Tutors@ANU

You are expected to be fully prepared for all tutorial and demonstration sessions. That means knowing the material and how you will present it. At the minimum, you should have a lesson plan or outline of the key learning objectives, teaching points, and activities. It should be clear what each student should know and / or be able to do by the end of the lesson. This must be aligned with the overall course objectives and outline.

You should strive to make each lesson effective, and to be improving on your ability to deliver that lesson in particular and your teaching and demonstrating more generally. This means you must have some means of obtaining feedback on a regular basis, and not waiting till the end of the semester to get formal evaluation feedback from your students. Quizzes and class critique sessions are two easy ways to get a sense for what students have learned and if your methods are effective and appreciated.

By the same token, students need on-going feedback. You should build in ample means of letting them know how they are going throughout the semester, and not wait till the end of the course. Small and varied assessment across the semester provides much more useful feedback than a major final examination. You are expected to mark fairly and consistently. If standards are not clear and comprehensive, you will need to work with your supervisor / coordinator to develop them. You will be challenged, so it is imperative that you have and use defensible marking criteria and process. Moderation is a typical way to ensure that multiple markers understand standards and criteria the same way and apply them consistently.

You are expected to represent the University professionally. You should be familiar with the Teaching Code of Conduct and follow its guidelines at all times. You have certain administrative responsibilities that cover a range of possibilities. Every College is probably different and even units within Colleges may differ in what is expected. When grades are due, formats required, office hours, attendance at functions and meetings, and dealing with examinations are just a sample of the things you may be expected to know and do. Some of these administrative responsibilities will be explained in your induction sessions. You may need to continually check with your supervisor / coordinator and administrative staff to determine if you are doing everything required in the way needed. Other specifics you will need to know about include student attendance, withdrawals, and extensions.