 |
GETTING STARTED
|
Think about how you want to portray yourself before stepping into the class, for undergraduates often get a sense of the GSI's style and expectations from the first day of section. Some things you may wish to consider include:
- Appearance: Students get first impressions of a GSI's teaching style and general disposition through attire (casual, professional, stuffy) and general physical appearance (scruffy, preppie, professional, careless). It is important to consider how you want to be seen by student and to dress appropriately to fit that image.
- Language: The language you use in class also communicates to students the type of relationship you want to establish with them. Do you talk authoritatively, casually (with lots of colloquialisms), or hyper-academically (throw around jargon and neologisms)?
- Attitude and Physical Bearing: Body language is important,
for it signifies a GSI's excitement (or lack thereof) for teaching,
attentiveness to student responses, and authority. GSIs who lounge around
the class, slump down in their chairs, and show little enthusiasm risk
losing students' respect and commitment to the class. GSIs who exhibit
interest and dedication have a greater chance of getting students to
participate actively in section and feel excited about course content.
- Policies: GSIs can help set the tone for the class and establish authority with students by setting clear, firm, and reasonable course policies. GSIs can communicate a desire to work with students by having students participate in creating discussion guidelines
- Ethics: Keep in mind the ethical principles that should
guide your work with students. These principles are discussed in the
online course on professional ethics and standards for first-time GSIs
[available after 8/12/08].
