Preparing for Section

TA:
The first meeting with the professor before classes start is the best source for information. You should have thought about the way you want to run your section, and make sure that your vision is acceptable to the faculty. For example, ask questions such as:

• How much help can you provide with graded work?
• Is there any specific review that the professor wants you to cover during the first day of class?
• Should you expect any input from the professor during the quarter?

Some professors are really hands on and want you to check in with them on a regular basis; others, let you take control of section. I usually initiate communication and try to keep it active and have found that most faculty members are quite responsive. 

Professor:
Before the quarter starts, we should meet so that you will know my expectations for Section. Depending upon the course, I may ask you to clarify any confusion students have from the lecture, lead an in-depth discussion based upon readings, teach specific concepts that we don’t have time to cover during lecture, or review homework problems. It is important to remember that Section is part of the course and that the Lecture and Section components need to complement each other. If you are unclear as to what I want you to do and cover in Section, please ask me!