Encourage your GSIs to Read Pedagogical Literature

Encourage your GSIs to read pedagogical literature and be familiar with pedagogical journals in their field. The GSI Teaching and Resource Center has a library of books and journals, and can make recommendations on specific topics. Each year, the GSI Teaching and Resource Center produces a reader containing articles and campuswide resources, which is of great use to GSIs. GSIs do not need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to ideas for teaching. They can also read up on and utilize ideas designed by GSIs who have won the Teaching Effectiveness Award. These one-page essays (since 1992, over 100) are published by the GSI Teaching and Resource Center and distributed to departments.

• Plan a pre-semester course orientation.
• Know your GSIs.
• Meet weekly with GSIs to talk about teaching.
• Build into the weekly meetings specific pedagogical goals.
• Encourage your students to keep a teaching journal.
• Observe your GSIs in the classroom.
• Encourage GSIs to be videotaped in the classroom.
• Set up a peer observation program.
• Encourage your GSIs to get ongoing feedback on teaching and learning from their students.
• Recommend participation in teaching-related events.
• Help GSIs construct a teaching portfolio.
• Encourage your GSIs to read pedagogical literature.
• View your course as one step in helping GSIs to prepare for their own future roles as professors.
• Take part in the programs for faculty of the GSI Teaching and Resource Center.