Tristan Dunn '23 | Tips for (Mainly German) Teaching Assistants

After four semesters as a teaching assistant for German courses, I have compiled a multitude of conclusions and recommendations. I draw from experiences learning not only German, but French and Italian as well. I hope readers of this article find useful tools and tips for teaching. 

To begin with, the most important aspect of teaching is acknowledging that you don’t know everything. If you forget a word or a grammar topic, everything will be okay. In fact, it creates a teaching  opportunity. Show the students how to look up the answer. If you don’t know a translation, then direct the students to a helpful website, such as Linguee.com. I implore you to use dictionaries, rather than translators, because you do not want students to rely on translations. In addition, for German grammar I suggest Dartmouth as a resource. These behaviors not only model that knowledge is ever-expanding, but also there are reliable resources for language growth. 

In my opinion, the second greatest lesson as a teaching assistant is learning how to change (lesson) plans to meet the needs of students. Even if your cooperating instructor has material and exercises planned, branching away from the lesson plan is valuable. It is okay to take more time on an exercise for the benefit of students. If students have problems with an assigned grammar exercise, then change your approach; for example, when students have trouble, ask what is difficult and what is easy. This question can tell you what is causing them trouble. Afterwards, you can start with the easiest questions and ensure the students understand the foundation. 

Asking students questions alone does not allow for an optimum experience teaching. Support is required to progress. Support can mean slideshows, pictures, graphic organizers, and more. Please always make a slideshow for the class. This allows for students to view the projected topic, as long as you also make the slideshow accessible. You can even send students the link to the presentation at the end of class, so they can review the material. Furthermore, support can mean presenting a website, such as Dartmouth, that provides clear examples with deeper explanations of a multitude of grammar topics. 

Last but not least, care for your students. Be empathetic and inclusive, for example, avoiding gendered language. Many English speakers are aware of gender neutral pronouns in English; however, this aspect is just as important in any other language. I direct you to this Freie Universität Berlin and nonbianry.wiki for more information on this topic. Besides neutral language, take advantage of your diverse classroom. Make sure students feel comfortable and included in the classroom. Adapt the material to include culture on campus or even a student’s cultural background. Give students warnings about anything that could trigger epilepsy or other sensitive mental health topics. Let students know where and how they can contact you. The list is endless in caring for your students, even as just a teaching assistant.

Overall, it is okay to make mistakes and change plans. Most of all, care for your students and teach with compassion. Each student is a unique individual and valuable in the classroom.