Introduction to Postgraduate Pedagogies: Centring Graduate Teaching Assistants in Higher Education
Abstract
Across the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond, Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are an integral part of universities and a substantial part of the Higher Education workforce. While there is a growing body of scholarship about the role of the GTA, and texts and materials which seek to support them as they carry out their responsibilities, the voice of GTAs themselves is less often heard and there exists no systematic account of their perspectives, experiences and contributions. This open-access journal aims to help fill this gap by bringing to the fore GTA voices and experiences. Based on the firm belief that GTAs bring important and potentially unique skills, ideas and approaches to lecture halls, labs and seminar rooms, it includes contributions from current or recent GTAs, and those working with them. Postgraduate Pedagogies aims to synthesise and analyse, reflect on and assert the unique experiences of GTAs, the contributions they bring to the Higher Education (HE) teaching and learning environment, and the specific challenges they face.
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