Lab Instruction Coordinator (Mathematics)

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

5d•CA$52 - CA$60•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Instruction Coordinator (Mathematics) is responsible for the planning, implementation, and efficient operation of Mathematics Laboratories. S/he is accountable for developing content and lab-based instruction for the assigned Mathematics Laboratories and ensures that they contribute to the educational goals of the Department. The Lab Coordinator is responsible for tracking current advances in pedagogy as they relate to delivery of laboratory content, implementing such advances in the design, development, evaluation, and revision of lab exercises. S/he is responsible for training and supervising graduate Teaching Assistants and undergraduate Instructional Assistants to serve effectively in the Mathematics Laboratories. The Lab Co-ordinator acts as a resource for students in the assigned Mathematics courses, and consults regularly with course coordinators and instructors about course and lab content. The Lab Co-ordinator may also undertake special projects related to the use of Mathematics Laboratory facilities.

Requirements

A Master’s degree in Mathematics or Statistics (or a related field), or Bachelor of Education in conjunction with a BA or BSc undergraduate degree in mathematics, including advanced probability and statistics, introductory calculus, and/or financial mathematics.
4 years’ experience in developing and/or delivering instructional material to students in mathematics at the university level.
Experience with computer algebra systems such as Maple and Matlab, statistical software packages such as R and R Commander, and spreadsheets such as Excel and Google Sheets.
Experience with WeBWorK online assessment system and associated computer programming skills preferred in order to create online exercises for the system.
Ability to prepare technical documents using Mathematics preparation software such as LaTeX (or Scientific Workplace).
Experience using an online grading system such as Gradescope and the use of autograders in R and/or Python.
Ability to create laboratory exercises and tests using specialized software, which may require coding or on-line assessment tools.
Familiarity with the preparation of mathematics materials for the Web.
Ability to develop teaching/learning materials, specifically mathematics laboratory exercises and tests at an appropriate skill level.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including experience in facilitating student participation and engagement in mathematics through the use of motivation, influence, and persuasion.
Well-developed organizational skills and ability to coordinate the delivery of laboratories in mathematics, including consulting with course coordinators and instructors to prepare lab materials that support lecture content.
Excellent supervisory skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with WeBWorK online assessment system and associated computer programming skills preferred in order to create online exercises for the system.

Responsibilities

In consultation with course co-ordinators and instructors, designs and prepares lab materials to support assigned Mathematics and Statistics courses. Materials include in-lab lectures, exercises (a different project of equal difficulty for each lab class), lab manuals and documentation, and online assessment exercises (specifically, programming in WeBWorK); s/he routinely reviews and updates these materials.
Maintains web pages and online resources using the University LMS (MyLearningSpace/Brightspace); prepares additional web-based materials for student and Department use.
Trains, supervises, and counsels graduate Teaching Assistants and undergraduate Instructional Assistants to support students in assigned Mathematics Laboratories.
Consults with the Manager, Teaching Laboratories (Mathematics) in evaluating applications for Teaching Assistant and Instructional Assistant positions; provides recommendations and assists in scheduling assistants.
Conducts training sessions with graduate Teaching Assistants and undergraduate Instructional Assistants as required, in preparation for each week’s labs.
Holds regular meetings and office hours to assist and tutor undergraduate students, IAs and TAs individually or in groups as needed and as time permits.
Supports students in the development of good work habits and the efficient allocation of time and resources; pedagogical objectives include improving student skills in tackling problems, relating to and working with peers, managing time, choosing appropriate learning techniques and structuring approaches to problems.
Establishes marking criteria/rubrics for lab exercises in Gradescope (grading software) and WeBWorK, including model solutions and marking schemes; evaluates methods and results to ensure uniform and fair practices; hears student appeals of lab grades.
Supports TAs and IAs in the development of professional work habits and skills and efficient use of resources.
Prepares brief weekly reports of lab results for course coordinators and instructors, including an assessment of student performance and the effectiveness of particular lab projects.
Maintains student lab attendance and marks records for the labs to which s/he is assigned; calculates and submits a final lab grade for each student to course coordinators and instructors.
On request, provides instructors with advice and comments to assist in the preparation of tests and exams; may be asked to participate in marks meetings.
Assists the Manager, Teaching Laboratories (Mathematics) in training, supervising, and mentoring new teaching lab staff.
Provides advice and assistance to instructors who wish to make use of the Mathematics Laboratory facilities in courses.
In consultation with the Manager of Teaching Labs, prepares proposals for special programs in the Department, and may be involved in the implementation of such programs, possibility including programming for high-school teachers and support for the Math and Course Support Centre.
Evaluates software for possible use in Mathematics Laboratories; may recommend acquisition of lab software to the Manager of Teaching Labs.
Maintains online assessment material in WeBWorK for courses with labs and may be asked to provide support to instructors who would like to use WeBWorK in courses without labs.
Consults with the Manager of Teaching Labs as required on questions of technical support for the Mathematics Laboratories.
Attends Mathematics Department and Council meetings; provides periodic reports on Mathematics Laboratory activities.
May be required to assist with senior student projects.