Meet before class/after class

In my recent travels to Jiangdong and Yinzhou, and my time here at Haishu I've noticed a few things that can be done to improve FT/CT cooperation. It's pretty simple, it just takes a bit of time, but not too much. This especially goes for new FTs taking over a class. Meet before the class so you can both be on the same page when class time comes. It is good to do when and FT has a new CT as well. It could be a "run through" of class, it could be a simple "heads up" for what you need a CT to do in a certain game. If there is time, it is also great to meet after class to talk about good/bad/ugly of the class. (weekends are really difficult to find time).

Do you all do anything else, what do you meet about? do you send emails, messages, smoke signals....?

Here are some basic guidelines for responsibilities of teachers and ta's in various areas of class - especially CL and above.

Homework
TA
 Mark
 Fill in score on score record sheet
FT
 Fill in communication book
 Set
 Check regularly with the TA
TA should always inform teacher of any problems with homework. Teacher should always set the homework clearly.
Where a class doesn’t have a TA, the teacher must mark and write up the homework scores.

Written Test
TA
 Fill in communication books with test scores
 Monitor test – but don’t help
 Collect tests from teacher to hand back to students in next lesson
FT
 Set the test
 Mark the tests
 Write scores on end of term progress report

Oral test
TA
 Put results in communication book in the following lesson
FT
 Write 10 questions
 Set
 Conduct

Spelling test
TA
 Mark the test
 Put results on score record sheet
 Fill in communication book
FT
 Set
 Conduct (in English)
Telephone Teaching
TA
 Write questions
 Check questions with teacher
 Input questions and results onto database
FT
 Check questions for TA
 Check for any problems
The TA must check the questions with the teacher for accuracy and suitability. Teacher should ask TA if any major problems arose.

Communication Book
TA
 Write in homework scores only
 Translate any comments from teacher
 Inform teacher of any comments from parents
 Write in mid term test scores
 Write in information on upcoming events/tests/holidays etc
 Make sure parents sign
FT
 Set homework (for sts to copy of the board
 Mark class participation and make other appropriate comments
 Sign

End of term Progress report
TA
 Help collect in communication books on 23rd lesson
 Inform teacher of comments for homework section
FT
 Collect in communication books on 23rd lesson.
 Complete all sections of progress report (two copies) by 24th lesson
 Hand back to students, keeping one copy of progress report for school records

Lesson Involvement
TA
 Assisting with team games (participation/discipline/control)
 Group work (monitoring for teacher)
 Reading/writing/bookwork (monitoring/discipline/control)
 Collect homework and communication books at start of each lesson
 Communicating with parents on behalf of the teacher and school
TA’s should take an active role in the classroom, but it is the teacher’s class. TA should ask if the teacher needs assistance in areas covered, but the teacher may decline.
It is highly recommended that the Teacher and TA work together closely as a team.