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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. Human Development and Family Studies

Research and Teaching Experiences

Research

HDFS students have many ways to become involved in research being conducted in the Department. Many undergraduates use research experience to explore interests and possible career paths. Research experience can also be invaluable when applying to graduate school.

Life Span Developmental Science (LSDS) Option
All HDFS students gain exposure to research through our required research methods course, HD FS 312W: Empirical Inquiry in Human Development, and discussions in advanced level courses. However, some students may want to develop more advanced research skills, especially if they are interested in graduate studies or seek evaluation positions in human services. If engaging in research is your career interest, you will want to pursue the Life Span Developmental Science option. Please see the Degrees and Options page for additional information regarding option requirements.

Identifying Research Opportunities
You will most likely hear about current HDFS research projects in your classes. You may also find information about faculty research projects on faculty websites. If you are interested in becoming involved in faculty research, you should contact the individual faculty member to discuss opportunities.

Teaching

Teaching Assistant Credits (HD FS 497C)
Students who excel in HDFS classes may be invited to become an undergraduate Teaching Assistant (TA). This is another opportunity to broaden your educational experience and get to know a faculty member better. Most Teaching Assistant positions are for 1-3 credits a semester and can be counted toward your OPTION requirement in the 400-Level Other Selections of your degree audit (Where it says "SEE ADVISER".) HD FS 497C is not meant to replace HD FS 400 level courses.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Guidelines

Review these guidelines if you are considering becoming a TA for an HDFS course.

1. Recommended minimum qualifications: You should have taken the course and received at least a B+. Faculty may recruit successful students in their current classes for future TA positions.

2. Course credit: If offered a TA position, register for credit under HD FS 497C. As part of registering for HD FS 497C, you will be required to file an agreement. This agreement must specify, among other things, how your grade will be determined. It is important that both the instructor and you understand what is expected in this course. It is suggested that students should not serve as TAs for the same course more than once or function as a TA for more than a total of nine credit hours.

3. Professional training: The emphasis of your work as a TA will be on developing professional competencies, not just providing a needed service for the professor or the department. You will:

a. Receive training from the instructor on how to fulfill the role as a TA in his/her class. You, as the student TA, may be asked to attend classes, be knowledgeable about the material to be covered, and keep office hours. You should expect to meet regularly with the professor throughout the semester.

b. Receive from the professor specific instructions on the professional behavior expected of you as a TA. You should:

  • Keep the professor informed, in advance, of any deviations from the expectations made of you for class attendance, office hours, etc.
  • Keep student records, grades, and other information confidential.
  • Understand the professor's mechanisms for dealing with student complaints, so that you, as the TA, are confident you know what you can decide and what needs to be referred to the professor.
  • Know what you should do when students become angry or abusive.

4. A word of caution: Recognize that there can be an inherent role-tension between you and students with whom you are friends outside of class or classmates in other courses. As a TA, you are in an instructor's role and must work with the professor to minimize conflicts of interest. At a minimum, this means you should NOT grade assignments, quizzes, or tests of an acquaintance or friend in the class and you should NOT be solely responsible for proctoring tests or exams. Do not assume that you know how to manage these roles professionally; you will need to work with the professor on these issues throughout the course of the semester.

Human Development and Family Studies

  • Curriculum Overview
  • Requirements
  • Minors and Certificates
  • HDFS Internship Program
  • Research and Teaching Experiences
  • HDFS Faculty

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See Also

  • University Bulletin
  • Suggested Academic Plans - Life Span Human Services and Life Span Developmental…
  • Youth Development and Social Justice Certificate
Penn State Brandywine highlighted on a map of campuses across the state of Pennsylvania

Penn State Brandywine

Penn State Brandywine is Philadelphia's "next-door" neighbor. The 112-acre campus lies just 20 miles west of Center City and offers four-year baccalaureate degree programs, associate degree programs and workplace professional education programs.
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