Brain Curriculum: Teaching Assistant (TA) Program

 

QUALIFICATIONS TO ASSIST

B1 Successful attendance* at one B1 workshop, one B2workshop, and the approval of a Brain Curriculum instructor.
B2 Successful attendance* at one B2 workshop and satisfactory assistance** at one B1 workshop, and the approval of a Brain Curriculum Instructor.
B3 Successful attendance* at one B3 workshop and satisfactory assistance** at one B2 workshop, and the approval of a Brain Curriculum instructor.

B4 Successful attendance* at one B4 workshop and satisfactory assistance at one B2 or B3 workshop, and the approval of a Brain curriculum instructor.


TA assignments are given on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure consistency, the TA must TA at least once every two years. If there is a lapse of two or more years, the TA may be requested to review or attend another Brain course before assisting again.
If you are unable to fulfill your TA commitment, please notify us at least 60 days in advance of the class. Cancellations of confirmed TA positions with less than 60 days' notice, three times within 12 months, may subject you to a six to 12-month suspension. During this time, you will not be assigned to TA any classes, not permitted to schedule for TA positions, and will not be listed as a TA in any publications that are printed. Following this period, re-application to the TA program will be required.

* Successful attendance is based on the Instructor, Teaching Assistant, and Staff evaluations of the participant.
**Satisfactory assistance is determined from assisting the entire workshop and scoring 4.0 or better from the Instructor, Participant, and Facilitator evaluations. Scores given are 1 - 5, 5 being excellent.

 

GUIDELINES FOR ASSISTING

To help make each workshop successful and enjoyable for all involved, the following TA guidelines have been developed. The objective is always to create a safe, supportive environment for each student’s growth and education. Remember, we are working as a team. The better the assistants and instructor work as a unit, the better the class will run.

  • On the first day of class, please arrive 30 minutes early to meet the facilitator and to socialize with participants during registration. The instructor may ask you to arrive even earlier for a pre-class TA meeting.
  • Before class begins, ensure you are familiar with the lighting and temperature controls, as well as the location of the bathrooms.
  • The instructor may ask you to introduce yourself on the first morning of the class so that the students know who you are. You may briefly explain how the brain curriculum improved your practice.
  • On the other days, please be on time for class and all instructor demonstrations. It is very distracting to have someone enter the room after class or demos have started.
  • Listen and watch the instructor’s demos carefully. When working with participants, please use the same hand positions used by the instructor, even if you learned the techniques differently. Variations tend to confuse participants. If you have a different opinion, please discuss it privately with the instructor during a break. It is very disruptive to debate techniques in front of class participants.
  • Please refrain from engaging in side conversations during lectures and demonstrations.
  • Although there is no strict dress code, keep in mind that you are representing the Chikly Health Institute. Dress comfortably yet professionally, and please avoid wearing dangling necklaces and bracelets while assisting participants.
  • Please be aware of your personal hygiene. Since this work is performed hands-on in such a close environment, it is not uncommon for participants to comment about offensive odors from others. It is a good idea to have some breath mints available, especially after lunch or if you smoke. Many people are also highly allergic to perfumes, as well as essential oils. While we ask that you do wear deodorant, please refrain from using anything with a heavy scent.
  • The most frequent complaint we hear from participants is that it is often difficult to get a TA’s attention. That is why it is important for TAs to divide up the room and circulate as much as possible to help anticipate problems. There is seldom a need to spend more than a few minutes at each table at any one time. Remember, you are in class to assist, not treat.
  • You may be requested to act as a table partner if there is an odd number of people in attendance. Please assist when needed and alternate with the other TAs.
  • If you find yourself answering the same question repeatedly, or notice that several participants are having difficulty applying a specific technique, please inform the instructor so that the issue can be addressed with the whole class. Also, if a student has an important or interesting question, you may suggest that they ask the instructor so that the entire class can benefit from the answer.
  • If you have advanced questions, see the instructor at the break or after class.
  • Very important: Do not treat anyone, especially another TA, at any time during class days. You must abide by this rule for liability reasons. If you have your hands on a participant during a practice session for more than a couple of minutes, you are treating, not assisting. This is a disservice to all participants.
  • Find a balance between helping students and allowing them to learn. It is good for them to have to struggle a little, but you don't want them to get frustrated or discouraged. So, please do not interrupt students unless their hand position is really “off” or if they ask for help. When you notice that students need help, enter their field and wait for them to respond. When you feel invited, gently approach them and ask if it's okay to offer a suggestion. Be sensitive to their own rhythm and concentration when they are practicing. Allow students to communicate their thoughts on what they think is happening. Confirm what they are feeling instead of saying anything that could shake their confidence. Positive reinforcement is very important. Let the participants know what they are doing correctly and when they have it right.
  • At the end of the class, you will be asked to complete a form that evaluates your overall skills. You only need to consider “extreme” students: those who are exceptionally good, or those who are having significant trouble.
  • You will also be evaluated by the instructor, participants, facilitator, and fellow TAs.These evaluations will be used to determine your progression as a TA. The score scale is: 5=excellent; 4=very good; 3=good; 2=fair; 1=poor.
  • Evaluation scores are averaged. To progress as an assistant, you need an average score of 4.0 or better from the instructor, participant, and facilitator evaluations. To become a certified teaching assistant, you will need average scores of 4.5 or better from the participant evaluations and 4.0 or better from the instructor, TA, and facilitator evaluations from each TA assignment.TA certification status will be reviewed annually.
  • If you have any suggestions about the meeting site or ideas for new books, tapes, or other products, please note them for the facilitator. Please refrain from selling your own inventory while you are assisting.

Enjoy the class and have fun!
If you have additional suggestions for improving the quality of the TA experience, please don't hesitate to share them with us. You are one of our experts in the field, and we value your input.

 

Becoming a CHI Speaker / Presenter

Please contact the Chikly Health Institute when you would like to present any material from the Brain curriculum
CHI takes pride in the quality of its presentation. For lectures longer than 3 hours, or any hands-on professional demonstration, permission needs to be granted by CHI.
The Chikly Health Institute will provide you as much as possible with support and marketing material for your presentations.