i guess it’s a natural feeling. i went through an intensive orientation for my teaching assistant job that would start on monday. there are lots of stuff i need to prepare for and learn. as a graduate student whose first language is not English, i’m required by the department to take a TA certification test. i took it yesterday and i got the highest rank which allows me to “take full responsibility for a lecture/discussion class”. this means i am allowed to teach alone. for the class i will be TAing, i will not teach alone. there’s a professor who does the lecture. i will just have to lead the discussion sections. i will be teaching 4 sections everyday from T-F 8:30 – 9:30a.
i’m excited to stand up in front of a class to be the person in control. i don’t think i will be too nervous when i know people look up to me. the thing i’m concerned is how well i will teach. a professor gave a presentation on the principles of teaching today. he got me thinking about various things i didn’t think before. will i be able to convince the students what they are learning is meaningful to them? can i provide a pleasant learning atmosphere? will the students truly LEARN something from my classes?
how well i will connect with my students is a mystery. i always feel i’m not very sociable in real life. that concerns me a little but i’m full of confidence. i know i will run into problems and have lots to learn before i can teach them. i’ve heard quite a bit about the class “computer analysis” as a lab monitor so it’s not too new but i know how frustrating that class may get for the students if they are behind.
Pure-Essence.Net 
Yeah, that first day of orientation can be a bit overwhelming. It seems like you don’t have a chance to digest the training before class starts full blast.
“Computer Analysis” can be tough because the labs are based so closely on step-by-step tutorials. I wish I could have thought of better ways to make those sessions “meaningful.” I’m sure you’ll think of several things.
We’ve got lab sessions for Visual Basic this year (as opposed to last years help sessions). I’m hoping the effect isn’t similar.
i think the best to convince them that computer analysis is meaningful is that it’s required and they need to pass to graduate. LOL…
You came to USA a long time ago, right? You’re not a newbie-fob, and your English is very good (especially how you got a high mark *o* ). If the students are rude and ignorant, you can always give them lower marks. hee hee =P
Hey Dodo 🙂
Sounds like today was a tough day, but I’m sure you’ll do fine. The first day you’ll probably be nervous and go over alot of scenarios in your mind.. but i’m sure by the third day you’ll get the hang of it and everyone will love you! You are a very smart girl! Just do your best and i’m sure everything will go smoothly 🙂
A first time “commenter”
Joelle
remember to stay on top of the pyramid of the classroom 😀
you’ll do fine ^____^
as long as you care, u’ll do fine. The only bad TA I’ve had I truely believe was just there for the money. She lost our papers and blamed us and as a teacher she would put us to sleep. She also never returned my e-mails which really bugged me.
On the other hand, the best TA I’ve had seriously went above and beyond his duties as a TA. He was a complete dork, but he really cared if we failed or not which was cool.
so ya, u’ll do fine 🙂 good luck!
How exciting for you! Yes, the best thing is to be confident. Students can be such asses, they will readily exploit anyone if they sense weakness. Stay cool but firm and I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful teacher. You certainly know your stuff. 🙂
Good luck on your job! I know you’ll be great at it! You’re a very intelligent and confident person. I’m sure everyone will respect you, and you’ll do really well. =) *hugs*
Good luck Dodo!! You explain things so well online, I cannot immagine it any differently in person. ^^
wow that sounds really cool! good luck 🙂 you are so brave!
Good luck with your class! I would LOVE to be in a class that you are teaching… I’m sure you’ll do a great job 😉
I’m very very proud of you sis!! 🙂 Good luck with your classes. Teaching is fun. ^_^ Usually, our TA’s only teach the discussion sessions too. And the prof handles the class. But I know in reality, the TA’s do all the work. 🙂
good luck. im sure you’ll do great.
I’m sure you’ll do fine 🙂 Good luck, not that you’ll need it. Btw, I noticed you had a few password protected entries. Is a link you can direct me to on where you received the hack? Thanks.
hrm password protected entry is a built in function of wp. just write with advanced mode and you will have an option to add a password to an entry.