Mentored Teaching Experience
You also will have to take part in a mentored teaching experience. This two credit-hour experience pairs you with a university faculty member where you will work as a graduate teaching assistant aiding your mentor in his or her classes.
On average, you will work nine hours per week as an assistant. This may not be a volunteer teaching assistantship. Although, volunteering is allowed in conjunction with the graduate teaching assistant appointment.
If no mentored teaching experiences are available, you and your faculty mentor may develop one in collaboration with the steering committee. It is recommended that a mentoring plan or contract be developed in advance to spell out the expectations of both parties, the minimum number and frequency of meetings and a plan to document the work done during the mentoring experience.
Some possible elements of a mentored teaching experience include:
- Observe and discuss the graduate student’s teaching, either by visiting one or more class meetings or watching a videotape of the student’s teaching.
- Discuss teaching styles and techniques.
- Discuss student assessment options and issues.
- Help the graduate student develop or revise a syllabus.
- Help the graduate student develop course materials and/or discuss enhancements to these based on teaching and learning theory.
- Review and discuss the graduate student’s teaching evaluations.
- Read, discuss, and offer feedback on the graduate student’s teaching statement or portfolio (and help add new items).
- Help the graduate student resolve problems encountered in the classroom.
See sample syllabi for guidance on how to create this type of course.
To get an established course or an independent study approved for this certificate, submit a syllabus and Course Approval Form to certificate coordinator Shirley Yu.