TA Hours Guide

--- tags: Documents --- # TA Hours Guide We expect that you have read this guide before attending TA hours. ## Code Hours 1. We expect that you have read the assignment handout before signing up for code hours. 2. You must come to code hours with a question. You will be put back in the queue if you are claimed and do not have a specific question that you want help on. The more specific you are, the easier it is for TAs to guide you or help you locate your bug faster! 3. Reread the assignment. Sometimes one overlooked detail can make the difference between a complete solution and a broken one! Remember to keep the end goal in mind as you write up your answer. 4. If you are coming to hours for debugging help: * We expect that you have read the [debugging guide](https://hackmd.io/@cs18-spring-2021/rkkNS5kkd) and have already attempted to debug the problem on your own! You must be able to show to the TA what you’ve done so far. If you are not able to provide an example of the issue that you’re running into and the steps you have taken to debug on your own, then we will only be able to provide you with conceptual help. * Identify what tests are failing and let your TA know so they know what the issue is. * Comment out the sections of your code that aren’t relevant to your issue! * Properly name your variables! This reduces the effort needed to understand your code. 5. Once you are claimed and the TA has let you into their zoom call, the TA will be able to help you for a strict maximum of 15 minutes. 6. Look at FAQ on Piazza before coming to hours make sure to maintain this for each assignment! ## Conceptual Hours 1. Conceptual hours are only for conceptual help. We will not help you with your code at these hours. 2. Because we don’t look at individual student’s code during conceptual hours, we are able to help multiple students at a time during conceptual hours. This means that there will often not be a line for conceptual hours (and so the wait will be shorter!) ## SignMeUp Logistics 1. Edit your name field with your specific question after signing up. If you don't have your question written in your sign-up so that the TAs can see it, you will not be claimed. 2. When you are claimed, you should join the Zoom call of the TA that claimed you. While in the waiting room, use this time to [get ready](#Code-Hours) to meet your TA!  --- *Please let us know if you find any mistakes, inconsistencies, or confusing language in this or any other CS18 document by filling out the (mostly) [anonymous feedback form](https://cs.brown.edu/courses/cs018/feedback)!*