Foundations for Language and Culture of Teaching in the United States
Prospective teaching assistants who have scored 20 to 40 on the SPEAK test 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.
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for Foundations
GRAD 5102: Preparation for University Teaching for Nonnative English Speakers
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: SPEAK score of 45 or successful completion of Foundations course.)
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for GRAD 5102
GRAD 5105: Practicum in University Teaching For Nonnative English Speakers
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: SPEAK score of 50 or English Language Proficiency rating of 2)
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for Grad 5105
IT: TALK
The Institute of Technology: Teaching and Language Kick-off (IT: TALK) is a non-credit, three-week intensive course designed for international graduate students who are new to the University of Minnesota. The purpose of IT: TALK is to prepare participants to be teaching assistants (TAs) in their Institute of Technology department and determine eligibility for a TA position at the University of Minnesota. The program runs from July 24 - August 15, 2008.
Learn More About IT TALK
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