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EducationISCO 2310

University teaching assistant

A university teaching assistant is a person who supports whoever runs a course: preparing materials, teaching part of it and marking students' work.

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Check yourself in a minute: university teaching assistant

Rate 5 of the 10 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

prepare lesson content

assess students

give constructive feedback

provide assistance to lecturer

supervise practical courses

About university teaching assistant

The teaching assistant works on one particular course, alongside the professor or lecturer who leads it. The assistant prepares lesson plans and teaching materials, supervises practical sessions — laboratories, seminars, projects — and supports students in their learning: explaining what did not land in the lecture and showing how to begin a task.

The assistant also prepares assignments and examination papers, marks work and examinations, and applies the assessment processes the course uses. They run feedback sessions for students: what was good in a piece of work, what was not, and what to do differently next time.

The teaching assistant knows the curriculum objectives and the procedures the university operates: deadlines, the rules on passes, resits and appeals against a mark. The posts are held by recent graduates or by doctoral students on fixed-term contracts. Terms of employment are set by higher education legislation and by the regulations of each institution.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a university teaching assistant.

1

Exam and Assignment Preparation

  • Assist in preparation of exams and assignment materials
  • Review course curriculum and learning objectives
  • Develop practice problems and study guides for students
  • Coordinate with professor on assessment strategies
2

Grading and Student Assessment

  • Grade papers, exams, and assignments according to rubrics
  • Provide constructive feedback to students on their work
  • Maintain detailed grading records and documentation
  • Identify students struggling with course material
3

Teaching and Tutoring Support

  • Lead review sessions and study groups for students
  • Provide individual tutoring and assistance during office hours
  • Explain difficult concepts and answer student questions
  • Assist students in understanding course material and assignments
4

Course Material Development

  • Prepare lesson materials and lecture notes
  • Create supplementary educational resources for students
  • Develop multimedia presentations and online content
  • Update course materials based on curriculum objectives
5

Practical Course Support

  • Supervise practical courses and laboratory sessions
  • Demonstrate practical techniques and procedures
  • Ensure proper setup and safety in laboratory environments
  • Grade practical work and provide technical feedback
6

Academic and Administrative Support

  • Maintain records of attendance and course participation
  • Assist with course logistics and administrative tasks
  • Understand and follow university procedures and policies
  • Communicate with students regarding course expectations and deadlines

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

Core competency requirements inferred from the occupation's skill profile. Take the free assessment to see how you match.

Must-Have Skills (Advanced)

Problem SolvingAdvanced
Digital FluencyAdvanced
CollaborationAdvanced
CommunicationAdvanced
Developing PeopleAdvanced
Transdisciplinary ThinkingAdvanced

Supporting Skills

Learning AgilityIntermediate
Self ManagementIntermediate
Creative ThinkingIntermediate
Customer OrientationBasic
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European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (10)

assessment processesassessment processesVarious evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, sum...university proceduresuniversity proceduresThe inner workings of a university, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.curriculum objectivescurriculum objectivesThe goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...give constructive feedbackgive constructive feedbackProvide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evalu...provide assistance to lecturerprovide assistance to lecturerAssist the lecturer or professor by doing several educational tasks including helping with the preparation of lessons or the grading of students. Support the professor with academic and scientific res...supervise practical coursessupervise practical coursesPrepare the content and the material required for practical lessons, explain technical notions to students, answer their questions and evaluate their progress on a regular basis.provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.
Optional (16) — show
action researchaction researchThe research approach that consists of investigating as well taking action towards an issue. It is employed by educators facing specific issues in teaching as well as by those who do not face issues, ...scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.assist in the organisation of school eventsassist in the organisation of school eventsProvide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.consult students on learning contentconsult students on learning contentTake students' opinions and preferences into consideration when determining learning content.escort students on a field tripescort students on a field tripAccompany students on an educational trip outside the school environment and ensure their safety and cooperation.liaise with educational support staffliaise with educational support staffCommunicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issu...provide information on study programmesprovide information on study programmesProvide information on the different lessons and fields of study offered by educational institutions such as universities and secondary schools, as well as the study requirements and employment prospe...conduct scholarly researchconduct scholarly researchPlan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.assist students with equipmentassist students with equipmentProvide assistance to students when working with (technical) equipment used in practice-based lessons and solve operational problems when necessary.conduct quantitative researchconduct quantitative researchExecute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.manage resources for educational purposesmanage resources for educational purposesIdentify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...assist students with their dissertationassist students with their dissertationSupport university students with the writing of their paper or theses. Advise on research methods or additions to certain parts of their dissertations. Report different types of errors, such as resear...assist scientific researchassist scientific researchAssist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.oversee extra-curricular activitiesoversee extra-curricular activitiesSupervise and potentially organise educational or recreational activities for the students outside of mandatory classes.monitor developments in field of expertisemonitor developments in field of expertiseKeep up with new research, regulations, and other significant changes, labour market related or otherwise, occurring within the field of specialisation.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a university teaching assistant do?

University teaching assistants are graduate students or recent graduates employed on a temporary contract at a university or a college for teaching-related responsibilities. They assist the professor, lecturer or teacher of the specific course they are in charge of in the preparation of lectures and of exams, grading papers and exams and leading review and feedback sessions for the students.

What skills does a university teaching assistant need?

A university teaching assistant needs 10 essential skills, including assessment processes, university procedures, curriculum objectives, prepare lesson content, assess students.

Will AI replace university teaching assistant jobs?

The AI disruption score for university teaching assistant is 57/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: provide information on study programmes, write work-related reports, university procedures. Most resilient: escort students on a field trip, oversee extra-curricular activities, liaise with educational support staff.

AI Replacement Risk

57/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorEducation
ISCO GroupTeaching professionals
Essential Skills10
Core Skills10

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