Each semester the University Teaching Center and the Graduate College sponsor classes designed specifically for International Teaching Assistants. These classes are highly interactive and discipline specific with microteaching and playback sessions. Some of the topics covered in these classes include syllabus design, academic discourse, and cultural issues.

The classes run for 16 weeks. These classes also prepare ITAs for the Teaching Audition option (in lieu of the TSE/SPEAK test).

Sample Topics

• organizing a course
• writing lesson plans
• building a learner-centered curriculum
• developing teaching strategies
• leading discussions
• running a lab
• using cooperative learning strategies
• using technology in the class
• building student-teacher rapport
• impriving verbal/non-verbal communication with students
• teaching interactively
• fielding students' questions
• handling diversity and learning styles in the class
• dealing constructively with problem situations in students
• designing and evaluating tasks
• conducting office hours
• understanding cross-cultural issues
• juggling your multiple roles as an ITA

View the course syllabus/contract for GRAD 697d to see the instructional objectives, grading requirements, policies, topics and more.

To register for the Teaching class, please check the schedule of classes.

UA Schedule of Classes for GRAD 697d

"Handbook for International TAs" - A new resource from the University of Califronia, Santa Barbara

"Common Questions for ITAs" - A University of Minnesota web-based activity which gives ITAs an opportunity to hear and practice answering typical student questions.

"Scenes from a Classroom: Managing Conflict" - Another online workshop from the University of Minnesota which teaches multiple ways to handle challengin situations in the classroom.

On Plagarism

"Turnitin Research Resources" - Resources to learn more about plagarism and prevention of it.

"Cheating 101: Internet Paper Mills" - This is a list of active Internet term paper and essay sites.