Student Blog

8min read

Hello everyone, I'm Manari Shimamura from SPA!

While APU students are engaged in academic pursuits, many also participate in student organizations, circles, and part-time jobs. APU offers a unique opportunity for students to work as Teaching Assistants (TAs), supporting various classes. Currently, I am working as an LTA (Leader-TA) for MCW (Multicultural Collaborative Workshop). The role of a TA can be challenging, but with each task, there's a sense of growth, and I find myself wanting to convey this joy to others every day! Therefore, this time, I interviewed Mr. Kota Watanabe, an experienced TA like me, who is also an LTA for MCW, to unravel the charm, excitement, and challenges of being a TA, especially in the context of first-year education.

What is a “TA”?

-Shimamura
Before delving into the charm of TAs, let me briefly explain the types and responsibilities of TAs. There are mainly four types of TAs: Lecture TA, Language TA, First-Year Education TA, and TAs for various programs. Lecture TAs assist professors in smooth lecture delivery and class preparation. Language TAs similarly support language learning in various classes. First-Year Education TAs manage classes for freshmen, such as SSW (Student Success Workshop), MCW, FGL (Foundation for Global Leadership), and the FIRST program. Unlike the previous TAs mentioned, First-Year Education TAs have more discretion and interact frequently with students. Their main responsibilities include supporting students, and skills like facilitation and leadership become important.

＜See below for an overview of first-year education＞

• FIRST for domestic students
• 1st Year Seminars
• Foundations for Global Leadership

Interviewee

Kota Watanabe
College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) 4th year student
Studied abroad in Costa Rica for one year as a high school student, and then participated in a domestic exchange program at Ritsumeikan University after entering APU.
He started working as a TA in the spring semester of his second year, and in addition to working as a Lecture TA, he is a TA Master who has experience in all First-Year Education TA opportunities, including SSW, MCW, FGL, and FIRST.
His hobbies include traveling (this summer he went to India for a month!) and photography.

Interview

-Shimamura
Now, let's get into the interview with Mr. Watanabe. First of all, why did you decide to become a TA?

-Watanabe
Well, my first experience as a First-Year Education TA was with SSW (back when it was SSAW). I've always enjoyed interacting with people and teaching, and seeing seniors I admired working as TAs inspired me to give it a try. Although I felt nervous initially managing students on my own, it turned out to be just as I had imagined.

-Shimamura
Certainly! I'm one of those who admired my seniors, too, haha. You have experience as a TA in various First-Year Education classes. Could you tell us about the unique features and charms of each role?

-Watanabe
Each TA role has its own charm, providing opportunities for personal growth. SSW is a class which focuses on improving skills such as writing, so you can enhance your own writing skills. MCW, where I served as a Leader TA, involves interacting with international students frequently, and managing small classrooms challenges your TA skills, requiring creativity and energy to enliven the class. FGL provides many opportunities for close engagement with students and teaches leadership skills. The appeal lies in applying the skills learned as a TA to your own growth while helping students acquire their own skills.

-Shimamura
You've been juggling various TA roles since your sophomore year. Why do you continue to take on TA responsibilities even in your senior year?

-Watanabe
It's because of the sense of accomplishment. The experiences gained as a TA are unique and cannot be obtained through regular part-time jobs. While supporting students is a significant part of the job, I also feel my own communication skills and management abilities improving, which are skills applicable in other classes and society.

TA training / Halloween costumes

-Shimamura
Yes, I can relate, I enjoyed being a TA for MCW so much that I found myself becoming an LTA this year, haha. With three First-Year Education TA roles, a Lecture TA role, and more, is it not challenging to handle all of them?

-Watanabe
Well, it might not be as challenging as it sounds. I make sure to manage my time properly! To balance TA responsibilities and classes, I set deadlines for tasks and work on assignments while planning backward. I aim to finish tasks as early as possible to avoid exceeding my capacity. Additionally, interacting with many students naturally raises my own awareness and consciousness about classes, as I need to set an example for other students.
Additionally, the convenience of everything being contained on campus means there's no need to worry about commuting time for shifts or part-time jobs.

-Shimamura
I totally get it! Could you share your thoughts on why you're handling multiple TA roles?

-Watanabe
First and foremost, I enjoy the work itself. Also, since I don't have other part-time jobs, I can take on multiple TA roles. TAs generally work only during the periods when university classes are held, allowing for extended breaks during summer and spring vacations. This flexibility is a significant advantage. While conventional part-time jobs make it difficult to take long breaks, working as a TA during semesters and enjoying extended vacations aligns well with my interests. For example, this summer, I spent a month in India! It was so much fun. Working hard during the semester and enjoying free time during breaks, experiencing various things worldwide, makes this job appealing for APU students who love diverse experiences.

At the Taj Mahal in India / At Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

-Shimamura
Certainly! APU students seem to travel around both domestically and internationally during summer breaks, haha. I often see students struggling with part-time job shifts, so being a TA might be a good option. My home is far away, so I don't have much time for part-time jobs, but the TA role allows you to work between classes, making it attractive for people like me!

-Shimamura
Could you share your schedule for a typical week?
Watanabe's Weekly Schedule

-Watanabe
As I mentioned earlier, I balance my weekdays with classes and TA duties, enjoying free time on weekends. Lately, I've been going on drives to places like Kunisaki and Aso to take photos. Striking a balance between academics and personal life allows me to focus on both aspects.

-Shimamura
As you've had extensive TA experience, have there been any challenging moments where you felt stuck?

-Watanabe
Certainly, haha. I constantly feel I have areas to improve. Comparing myself to senior TAs I admired, I sometimes think I have a long way to go. During such times, I seek advice from various people, contemplating how senior TAs would handle the situation. Specifically, regarding my current role as LTA for MCW, I didn't have prior TA experience in this class, so I stumbled in unfamiliar areas. However, by reevaluating traditional approaches and experimenting, I strive to create a good learning environment for both students and TAs.

TA training / FIRST program

-Shimamura
Given the frequent interactions with various people, what precautions do you take?

-Watanabe
To prevent TA fatigue from affecting students, I maintain a positive demeanor. I actively communicate with students outside of class, greeting them and engaging in conversations. Additionally, I make an effort to respond promptly to work-related emails, messages, and consultations.

-Shimamura
Certainly, your quick responses are much appreciated! You are always a life-saver, haha. Finally, any advice for those interested in or considering becoming a TA?

-Watanabe
Being a student TA responsible for managing your assigned students and operating small classes, as in APU's First-Year Education TA role, is a unique and invaluable experience. Indeed, there are challenging aspects to the job, but the experiences gained from overcoming those challenges are plentiful. Even when things get tough, senior TAs and teachers are there to support you! If you have even a slight interest in TA roles, take that first step! Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

Post-interview thoughts:

This interview featured Kota Watanabe, APU's TA Master, providing insights into the TA experience. He is currently in his seventh semester and is preparing to enter graduate school. Working with him, I've found him to be a reliable and wonderful TA. It was surprising to learn that even someone like Watanabe had moments of uncertainty and faced challenges at the beginning. While TA roles might seem daunting and discourage many from trying, there are numerous experienced senior TAs like Watanabe, and building friendships among TAs is also possible.

Above all, I believe the experiences gained through TA work are invaluable and last a lifetime. For those interested in TA roles, I highly encourage you to give it a try!

Manari Shimamura

Hello, I am Manari Shimamura (Graduated in March 2024). I love to travel and last year I visited 15 countries in Europe. This year, I will be traveling around Asia and Japan. APU and Beppu are full of interesting things to do! I will share with you the charms of APU and Beppu through articles!