The Art of Teaching

The Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series features inspiring faculty from across the disciplines sharing their thoughts and strategies about the art and science of teaching and learning. We welcome new faculty, new stories, and new ways of thinking about the art of teaching. Join us via Zoom on the first Thursday of the month, Fall and Spring semesters, from Noon to 1 pm (CT).

I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist . . . Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. (John Steinbeck)

April 2, 2026, 12-1pm via Zoom

Incorporating TAs/CAs into Instruction: The Case of Stat 100

Vimal Rao

One important aspect of a course that affects students' learning is their relationship with their instructor. How supported students feel, how much they see the instructor as a role model to mimic, and how comfortable they are asking questions of their instructor are all strongly correlated with performance and achievement. As our class sizes become ever increasingly larger, a single instructor's ability to form a deep and meaningful relationship with all students becomes infeasible if not impossible. Enter the TA/CA. Beyond simply grading assignments or holding discussion sections or office hours, thoughtful incorporation of TAs/CAs into the classroom can help reinforce a supporting learning environment. In Stat 100, we have CAs in class, presenting worked examples on stage, as well as answering students' questions. Data suggests that students' relationships with Stat 100 CAs are far more positive than their relationships with CAs in other similar courses. In this podcast, we share our strategy, and the structure and training that supports our pedagogy. Registration is Required.