We are looking to hire undergraduates for this spring. There are a variety of opportunities, including Phys 1110 and 1120 Tutorials, or possibly others (like Phys 1020, "Physics of Everyday Life", or positions in other departments) It's for pay
($10/hr*10 hrs/week*15 weeks = $1500). You will be responsible
for team-teaching (with a graduate student) roughly 4 sections per week
(all held on Tuesdays if it's 1120, all on Thursdays if it's 1110, and something comparable for Phys 1020) in addition to 1.5 hour of required physics
tutorial training every week throughout the semester (usually Tues evening around 4 or 5 PM for 1110, and Thurs evening around 4 or 5 PM for 1120, time to be decided soon) plus a 2-credit
education seminar with other LA's in the School of Ed (Wed evening, with food!) , plus 1 hr/week
office hour in the help room, plus some additional time (see below)
adding up to 8-10 hrs/week.
We are seeking people who are excited about teaching freshman
physics in a student-centered environment! That means more than
merely having done very well in your own introductory physics
course (though that's important too): the focus in tutorials is on
qualitative and conceptual reasoning. You must also really enjoy
teaching and interacting with a broad spectrum of students, be willing
to listen and think on your feet, and facilitate student-centered group
learning. It will be a great learning experience for you too! Although
you do not need to be firmly committed to K-12 teaching as a career to
do this the first time, please be aware that some priority will be
given to applicants who are contemplating teaching K-12 after
graduating.
See the STEM
web page for more information about this program. ONLINE applications can be filled in between Nov 1 and Nov 10, don't forget!
Tutorials involve students working in small groups on directed conceptual
problems - you know the drill from your own experiences in Tutorials - your primary task for the hour is to circulate, ask questions,
keep groups on task and heading in the right direction (without telling
them the answers) This teaching method is called "Socratic Dialog". You
will learn/practice this teaching style AND the required physics content in
our weekly preparation hour.
The additional requirements/possibilities each week are negotiable, but
might include attending evening grading sessions, or attending
lectures, or other course related support activities. You will be paid
for the total number of hours you commit (including 1-2 hr/week "grace"
for preparation and written reflections.)
Being an undergraduate teaching assistant is a big commitment - unlike
attending a class, you don't have the luxury of ever skipping (or
quitting) when your time gets tight later in the semester(!!) But it
will definitely be a great experience for you. Talk to your LA, or ask me if you have any questions.
If you've ever thought
at all about the idea of become a teacher, this is a great opportunity
to learn a lot more about it, basically get your feet wet in a
fun, controlled, and nicely supported way!
For more information please see the STEM web page , and then contact me at Steven.Pollock@colorado.edu (Duane F419, 492-2495)
There is an informational meeting Wed Nov 1 (in the UMC Aspen Room), please come if you can!
P.S. If you know someone who you think is eminently qualified, and would
really like to do this, please
point them to this page, thanks!