The importance of coordination between teachers and teaching assistants in higher education

Abstract

In this project, we study the importance of coordination between teachers and teaching
assistants in higher education. The aim is to identify different ways that teachers and teaching
assistants cooperate regarding course design and division of workload in a course and to propose
improvements. We investigated the current situation through a survey to teachers and teaching
assistants at LTH, where they were also asked to reflect on the ideal scenario. The answers apply
that regular meetings and good insight in the teaching activities is favoured among the teaching staff.
The common idea is that teachers should be more involved in the design of the exam.
The general findings are in line with the course design methodology called constructive alignment. It
emphasizes the importance of a strong connection between learning outcomes, assessment tasks and
teaching activities in a course, in order to prepare students in a good way and for them to achieve
high quality learning. To provide the students with an aligned course experience, there must be good
coordination and communication within the teaching team. This project did not include the
student's perception of teaching coordination and course design, but it is a highly relevant aspect
that could be incorporated in a future project.