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 Spring 2024, 2 sections will be offered:
- 10:00-11:50 AM on Wednesdays (CRN 44960)
- 1:00-2:50 PM on Wednesdays (CRN 44959)
**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 ITAP’s classroom space in SSB (Student Services Building) 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.
GC 510 Student Testimonials Heading link
So much confidence gain from this course.
GC 510 Student Testimonials Heading link
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.
GC 510 Student Testimonials Heading link
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.