Tian Tian, a teaching assistant in the department of Computer Science at NJIT, has received the award of Excellence in Instruction by a Teaching Assistant at NJIT's University Convocation. Convocation at NJIT traditionally honors select faculty and staff members who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence over a sustained period.
Tian has developed into an effective, caring teacher since coming to NJIT as a doctoral candidate in computer science four years ago. Faculty in the department identify her as one of the best TA's they have ever had. They note that she is one of few PhD students who has been asked to teach a lecture course in addition to her tutoring work in the lab. Her teaching in CIS101, the introductory course in computer programming, helps students make the transition from high school to college. This builds on her role as organizer of the department's annual High School Programming Contest (HSPC).
Both students and colleagues note her passion for teaching and the enthusiasm that she brings to the classroom. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in a commitment to openness and to offering individual attention to her students. One student expresses her qualities as a teacher in terms of "knowledge, caring, detail, diligence and patience."
The daughter of two academics, Tian was raised to value teaching as "the most respectable and honorable profession." Her performance as a teaching assistant at NJIT exemplifies why that is so.
NJIT, New Jersey's science and technology university, enrolls more than 8,900 students pursuing bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in 120 programs. The university consists of six colleges: Newark College of Engineering, College of Architecture and Design, College of Science and Liberal Arts, School of Management, College of Computing Sciences and Albert Dorman Honors College. U.S. News & World Report's 2010 Annual Guide to America's Best Colleges ranked NJIT in the top tier of national research universities. NJIT is internationally recognized for being at the edge in knowledge in architecture, applied mathematics, wireless communications and networking, solar physics, advanced engineered particulate materials, nanotechnology, neural engineering and e-learning. Many courses and certificate programs, as well as graduate degrees, are available online through the Office of Continuing Professional Education.