Graduate teaching assistants often lead one or more of the discussion sections of a larger lecture class. They are responsible for checking student comprehension and implementing assessments in these sections, as well as some teaching.
Graduate teaching assistants sometimes are assigned sections of classes within their content area to teach without the direct involvement of a senior faculty member. In this case, the graduate teaching assistant is responsible for some curriculum design. He should be familiar with teaching techniques and be able to communicate effectively.
Graduate teaching assistants almost always are involved in the grading process. Regardless of whether she teaches a section exclusively or leads a discussion section, the graduate student is responsible for grading and returning material in a timely manner.
Graduate teaching assistants aid the professor in preparing for class by making copies of student material and occasionally researching and procuring specific resources. A graduate teaching assistant is exclusively responsible for preparing for his own discussion section or class. This includes preparing lectures, discussion questions, assessments, homework and class material.
Graduate teaching assistants are expected to hold regular office hours. They may use this time to prepare but must be available for students in need of help as well. They also must maintain communication and collaboration with the professor, which may require time outside of their regular teaching and office hours.
Graduate teaching assistants must have a firm grasp of the content they are teaching. It usually is assumed that graduate students offered assistantships already possess a sophisticated level of knowledge; however, if she does not, the graduate student is expected to fill in any gaps by studying and teaching herself.