Question Overview: This question aims to see how applicants deal with difficult situations. This is a common interview question that is used to see how applicants handle conflict and stressful situations.
Sample Answer: If I were in a difficult situation, I would try to remain calm and think about the best way to handle the situation. I would also try to understand the other person's point of view and ask questions to help me better understand the situation.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are passionate about the position and if they understand the role of a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I want to be a TA because I love working with kids. I believe that my experience as an after-school teacher will help me be a great TA because I know how to work with children and I know what it takes to keep them engaged in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants handle a difficult situation. It is important for applicants to be able to handle a situation professionally and not let their emotions get in the way.
Sample Answer: If a child had a crush on me, I would try to keep my distance and make sure I was never alone with them. If I were to have a class with them, I would try to keep the focus on the class and not on me. If they were being rebellious, I would try to talk to them privately and explain the consequences of their actions.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants will handle a situation where they are required to discipline a student.
Sample Answer: If a student was being disruptive, I would try to speak with them privately and explain the situation. If that didn't work, I would ask the teacher for assistance.
Question Overview: This question aims to see if applicants have thought about the role of a teaching assistant and what they can bring to the position.
Sample Answer: I previously worked at an after-school program for primary students. As I worked there, I realized I enjoyed working with young kids. I believe that as a teaching assistant I'll have the ability to play a more hands-on role in a child's day-to-day learning and transfer some of my enthusiasm for learning to my students, making school a more enjoyable experience for them .
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have a good relationship with their professors.
Sample Answer: I have had the opportunity to work with XXX professor for the past two semesters. In both cases, I have found her to be very knowledgeable and helpful. She is always willing to take time out of her day to answer questions and offer advice. She has even offered me the opportunity to work as a TA in the past.
Question Overview: Teaching assistants are responsible for handling behavior problems in the classroom. This question ensures applicants can handle a difficult situation with a child.
Sample Answer: If a student was misbehaving, I would first try to get the student to calm down and focus on the lesson. If that didn't work, I would ask the teacher for help. If the teacher was unable to handle the situation, I would ask another teaching assistant to help me. If all else failed, I would contact the school's administration and let them know what was going on.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are interested in the position and if they have thought about the reasons why they want to be a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I have always enjoyed working with children and I believe that working as a teaching assistant would allow me to work with children on a daily basis. I also enjoy working with people and I think that being a teaching assistant would allow me to work with many different people on a daily basis.
Question Overview: This question is used to see if applicants have experience working with children, specifically in a teaching assistant role.
Sample Answer: I've worked at an after-school program for the past two years. I've learned how to work with children of all ages and how to handle behavioral issues. I've also learned how to handle a variety of situations that may arise in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has thought about their future and what they hope to achieve in their career.
Sample Answer: My goal is to become a teacher. I want to teach because I enjoy working with children and I believe I have a lot to offer them. I plan on achieving this by getting my teaching degree and then applying for a teaching position at a local school.
Question Overview: This question aims to see if applicants are interested in the PhD program and if they have thought about the reasons why they want to pursue a PhD.
Sample Answer: I want to go for a PhD because I want to be able to teach at the university level. I have always been interested in the field of education and I feel that a PhD will allow me to teach at the university level and continue my research in education.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have a preference for working with a certain age group.
Sample Answer: I prefer working with younger children because I feel that they are more impressionable and eager to learn. I also enjoy the fact that I can be a positive role model for them and help them develop into well-rounded individuals.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are able to think critically about the topic of diversity and how it affects the classroom.
Sample Answer: I would take into account the various socioeconomic backgrounds the girls come from by making sure that I am aware of their different learning styles. As I get to know each girl, I would try to tailor my teaching style to her learning style. For example, if a girl is more hands-on, I would make sure that I give her plenty of opportunities to get up and move around the classroom. If a girl is more visual, I would make sure that I use visual aids in my lessons.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants can think on their feet and come up with a solution to a problem.
Sample Answer: I would try to find a way to accomodate the student's request. If I was unable to do so, I would schedule a time to speak with the student and their parents and explain my reasoning for why I could not accomodate the request.
Question Overview: This question asks applicants to explain how they would explain difficult economic questions to a student. This question shows applicants' ability to break down complex topics and explain them in a way that is easy for students to understand.
Sample Answer: I would start by asking the student what they already know about the topic. From there, I would try to find a way to relate the topic to something they already know about. For example, if I were explaining how a recession works, I might ask them if they've ever seen a company close down and how that affected the people who worked there.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have any experience with computer programming.
Sample Answer: I have no experience with programming, but I am very interested in learning how to program. I have been taking a class on computer programming at the local community college and I am enjoying it very much.
Question Overview: As a teaching assistant, applicants will be dealing with parents on a regular basis. This question asks applicants how they would handle a situation if a parent was to get involved in the classroom.
Sample Answer: If a parent was to get involved, I would make sure to keep them updated on their child's progress and inform them of any changes that may occur. I would also make sure to keep the parent updated on any changes that may occur in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is to ensure that applicants are aware of the time commitment required of a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I am available to work from 8:30am-3:30pm Monday through Friday. I am also available on weekends if needed.
Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's ability to apply their knowledge of mathematics to a real-world problem.
Sample Answer: I would parametrize the intersection of the plane and cylinder in 3-space by using the parametric equations of the cylinder and plane. The parametric equations of a cylinder are x = rcosθ, y = rsinθ, z = rθ and the parametric equations of a plane are x = ct, y = st, z = 0. I would then use the parametric equations of the cylinder and plane to determine the parametric equations of their intersection.