For those balancing master\u2019s and doctoral-level studies with teaching assistant duties, finding time to reflect on their teaching experience can be a challenge.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, Brock\u2019s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and the Faculty of Graduate Studies are offering the graduate level credit course GRST 5P01: The Theory and Practice of University Teaching. Held every other week from September to April, the GRST 5P01 classes bring together grad students to discuss their teaching experiences at Brock and to sharpen skills in the areas of planning, instruction, evaluation and assessment.<\/p>\n
The course was created five years ago as a natural extension of CPI\u2019s training and development opportunities in teaching and learning, and new directions by the Faculty to support grad student professional development initiatives.<\/p>\n
CPI Director Jill Grose says the course complements the TA experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents can discuss theory in post secondary teaching and apply it directly to their classes through the year,\u201d she says. \u201cEqually important is that the course provides students with dedicated time to reflect and deeply synthesize their teaching experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grose says the course workload reflects the demands on graduate students in their specific program disciplines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make it informal and comfortable, supportive and engaging,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
In addition to earning an academic credit, students come away from the course with a professional teaching dossier to assist in their future career pursuits.<\/p>\n
\u201cGraduate student TAs are contributing tremendously to the quality of learning at Brock,\u201d says Jens Coorssen, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies. \u201cThis course combines academic programming relevant to the experience of being a TA and it operates within an engaging and collegial structure.\u201d<\/p>\n