Advocate for TA interests across the university.
- Collaborate on solutions for TA challenges.
- Offer personalized guidance and weekly office hours.
- Facilitate networking through bi-semester tea hours.
- Enhance TA-student communication.
- Help in recruiting the next generation of TAAG members.
Commitment:
- A maximum of 4 hours per week, inclusive of meetings and TA consultations.
Benefits of Being a TAAG Member
- Recognition through letters of recommendation or a certificate from LLI.
- Access to a dedicated workspace within the LLI office.
- Enjoy complimentary tea while you work and connect at the LLI office.
*Applications are currently closed
Requirements:
- Must have completed at least one TA-ship at LUMS.
- Required attendance in TA professional development courses or webinars.
Selection Criteria:
- Application form insights.
- Prior TA experience.
- Commitment to availability.
- Performance in a 15-minute interview and any provided references.
Applications are carefully reviewed by LLI staff and either the existing TAAG committee or a specially appointed selection panel of experienced TAs/students to ensure fairness and comprehensive candidate evaluation.
TAAG Activities
Since its inception, TAAG has rapidly established itself as a pivotal resource for teaching assistants, evidenced by the launch of its dedicated email address (taag@lums.edu.pk). Available seven days a week, this channel provides prompt responses to inquiries and offers support to TAs who reach out.
In its commitment to foster community and skill development among TAs, TAAG initiated a "TA Tea Hour" in February. The event provided a platform for TAs to network, share experiences, and tackle common challenges through focus group discussions. Additionally, the event featured a tutorial on the Learning Management System (LMS), enhancing participants' digital navigation skills.
March saw the continuation of TAAG's educational initiatives with the "Excel Essentials" workshop. Tailored specifically for TAs, this tutorial delved into Excel functionalities crucial for managing TA responsibilities. Participants learned to create interfaces for data, apply formulas like V-Lookup, and learn the magic of mail merge, thereby equipping them with valuable tools to streamline their tasks and enhance their efficiency during their TAships.
Furthermore, TAAG has facilitated an exclusive coaching session led by Fatima, the head of the student support vertical for TAAG members. The sessions centered on the art of designing effective teaching and learning sessions. This initiative, reflecting TAAG's commitment to the capacity building of its members, will be an ongoing feature of the TAAG experience, ensuring that its members are well-equipped to excel in their roles.
