As I reflected on the semester and my experience as a UTA, I found that I had both strengths and weaknesses. I would say that throughout the semester I was dependable. Every task that Dr. Moore asked me to do or that I volunteered to do was completed. I attended every class, completed every evaluation, held every discussion, and I even volunteered to lead both study sessions. The evening or morning before class I always took the time to complete readings and watch corresponding videos that were going to be discussed in class that day. I always took the time to read through the PowerPoints and notes so that I was prepared to give students accurate discussion material. I was open to feedback. Dr. Moore would ask me to complete class engagement grades weekly and there were often times “grey areas” which made it a bit more difficult to assign grades. I was receptive to the feedback that she gave me about grades that I assigned and made the proper changes for that corresponding week. I also responded quickly and adapted well to last minute changes. Dr. Moore’s main way of communication was email. When she would send emails asking for feedback or regarding last minute changes in class I was able to quickly respond and adapt seamlessly to those changes that were made. I also believe that I was a good communicator. I answered the emails of students, other UTAs, and Dr. Moore quickly and efficiently.

Every one has their weaknesses and the way that we improve is addressing those weaknesses and then formulating a plan to strengthen these weaknesses. Upon reflection, I found that I struggled with patience. If I asked a question in group discussion, I did not really give students enough time to think or process information. I expected them to kind of know it of the bat so I think that my students could have benefited from that. Due to the fact that I know this about myself, moving forward I will try to smile more, slow down when I talk, and remember that students are human too and they need time to process as well. If I had the opportunity to be a UTA again, I would be more friendly and I would have more patience. I thought that if I was too friendly that my students would try to take advantage of me and not really listen to me. However, I think that even if I was nicer throughout the semester, my students would not take advantage of my kindness because of the level of maturity that these students are required to have to even be ablet to take a course like psychology of sex. I think that they would still be more engaged and excited about the material. I saw this in the groups where other UTAs who were more patient that I was. Their students respected them just as much.

The instructor, Dr. Moore, also provided me with feedback regarding my performance as an UTA this semester. Based on the undergraduate teaching assistant evaluation form, Dr. Moore rated me a 5 on a scale 1-5. She described my strengths as being reliable and having good group management. She talked about me being very prompt in responding to requests and my willingness to take on extra slides. She even talked about me being receptive to feedback. She noted that an area for improvement was the stern way that I could come off in some of the group discussions that she observed. She rated me high on being organized, well prepared, prompt, and having good verbal and written communication skills when interacting with students.

After the first exam, it was noted by 40% of students from a survey that they felt like the way the I held discussions helped them succeed on their exams the most.