University of Minnesota
Office of Human Resources
http://www.umn.edu/ohr
612-625-2016

International TA Program Courses

Foundations for Language and Culture of Teaching in the United States

“Thank you for your devotion to students. This course is very practical and helpful to non-native English speakers.” – Foundations student, Fall 2009

Prospective teaching assistants who have an English Language Proficiency Rating of 5 should enroll in this free course in their first semester at the University. The goal of the course is to increase speaking, listening and cross-cultural communication skills in the context of tutoring undergraduate students. Upon passing the course, students are eligible to take GRAD 5102 and hold a TA position as a tutor or grader. The class meets 3 hours weekly.

Register for Foundations

GRAD 5102: Preparation for University Teaching for Nonnative English Speakers

“This course is very useful for students to improve the teaching skills to better do their job. Also, helps students in their other classes.” – GRAD 5102 student, Fall 2010

This two-credit course is designed for graduate students who wish to increase their understanding of the theory and practice of teaching in higher education in the United States. It is the first in a two-course sequence fulfilling the mandate of the Minnesota State Second Special Legislative Session of 1985 and University of Minnesota policy, English Proficiency for Nonnative English Speaking Teaching Assistants. The course emphasizes awareness of cross-cultural communication issues in the context of the instructional setting. Its goal is to provide students with a foundation in interactive teaching practice, familiarity with the diverse characteristics of undergraduate students, and strategies for effective classroom communication. In the simulated setting of the lab experience, students will also have the opportunity to put into practice the theories they are learning. (Prerequisite: English Language Proficiency Rating of 4 or successful completion of Foundations course.)

Register for GRAD 5102 in OneStop

GRAD 5105: Practicum in University Teaching For Nonnative English Speakers

"Really good course! I would recommend this to my friends [and] take it again if possible." - GRAD 5105 student, Fall 2010

This 2 credit course is the second in a two-course sequence designed to fulfill the mandate of the Minnesota State Second Special Legislative Session of 1985 and University of Minnesota policy, English Proficiency for Nonnative English Speaking Teaching Assistants. As such, it addresses the pedagogical, practical, and language skills necessary for nonnative English speaking TAs to instruct students at the University of Minnesota. The focus of GRAD 5105 is the application of teaching and learning theories in an authentic classroom situation, and an examination of cross-cultural issues in higher education. It builds on the knowledge of teaching theory and language skill development which made up Preparation for University Teaching for Nonnative English Speaker. In GRAD 5105 students will discuss advanced issues in instruction, teach in a real university setting, reflect on their performance, and identify areas for further study and professional development. (Prerequisite: English Language Proficiency rating of 1, 2, or 3.)

Register for Grad 5105 in OneStop

CSE: Teaching and Language Kick-off (TALK) Orientation

"The instructor helped me a lot in one-to-one way in the language lab. She listened to my pronunciation and reading the transcripts and even microteaching, and gave helpful feedback. Her nice attitude encouraged me." - CSE: TALK student, August 2010

The College of Science and Engineering Teaching and Language Kick-off (CSE: TALK, formerly IT: TALK) is a non-credit, intensive orientation designed for international graduate students who are new to the University of Minnesota. The purpose of CSE: TALK is to prepare participants to be teaching assistants (TAs) in their department. An English test administered at the end of the orientation will determine eligibility for a TA position at the University of Minnesota.

CSE: TALK is funded by the College of Science and Engineering for its new international graduate students. However, students from other colleges may participate for a fee. For more information, contact Caroline Rosen at mrozl001@umn.edu or 612-625-3017.

The 2012 orientation will run from August 2 - August 17.

Learn more about CSE: TALK