GC 510: Oral Communication for ITAs

Course Information Heading link

What is GC 510?

GC 510 is a 3-credit course designed for current or prospective non-native English-speaking Teaching Assistants who want to communicate more clearly as instructors in the American college classroom.  This course provides students with oral communication and presentation strategies for classroom and laboratory contexts.  Students will practice teaching basic topics in their academic fields during video-recorded Microteaching Workshops, develop strategies for interacting successfully with their undergraduate students, and practice basic American English pronunciation features.

When does GC 510 meet?

This semester-long, in-person course meets twice a week:  1 weekly class session (1 hour 50 minutes, schedule below) and 1 weekly in-person Microteaching Workshop (50 minutes, schedule TBD**).  The course is offered during both Fall and Spring semesters.

In Fall 2024, 5 sections will be offered:

  • 10:00-11:50 AM on Wednesdays (CRN 38513)
  • 2:00-3:50 PM on Wednesdays (CRN 38514)
  • 11:00 AM – 12:50 PM on Thursdays (CRN 38518)
  • 2:00-3:50 PM on Thursdays (CRN 38517)
  • 1:00-2:50 PM on Fridays (CRN 38512)

**The Microteaching Workshop meeting times will be decided based on instructor and student availability after the Add/Drop Deadline has passed.

GC 510 will meet in one of ITAP’s classroom spaces in SSB (Student Services Building): Room 1180 or  Room 2790.

 

Course Objectives

This course is designed to help students to:

  • Improve their overall ability to communicate in English in an academic setting
  • Develop presentation skills for the classroom or lab
  • Improve their pronunciation in classroom settings and student interactions
  • Better understand the cultural aspects of American universities
  • Complete the oral English certification process (if needed)

Course Topics (subject to change)

  • pronunciation basics
  • asking effective questions
  • answering student questions
  • office hours
  • American university culture
  • using visual aids
  • non-verbal communication
  • classroom management
  • dealing with difficult students

GC 510 Student Testimonials Heading link

This course impact positively on my teaching abilities.  I have now much better idea how to come up with the expectation of American students.

So much confidence gain from this course.

The impact was tremendous because I have no idea about American classroom before and this class give me lots of useful hints to be a successful TA.

Now, I prepare not only for the course content, but also to maintain a better teacher-student relationship within the class, so that they pay more and more attention to class.  My teacher was a great role model for me.