Graduate teaching assistants can serve the same teaching functions of a full professor, teaching four to five hours a week, depending on the institution. They create coursework, lead classroom discussions and set up and lead laboratories. Assessing students’ progress is another vital duty. They assign homework and tests that challenge students’ knowledge and grade them in a timely fashion. Teaching assistants also set up and maintain regular office hours to be available to assist students. Any online information such as grades must be posted and maintained by the teaching assistant.
A research graduate assistant will perform many research duties under the direction of a faculty member. This research will be used by the professor to write a paper or book about the research subject. These duties will vary depending on the department, but typical research duties include searching for information in libraries and on the Internet. Writing and organizing this information helps the professor synthesize the information into his work. A scientific research assistant is also in charge of designing and running experiments for the professor. Some research assistants are given the opportunity to help the professor co-write papers.
Many graduate assistants perform administrative duties and are responsible for data entry and analysis for their departments. They may have to prepare presentations of this material at meetings, including Power Point presentations, and may also have to develop websites. They also help coordinate undergraduate events and student projects, including planning and supervision. Marketing activities also are performed by administrative graduate assistants, who can create marketing material and conduct campus tours and orientation. They will also assist any full-time administrative faculty member in any method necessary.