Inside Scoop: Patricia Portos...

My name is Patricia Porto de Barros Ayaz, and I am a PhD student in the Political Science department. Most of my TA responsibilities have involved marking essays, but recently I had the opportunity to present an in-person lecture on my research topic, International Migration.

Once I became a TA, I wish I had known that grading students fairly would be challenging, especially when dealing with subjective essays from a class with over 100 students. Comparing the first few assignments is manageable, but maintaining fairness becomes increasingly difficult as more papers come in. To ensure consistency, my top tip is to frequently consult with the professor(s) about any questions or concerns you might have, and check with them to ensure you are on the same page. Their experience and knowledge are invaluable throughout this process.

Another strategy I pursued was creating a spreadsheet to briefly document why I graded each student a certain way, making comparisons with other similar essays simpler and less time-consuming. It also allowed me to quickly reference and explain to students why they received their specific grades if they had any questions. Overall, it became a great time management resource.

Additionally, while working on a project as a research assistant for the Dalhousie Centre for Learning and Teaching, I heard from students across various programs about the importance of receiving constructive comments on their work. This motivated me to prioritize constructive notes when grading students' assignments, as such feedback plays a crucial role in helping them identify their strengths and areas for improvement. In essence, being a good TA requires attention to detail and a strong commitment to fairness and student improvement. Whenever I am working with the students or on their essays, I strive to be the kind of TA that I would like to have had as a student.