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Questions Frequently Asked by GSIs

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Preparing

1. Where do I go to find out about my teaching assignment?

Often, the final academic budget is not allocated to departments until just before the semester begins. As a result, GSIs are sometimes assigned to a course and a professor right before teaching starts. Nevertheless, certain information should be communicated among teaching staff before the semester begins-during the first week of classes at the latest. If a meeting has not already been arranged for the course you will be teaching, contact the course supervisor or instructor to schedule a time to discuss the course. While an instructor's semester plans are often not finalized until the semester begins, it is still important to develop a "working model" for both the philosophical approach and the specifics of the class you will be teaching. Do not hesitate to ask questions or seek clarity and structure if some aspect of your duties remains unclear after you have discussed the general "overview" of the course. Experienced GSIs in your department who have previously taught the course with the current instructor are also excellent resources.

2. What if I have another academic commitment that conflicts with the section that I am scheduled to teach?

This may happen from time to time, since the times, days, and buildings for classes and sections are established several weeks before the semester begins. If such a conflict arises, consult the course supervisor or instructor.

Once the Semester Begins[top]

3. What should I do if my first few classes/sections flop?

All teachers, new and experienced, face challenges in the classroom. If your first few class meetings are not going as well as you'd like, contact the course instructor or supervisor as your first resource. S/he and other graduate students staffing the course will almost certainly have had the experience of "flopped" sections and will have some practical advice. Your department may also have a Head GSI or Professional Developer whom you can consult for ideas. Usually, these "in-house" resources, together with advanced GSIs, can answer most of your questions and help you identify some possible ways of trying things differently. If your department has limited resources, or if you would like additional assistance, expert help is available from the GSI Teaching and Resource Center (642-4456 or gsi@uclink4.berkeley.edu). It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these resources early in your teaching career here at Berkeley.

4. What can I do to get a sense of how my sections are going?

Many new GSIs are unsure about their teaching performance. In fact, all new teachers inevitably hit some rough spots early in their development. Despite the urge to keep one's questions private for fear of being judged, it is usually extremely helpful to discuss problem areas with other GSIs. Once you view teaching as an ongoing learning process, you realize that any problems you are encountering have been experienced by nearly everyone in your department at one time or another.

Developing an open attitude toward your teaching and toward feedback about your teaching makes it easier to identify and develop your strengths and work on your limitations. Two ways to gather feedback are (1) through the use of mid-semester (or earlier) assessment techniques (Consult the GSI Teaching and Resource Center for easy and effective ways of getting feedback from your students); and (2) by scheduling a videotaped recording of one of your sections and a follow-up consultation, a service offered free of charge by the GSI Teaching and Resource Center (642-4456 or gsi@berkeley.edu).

5. Suppose I want to make overheads or slides to complement my teaching, or want to show a film or videotape in class?

Many departments have their own Audio-Visual Service and provide equipment for their own GSIs. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself early in the semester with these services. If the class you are teaching is on the opposite side of campus from your building, contact Educational Technology Services (formerly Office of Media Services) (643-8637 or avrequests@berkeley.edu). It is possible, with advance notice, to have audio-visual equipment delivered to your classroom. See the handout on Educational Technology Services in the resource section of this reader.

6. Is it possible to enlist the library's help in assisting my students with papers, assignments, or literature reviews?

Absolutely. The library offers a wide range of services, from mini-courses about how to use the library to other forms of support for entire classes or specific assignments. As you sit down next week to plan the activities for your students, consider consulting the Teaching Library (643-9959) or Moffitt Library (642-5070) to learn about classroom support. Refer to the "Guide to Library Services for Classroom Instructors."

7. Is there money available for me to finance any ideas I may have for improving my class?

It might be a little early to talk about innovations for teaching your class before you have started teaching, but after a semester or two you will have discovered some creative techniques that are particularly useful in enhancing student learning in your classes. The GSI Teaching and Resource Center (642-4456 or gsi@berkeley.edu) encourages and supports such innovations through Course Improvement Grants. Refer to the "Guidelines for GSI Course Improvement Grants" and the application for Course Improvement Grants in the orientation conference information packet. With faculty sponsorship, grants are also available through the Office of Educational Development (642-6392 or avcsled@berkeley.edu).