TA Experience

Sandi Stewart: Creating Welcoming Spaces of Learning

August 24, 2021 rbudd Leave a Comment

“The key to engagement is to remain adaptable and listen to students’ needs. The course content must also be accessible and offer opportunities for dialogue.”

Sandi Stewart, Master of Arts, Folklore Studies

Sandi Stewart, Master of Arts, Folklore Studies

Sandi Stewart started as a Teaching Assistant at Dalhousie University in Fall 2018. She holds a degree of Master of Arts in Folklore from Memorial University. Sandi has worked closely with museums and archives in Atlantic Canada. Her experience in the not-for-profit sector specifically has awarded her a fresh perspective on data management, programming efforts, and daily operations in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) community. Her interest in developing and delivering training for museum staff and volunteers inspired her to pursue supporting courses at the university.

CEGE Connection reached out to Sandi in a virtual interview to discuss her Teaching Assistant experiences and on working within a team focused on creating memorable and valuable learning outcomes.

Sandi Stewart

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the diverse experiences and learning opportunities I have been a part of since I first began my journey at DAL nearly three years ago. I have worked with dedicated faculty and staff in courses offered by the Department of English, Faculty of Computer Science, Rowe School of Business, and Faculty of Management.

I quickly learned that courses offered by the School of Information Management (SIM) were of interest to me and I am thankful for the experiences and relationships that I have formed through SIM over the years. I have supported several core courses in the Bachelor of Management program, including MGMT 1601 (Electronic Information Management), MGMT 2305 (Ethics and Social Responsibility), and MGMT 3602 (Professional Communications Skills). This summer, as a Teaching Assistant, I branched out to support graduate students enrolled in MGMT 6735 (Public Service Leadership), BUSI 6996 (Sustainable Leadership), and BUSI 6900 (Corporate Responsibility). I am also guiding undergraduate students as they navigate Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in COMM 2310.

In the past, I assisted with courses in the History of Science and Technology (HOST) Program at the University of King’s College and worked closely with a talented teaching team. As I continue in my roles at SIM and CEGE, I look forward to working with both undergraduate and graduate students as they grow and flourish as leaders in their communities.

I truly believe that courses run smoothly with the help of a teaching team in which professors, teaching assistants, and markers communicate their ideas clearly and collaborate on course components throughout the term. This approach builds both a solid foundation for coursework and a strong support system for students. I appreciate those who bring different experiences and/or perspectives to a course. It is very rewarding to see students develop their skillsets and apply what they have learned, not only in assignments and tests, but most importantly in course discussions.

The key to engagement is to remain adaptable and listen to students’ needs. The course content must also be accessible and offer opportunities for dialogue. This can be done during in-person tutorials, breakout groups in Collaborate Ultra, or in the Discussions tool on Brightspace. The key takeaway here is to remain flexible. The most impactful moments for me continue to be seeing the results of collaborative learning and reflection.

I applaud the university community for coming together and embracing online learning since the pandemic. We have all shown our creativity, determination, and support for each other during this challenging time. This has also been a period of learning and reflection for many, including myself. I am grateful for the number of opportunities I have been given during this time to learn and grow in my roles and the wealth of knowledge being shared. For instance, I attended informative sessions on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), student support, and online learning during my time at DAL. These conversations are an integral part of my own learning journey.

I look forward to continuing these efforts and applying what I learn to create a welcoming space in courses.

Sandi Stewart, MA
Sessional Instructor
School of Information Management
Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University

“Without the cohort of talented and dedicated TAs, the experience would have been so much harder for students and faculty members. We know that we put you through the paces this year and we are grateful for your energy and commitment.” Dean Kim Brooks

Sam Wilson on the T.A. Experience: Navigating a More Complex Learning Schedule

August 17, 2021 rbudd Leave a Comment

“I am excited to be taking on another TA assignment for the summer term. I look forward to dialoguing with the students and working with them to achieve their academic success. The course, Leading Change, with completely new content is timely, given our need to adapt to an ever-changing work and study environment. I am keen to assess how responsible leadership will impact my field of academic administration during this period of disruption, as well as discovering how policies will change in response to the evolving circumstances.”

Sam Wilson MBA, Leadership Class of 2020

Sam Wilson, Administrative Manager at Dalhousie’s School of Health & Human Performance

Sam Wilson is an Administrative Manager at Dalhousie’s School of Health & Human Performance situated in the Faculty of Health. She is currently one of two Teaching Assistants in Dr. Heidi Weigand’s MBA class, Leading Change. Sam’s commitment to supporting students and professors is stellar. CEGE Connection reached out to Sam in a virtual interview for her thought on her TA experience during the past year.

Sam Wilson

When I realized that the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education was looking for Teaching Assistants (TA) to help with Winter MBA classes, I was quick to apply. Like many other students, after completing my MBA in Leadership at the end of Summer 2020, I did not get the ending I anticipated. I remember feeling burnt out from having my last two courses fully online. While my MBA buddies were ecstatic about working on their last assignments, I was skulking around listening to Taylor Swift’s Folklore, thinking; “Yes Taylor, you know, I think my house is haunted too. It is this powerful presence of work, study and family-life balance”.

