Graduate teaching assistants are an integral part of many undergraduate laboratories. Faculty members that instruct laboratory courses rely heavily on the ability of the graduate TAs to facilitate the laboratories in a safe and active learning environment. In a short period of time, graduate students must be instructed to teach and grade the materials associated with the laboratory. While serving as a laboratory TA, the graduate TAs must also be successful in their research and/or coursework. This symposium will explore the various training methods that are used to advance the ability of graduate students to become professionals at their teaching duties. Presentations are welcome that provide strategies to address questions of any of the following topics: time commitment of teaching duties, experimental training, evaluation of teaching abilities, mentoring programs, assessment and advancement of grading skills, classroom management, and presentation capabilities. Unique topics not listed will also be considered.
