Exploring the Experiences of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants in Physics Laboratories

We have been employing undergraduate students as graders and teaching assistants (TAs) in introductory physics labs for many years. This tradition has proven to be a valuable practice, benefiting both TAs and instructors. While TAs provide crucial academic support, we have faced recruitment challenges, often due to their scheduling conflicts. Despite these obstacles, many students have shown consistent interest in these roles. In this talk, I will explore the undergraduate teaching assistants' experience from their own perspective. Based on a survey of current TAs, former TAs still in college, and graduates working in industry or pursuing higher education, I will discuss how they perceive their roles and responsibilities, what motivates their participation, and how the experience influences their future careers. These insights highlight the value of the undergraduate TA role, both in its immediate academic benefits and in its long-term impact.