Haunting, right? Not really, but looking back, the Covid19 pandemic changed things dramatically. Having internal conversations with Taylor Swift was also a big indicator that study had taken a toll.

While I did not get a TA position with the MBA program, I was fortunate to be offered one in the Commerce undergraduate program with Dr. Heidi Weigand’s Reflections on Leadership class. In the beginning weeks, I believed that being a good Teaching Assistant was knowing a lot of stuff. I soon realized that helping students learn online was not only based on how well I knew a subject. It was critical to know how to provide students with valuable, timely feedback and facilitate the optimum learning environment. I focused on helping students choose the learning path that was right for them.

Initially, I found feedback difficult. Dr. Weigand’s mentorship was invaluable. She recommended the language to use which would help students highlight both improvements and strengths. When providing feedback, I never forgot my experiences of studying during a pandemic. Offering support to students as they navigated a more complex learning schedule has been rewarding.

I am excited to be taking on another TA assignment for the summer term. I look forward to dialoguing with the students and working with them to achieve their academic success. The course, Leading Change, with completely new content is timely, given our need to adapt to an ever-changing work and study environment. I am keen to assess how responsible leadership will impact my field of academic administration during this period of disruption, as well as discovering how policies will change in response to the evolving circumstances.

Having a TA experience has increased my gratitude for my MBA journey. Or rather, using inspiration from my summer 2020 bestie, that unanticipated MBA ending, I have finally been able to “shake it off”.

Denise Hinds on the T.A. Experience – Staying Connected with Students

June 29, 2021 rbudd 2 Comments

Denise Hinds MBA(L) Class of 2020
Photos Provided

As a student in the MBA FS/L program, intensives were always my favourite. During this time, the course material came together so perfectly, and I had the opportunity to work with the best bunch of people in the program. For those who I did not work with, I am sure you would challenge me on this, because you would say the same about your groups. That is just the nature of the program. You are bound to be inspired by such amazing peers, staff, and faculty. How does one leave this behind when they graduate?

You don’t! I remember many DAL alumni who guided and supported my journey, and I knew I wanted to stay involved in this community and give back. The honour to serve as an ambassador for the MBA class of 2020 was just the beginning. I am DAL proud to share my testimonial at MBA FS/L information events and orientation sessions. Since graduating, I contribute regularly to the DAL Insight Circle (by sharing my thoughts, perspectives and opinions on important university initiatives and decisions).

When the opportunity presented itself to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) with Professor Heidi Weigand for the MBA’s Leading in Complexity course, I was thrilled. This allowed me to experience the best part of my academic endeavours all over again, while being mentored in the process. As I strive to make a positive impact, I am learning the art of facilitation, balanced feedback, and have been given the freedoms to create tutorials. I am happy that these lessons will continue as I work with Professor Weigand again as TA for the MBA Sustainable Leadership course during the summer.

As we work in a virtual setting, our ability to connect with students is a critical factor. From the onset of the course, Professor Weigand made sure that the TAs and the students were fully supported. We had several collaborative tools at our disposal. These tools included email, live events, course content videos, Brightspace discussion threads, live and recorded TA tutorials, as well as an MS Teams channel, chats, and meetings. Also, Professor Weigand and the TAs were available to provide one-on-ones on a regular basis. All these interactions and methods contributed to our goal of staying connected with students.

One moment that stands out, was during the on-line intensive when Professor Weigand facilitated an open dialogue and students shared their appreciation of fellow cohorts. Professor Weigand thanked her TAs, and we expressed our gratitude as well. As I begin a new chapter, I am reminded that intensives are still my favourite time. The focus is less about the course material, while still impressive, but more about this network of DAL students, staff, and faculty, as we come together. Now a DAL alumna and TA, I am inspired to guide students and support them in their journey, with my renewed perspective.

Denise Hinds MBA(L) Class of 2020

Irena Stropnik on the T.A. Experience – Commitment to Online Excellence

June 22, 2021 rbudd Leave a Comment

Irena Stropnik, B. Nursing (’97) MBA (FS) 2012

The Winter 2021 semester was my first as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the MBA (FSL) program, and what an interesting semester it was. As a graduate of the program (Class of 2012), it was a great experience to be on the other side of the classroom as I supported both the students and Dr. McLarney as we navigated the International Business course.

It was so wonderful to see the students’ commitment to the program as they prioritized, not only their studies, but also their careers and work life, and families. Add the pandemic to the mix and you can see how much they were facing – and they did so with a fierce determination to succeed.

The highlight of the semester was the pilot of the IB intensive that was spearheaded by Dr. McLarney. The focus on engaging the students and creating an environment as close to the classroom experience as we could, clearly demonstrated both hers and Dalhousie’s commitment to the students. While not easy to be online for such extended periods of time, the students actively engaged in discussions, activities and the lectures and their feedback proved that the experiment was a success. It was a pleasure being part of the intensives and helping to evolve and amplify the online learning experience.

Irena Stropnik,
B. Nursing (’97) MBA (FS) 2012

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